EUROSCIENCE 31 newsEUROSCIENCE: THE VOICE OF IN

In this issue:

News and Views: page 2 A tribute to John Ziman page 3 FP7 Revealed page 4 AlphaGalileo; The future of European Research page 5 New Institute in Croatia; Messages… page 6-7 ESOF 2006 page 8 EuroScience Work Groups

Features: page 10 The future of the research information chain page 12 Sorry, Albert Einstein…

researchers has been an significant page in European The European charter excellent example of positive history by coming out with the and enlightened thinking in first international Charter of its Brussels: we should salute it as kind. Other countries may well for researchers a real effort the Commission has look at this and wonder whether made to help young scientists, to they will need to do the same enhance their status and if they want to hold on to their visibility, and to give them a best researchers. Now, we need proper career, so often denied to to bring the Charter to attention For some months now, the Commission has contacted them at national level. They are of our colleagues and friends, Marie Curie External Advisory many stakeholders while we setting an example here, and it is to consult with each other and Group of the European drafted the Charter, and the clear that the Commission will be to gather responses. The Commission has been preparing document reflects, we hope, applying the principles of the implementation of the Charter an important Recommendation a broad consensus among the Charter themselves to scientists is a process. It will not happen entitled ‘The European Charter organisations consulted. This for Researchers’1. This document document, I think, demonstrates has now been signed by the in a tangible way that the incoming Commissioner Mr Janez Commission is truly concerned “First international charter Potocnik, and will be presented about the future of researchers, to the Council of Ministers of the and is taking positive steps to Member States for approval. improve it. In fact, the of its kind incorporates It is a Recommendation, not a atmosphere in the small group Directive, and formal approval which did the drafting was an ideas and principles of by the Governments should excellent one, and there were hopefully not take too long to no doubts in our minds about EuroScience” negotiate. It is hoped that this the importance of this task. It will occur during the British should, we believe, bring about a Presidency, and the Charter will revolution in the way researchers on European contracts and overnight: the documents need be the theme of the UK consider their own prospects Fellowships. That is surely to be discussed, to gain Presidency Conference on the and their position within European wonderful news for all of us. acceptance from the community 8th and 9th of September 2005. Society. Hopefully, it will do much So, next time somebody of researchers, and also to be to bring about a real change of complains to you about ‘Brussels criticised. Nothing is cast in It is clear that the Charter perception. It is accompanied bureaucracy’ remember the stone, and we can expect to incorporates a range of ideas and by a Code of Conduct, which Charter, and try to figure out see some changes, especially principles that EUROSCIENCE contains more detail on how the whether the bureaucracy is really in the sections that deal with has been advocating for a long fundamental principles of the coming from Brussels, or whether implementation, as a result of time. Indeed, those of you who Charter can be implemented. it was imposed by the ‘no the expected feedback. participated in the groundbreaking duplication’ rules which national Bischenberg Conference If I may add a more personal governments use to stop the So, please study what is written organised by EUROSCIENCE note here, I have found that Commission from doing things and give us your views. We will in 2002, and other conferences scientists have many friends at which they are claiming to do make sure that they are all taken such as the one in Lisbon in the level I am working in within already. into account, so that the final 20042, will recognise these the Commission. In fact, I believe outcome really fits what our aspects. Of course, the that the Commission is often I hope you will all agree with me community needs. blamed for problems which really that this document is a big step 1 see http://europa.eu.int/eracareers/ come from the protectionist forward, and that the Marie Curie Jean-Patrick Connerade europeancharter attitudes of national agencies. Committee, in partnership with President of 2 see Workgroup Report (Career Development), EUROSCIENCE at www.euroscience.org The European Charter for the Commission, has written a

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scientist with strong views on Our personal paths crossed John M. Ziman, social responsibility, J. D. Bernal, several times. Although I never argued that it was the political had lectures from him as an work a scientist could do that undergraduate, his presence was FRS was the most important: if a felt by ‘rebel’ undergraduates. particular scientist didn’t do a Starting my research on liquids, particular bit of science, then his intellectual influence on my Most of us manage only one – He moved to the Chair in others would. But that was not own science was significant. But or perhaps one and a half – Theoretical Physics in Bristol in the case for the scientist’s social his main influence on me was professional lives. John Ziman, 1964. There he continued not and political actions – those much later when we interacted who died on January 2nd 2005, only his physics interests, but could not be left to others. Ziman through our common concerns successfully lived at least three. began to develop more his would presumably have agreed for things outside science. And the world is a better place second professional life with the spirit of Bernal’s for his having done so. concerned with social aspects of analysis, for he retired early from John put not only intellectual science. This second life had Bristol in 1982 and devoted the resources behind his convictions. Brought up in a farming family begun in Cambridge, where he rest of his life to his second and Through organisations such as near Cambridge in the North had edited the Cambridge Review third professional lives. But not Network for Social Change he Island of New Zealand, he took and written on social aspects of until he had produced what in was concerned to help – including his doctorate in Oxford, science and of being a scientist. my view is his greatest scientific financially – other organisations subsequently spending two years 1968 saw the publication of book. ‘Models of Disorder’ with their own social there as a junior lecturer in ‘Public Knowledge’, his first major (1979) is a masterly survey of transformation tasks. It was with mathematics. His professional life work on the social and the problem of disorder in all this hat on that we had our last as a theoretical physicist really philosophical issues surrounding kinds of condensed matter, from meeting on a warm summer’s day disordered solids to the much in 2004, discussing on his more difficult liquids. The field Buckinghamshire lawn how best was undergoing a renaissance to raise public awareness of at that time and it took someone nuclear weapons issues. We with Ziman’s broad scientific adjourned for lunch to a pub on insight to pull off such an the top of a hill in Brill, analysis. overlooking the vale towards Oxford. As relaxation from the His last two decades produced weightier issues that I had come many more influential works on to talk with him about, we the nature of scientific research, discussed my latest research its funding drivers and its ethical results on aqueous solution aspects, making us aware of the structures in which he retained a brutal realities of science in its strong interest. During the social context. But again he didn’t discussion, we noted the passing stay in the study – he was out on of a colleague who had worked the stomp, actively working on tirelessly to influence events as a ‘causes’ that he felt strongly concerned scientist, and John about. He worked courageously noted with some sadness that on behalf of Soviet refusniks. He ‘our’ ranks were decreasing: John Ziman at the EuroScience Biennial science. This side of his work was concerned about global ‘one more lost to the cause’. Meeting in Freiburg 2000: “EUROSCIENCE should speak for the grass developed further through not problems, and the scientist’s Little did I expect then that he roots scientists – those at the sharp end only his writing but his actions. responsibility to use his or her would be joining the ranks of who know what it’s like to have to produce a thesis in time”. He was one of the founders of expertise and knowledge to solve the sorely missed so soon. the Council for Science and these. He was involved with the took off when he moved to Society in 1973, a body he Pugwash movement, not only with We have lost one of the major Cambridge, England, as a lecturer chaired from 1976 to 1990. respect to the nuclear issue: the movers of the last 60 years. Not in Physics. It was in ten years last Pugwash Workshop he only one who moved theoretical there that he did much of his This was the third professional participated in was on Ethics and physics forward very significantly, groundbreaking research in life. He did not just think and Science in 2004. He joined but one who raised our condensed matter physics. This write about social aspects of EUROSCIENCE early on, consciousness of science in its encompassed not only aspects science. To John, being a believing in its potential as an social and political context, and of crystalline solids that led to scientist was not something that organisation of grass roots who acted tirelessly to spread classic works such as ‘Electrons could be done in a social and scientists, and he was a member sanity. With his passing we have and Phonons’ (1960) and political vacuum: the scientist has of the first Rammal Award panel lost a major force for good. ‘Principles of the Theory of a responsibility to both science set up by EUROSCIENCE. Many Solids’ (1965), but he made itself and the society in which we will have read his statement on John Finney major contributions to the theory all live. So in his third life, he the connection between science [email protected] of liquid metals, where the acted accordingly. and war that was presented at ‘crutch’ of the crystalline lattice These last two lives took over the 2004 St Petersburg workshop has to be thrown away for real from the first ‘straight physics’ and published in EuroScience progress to be made. life in the 1980s. Another News 27.

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studies in order to better THE 7TH FRAMEWORK understand what the driving forces behind terrorism are, and how to solve the problems PROGRAMME REVEALED they engender. But when reading the FP7 proposal, one comes away with an idea of some technical solutions à la Orwell The European Commission not! Taking into consideration little lower level. The Commission 1984 to resolving problems revealed the budget and the new EU Member States, aims to support basic research to of security, rather than any proposals for its 7th Framework inflation, and the extension of a much greater extent than ever real desire to understand and Programme (FP7) in April. On the FP budget period from before. The Science in Society solve the fundamental problems the surface the suggested budget 4 to 7 years, it represents in Programme is planned to have a involved. looked impressive: an increase reality a doubling of the annual substantial boost in its budget – from the 17 billion euros in budget. Furthermore, the from its current 80 million euros The Commission’s proposal for FP6 to 72 billion in FP7. This proposed budget still needs to to 554 million – and socio- the 7th Framework Programme was expected, but it was also be approved by the national economic and the is accompanied by an 18-page a big disappointment. governments, and it is by no humanities will have 792 million ‘lyric’ entitled “Building the ERA means certain that the Council if this budget is approved. of knowledge for growth”. This Some may remember the group will approve it. European paper gives all the good reasons of economists – the Sapir group – politicians are still living in a Then there are some odd things. why investment in research at which was asked by the former reality far from the Lisbon vision, Security and space are supposed the European level matters President of the Commission, and continue to allocate the major to get away with a (joint) budget and how the next Framework Romano Prodi, to analyse the part of the European budget to of nearly 4 billion. First of all, one Programme will boost the need for investments and give a the subvention of agriculture, may ask what in heaven’s name prospects for a dynamic, vision for the European Economy instead of giving priority to the have these got to do with each knowledge-based society and beyond 2007. In their report creation of knowledge, innovation other? Is this the start of a major reinvigorate the Lisbon vision. “An Agenda for a Growing Europe: and growth. initiative to protect us against But honestly, if the knowledge the Sapir Report” (André Sapir falling objects from outer space society is so important, why just et al., Oxford University Press), But apart from the low budget, or unknown aliens? Unfortunately, give it a half-hearted, crippling they underlined that at least a there are a number of positive that does not seem to be the budget over the next seven six-fold increase of the annual FP things to say about the case. Au contraire – this is years? Why not listen to the budget was needed just to be in Commission’s proposed actually an initiative to help us economists and give the Lisbon line with the the previously agreed Framework Programme. First protect ourselves against our vision a chance with an FP budget goals of the Lisbon declaration. of all, there seems to be room fellow human beings. This is a lot of 200 billion rather than the for an operational European of money to spend on fear, and 72 billion suggested? But does the proposed increase Research Council with an annual someone may think that it could from 17 to 72 billion euros still turnover of about 2 billion euros, have been better spent on Jens Degett look very ambitious? No, it does following a start-up phase at a research in cultural and religious [email protected]

As a result of amnesties, The international community BELARUSIAN SCIENTIST Professor Bandazhevsky's eight- which continues to actively year prison sentence was appeal for Professor YURI BANDAZHEVSKY reduced from eight to seven Bandazhevsky's release includes years in July 2002 and, in early a number of human rights DENIED PAROLE 2004, by an additional year to groups, scientific organizations, six years. According to the the European Union, and the Belarusian government, Articles British, French, German, Greek, 90 and 91 of the Criminal Code and Italian governments, among of the Republic of Belarus others. In May 2004 following permitted visits from his family stipulate that Professor widespread appeals from the and from foreign visitors. It is our Bandazhevsky's sentence can be We urge EUROSCIENCE international community, the understanding that Professor reduced when he has served half members to write to the Belarusian courts ruled to Bandazhevsky’s mental state has of his prison sentence, and Belarusian authorities to request “alleviate” Professor improved as a result of these conditional early release that he be released on parole, in Bandazhevsky’s sentence. As a changes to the conditions of his (“parole”) can reportedly take accordance with Belarusian legal result of the court’s decision, he confinement. However, he place when two-thirds of the provisions for prisoners who have was transferred in mid-2004 to a reportedly suffers from several sentence has been served, i.e. served more than two-thirds of corrective labour settlement, ailments, including a after January 6, 2005. However, their sentence. where he is working as a precancerous stomach condition although he has clearly met caretaker in a private agricultural that could become serious if he these criteria, he has not yet Lydie Koch-Miramond cooperative. He is reportedly does not receive the necessary been freed (as of May 16 2005). Convenor, ES Workgroup allowed to move freely within the specialist care. Ethics in Science confines of the settlement and is [email protected]

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At the AlphaGalileo Supervisory Council meeting which took place in London on April 25 2005 (which I attended on behalf of ACT NOW TO INFLUENCE EUROSCIENCE), it was agreed to set up a new Council structure with enhanced membership so as to reflect the governmental THE FUTURE OF EUROPEAN and research needs of all European states. The newly renamed ‘Advisory Council’ would include a representative from the RESEARCH! government and senior research body of all current European Union member states, together with Norway and Switzerland, the remaining candidate countries, and the Russian Federation. I came away from the meeting most impressed by the lively, constructive and open discussions concerning the future strategy of AlphaGalileo, The future of European research that face our part of the world. I including its campaign for the establishment of a European Research funding is strongly related to the argued that Europe desperately Media service(see below). Ed. size and make-up of the new needs the political will, and Framework Programme. Over individual leadership in politics, the next year or so, the proposed academia and industry, to enable EUROPEAN RESEARCH size and make-up of FP7 (See it to function as an engine for this issue page 3), including the knowledge-creation and growth. GETS A NEW MEDIA European Research Council For this, it is essential that the (ERC), will be considered and conditions for scientists are BOOST decided upon by the European markedly improved, both Parliament and the Council of regarding research resources Ministers. This process urgently and salaries. needs your input! You are strongly AlphaGalileo Foundation is of good practice, training and encouraged to contact those In April I moderated a session pleased to announce that technical infrastructure. Political MEPs that you believe are on FP7 and SMEs at the Biovision Italy has agreed to join its support will be followed by a interested to let them know your conference in Lyon. As was collaboration to promote feasibility study to define the views on what is needed to clearly stated by Dr Christian European research excellence. details of the role, structure and establish a thriving research Pattermann and Dr. Philippe de The Italian partner will be location of the service. base in Europe. Taxis du Poët, both representing Ministero dell’Istruzione, the European Commission, your dell’Università e della Ricerca. The need for a more proactive Not least, it is particularly input is wanted and will play a The collaboration now has the approach to research media work important to strongly defend significant role. support of Finland, Germany, has been highlighted by the and even expand the scope of Greece, Italy, Norway, Portugal, effectiveness of AlphaGalileo for the proposed ERC. The It is your task to be active now for Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and organisations that recognise the governance of the ERC is a the future of European research! the UK, whilst taking advice from importance of more and better critical issue. The ERC needs the European Union of Science media coverage of European to have a respectable budget Carl Johan Sundberg Journalists’ Associations (EUSJA), research if the Lisbon objective to make it truly independent, former Vice-President of EUROSCIENCE, ESF, EIROForum of a knowledge-based society is and to be driven by one criterion EUROSCIENCE (European Intergovernmental to be achieved. Everyone involved – scientific excellence. Also, [email protected] Scientific Research in the collaboration remains it should be entirely focused Organizations), the European concerned that many research on curiosity-driven fundamental Science Communication and bodies do not understand the research. Information Network (ESCIN) importance of good media work and European Universities Public and as a result much significant In 2005, I have had the Relations and Information European research remains opportunity of taking part in Officers Association (EUPRIO). hidden from the general public debates on FP7 and the ERC The Foundation welcomes the and industry. AlphaGalileo on two occasions. In late January involvement of other countries Foundation welcomes comments I was one of seven people, or specialist groups. on any aspect of the creation of amongst them Federico Mayor a media service, together with (the former Minister of Research Italian support coincides with the opportunities to explain its policy and Education in Spain), invited start of the second stage of the on these issues at seminars or to address the European Foundation’s campaign for the conferences. Please contact Parliament Committee on creation of a European Research Peter Green. Industry, Research and Energy Media Service. Following a on the ERC. The opening session, meeting of experts organised by Peter Green entitled Science and Technology, the Research Directorate General Director, Policy and Development the key to Europe's future – in conjunction with AlphaGalileo, [email protected] Future EU Policy to support the Foundation is creating an Research was extremely well action plan to secure political attended by much of the support for a geographically Committee and over 200 others. dispersed media service that will In my presentation I focused on encourage better media liaison the enormous potential of Europe work by supporting the exchange and the threats of fragmentation

SPRING 2005 ES NEWS . PAGE 4 EUROSCIENCE news31 CREATION OF A A message from… MEDITERRANEAN the Treasurer INSTITUTE FOR THE The accounts for 2004 are now resources. Therefore, it is LIFE SCIENCES being finalised and audited and important that we expand our will be available for the next issue membership to provide a steady of EuroScience News. However, income from this source and to I want to take this opportunity to create the mass movement of share some thoughts with you European researchers for which regarding the future finances of we have always aimed. We are EUROSCIENCE. probably around the limit for the level of the membership fee. We have come a long way Hopefully, ESOF 2006 will aid our from the establishment of membership drive. However, we EUROSCIENCE in 1997 and we need additional stable sources of are seen as an increasingly funding, plus external support for influential player within European the special initiatives that we science and the ERA, consistently undertake. To do this, we need “punching above our weight”. The to expand our corporate A new Mediterranean Institute The main sources of support for success of ESOF has been a membership base and also for the Life Sciences (MILS) MILS come from the Croatian terrific achievement but we are obtain philanthropic donations. will open in Split, Croatia, in government and the EU. The new still operating from a low This is what the Corporate the summer of 2005. Microsoft European foundation membership and consequently Membership Working Group Designed to promote stronger will provide salaries for several with a rather weak financial base. organised by Benedikt Hoffmann interactions between Eastern scientists, and resident trainees Yet at the same time, we are is trying to do. European scientists and the selected on a stringent basis will faced with increasing demands West, it is based on the be awarded an appropriate salary. for member services and for This is a critical time as we try to concept of associating cutting The originator of the MILS support from the Office for all move from the “vicious cycle” of edge research training courses concept is Miroslav Radman 1, our plans. hand to mouth existence to the with opportunities for a Croatian-born biologist who has “virtuous circle”. This requires us brainstorming sessions. worked at Harvard and currently How are we to complete this all to do our best to recruit new heads a research unit of the financial circle? We need to members and spot opportunities MILS takes some of its French National Institute for rapidly “professionalise” the for corporate membership and inspiration from previous Health and Medical Research Office, by which I mean we need corporate sponsorship. If we can organizations, such as the (INSERM). Dr Radman has made to employ full-time staff under the achieve this in the next couple School of Physics, pioneering contributions to our direction of Raymond Seltz, our of years, we will have put the former Roche Institute of understanding of the mechanisms extremely hard-working Secretary EUROSCIENCE on a strong Immunology in Basle, or the Cold of bacterial adaptation to extreme General, to carry out all the tasks foundation for future success. Spring Harbour Laboratory in conditions, discovering in which need to be done to Massachusetts, with which it will particular a new family of genes promote and support Tony Mayer develop a collaborative venture. (SOS) which modulate DNA EUROSCIENCE’S membership [email protected] It will be housed in the renovated replication in response to lethal and activities. Currently, we do Villa Dalatia, a former residence challenges; subpopulations of not have the necessary of the late Yugoslav Chief of bacteria overexpress genes of State, located on the seaside in this family to enforce the an exceptional climatic and stringency of replication cultural environment, 30 minutes (‘conservative’ strategy) while And another one from away from Split airport. MILS others, on the contrary, favour has a completely independent, an increased mutation rate the Editor of ES News… extraterritorial status. It will (‘revolutionary’ strategy). On provide accommodation for both average, stringent replication experienced scientists (some of control proves more successful Apologies for the late contributors to the Summer issue them permanent members of the than high mutation rates, but appearance, due to various (No.32) to take heed of the Institute) and for promising young every once in a while higher rates unexpected problems, of this deadline for copy announced on talents from all parts of Europe, of mutation favour survival. Spring issue of EUROSCIENCE page 12! We would particularly to whom it promises to provide News. We are however assured welcome news from the Local an inspiring experience. Claude Kordon that Summer is about to come, Sections of EUROSCIENCE. [email protected] despite the lateness of Spring, so 1 See Profile, in Science (2004), vol 304, p 1103. I many I encourage potential JRL

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The programme committee, Interested session organisers can EUROSCIENCE chaired by EUROSCIENCE choose between submitting a president Jean-Patrick Connerade, proposal for either a scientific welcomes contributions that session or an outreach activity. OPEN FORUM 2006 highlight the interdisciplinary Selected scientific sessions strengths of the meeting, or will be part of the conference which address one of the range programme whereas the Highlighting new research, of broad themes (see boxed list outreach activities will be below) that it selected in order to incorporated as international new technology, new thinking! stimulate inspiring submissions. best-practice examples in the You are invited to submit a Wissenschaftssommer 2006 session proposal preferably (German National Science Week), within one of these themes. which will be jointly held with To attract large participation ESOF2006 in . You can sessions should feature cutting- choose between submitting a edge science presented in a proposal for either a scientific ESOF seeks to showcase EUROSCIENCE initiated the thought-provoking format. The session or an outreach activity. European achievements right first ever pan-European science Programme Committee also across the scientific spectrum festival, EuroScience Open welcomes sessions highlighting All submitted proposals for and serves as an open forum Forum 2004, which was held in the interdisciplinary mission of scientific sessions will be for debates on science-related . ESOF2006, the ESOF2006. Thus, ethical, social peer-reviewed, in a process issues. Through ESOF, second such event, will be held and legal aspects as well as conducted by EUROSCIENCE researchers and scientists, as in Munich from July 15th-19th, science communication and using the expertise of the well as the general public, are 2006 (see www.esof2006.org), education viewpoints can be European Science Foundation, provided with an adequate hosted by Wissenschaft im included in session proposals and decisions about selected platform for exchanging views Dialog (WiD), to coincide with the under any theme. proposals will be announced in and discussing the challenges annual German National Science January 2006. and consequences of scientific week (Wissenschaftssommer). ESOF2006 strongly encourages developments around the world. you to submit a proposal or to If you have any questions The EuroScience Open Forum Call for inspiring proposals! forward this call to other potential regarding the application and thus promotes, fosters and The call for proposals was contributors. peer-review procedure for maintains contacts between launched on March 15th 2005 scientific sessions, please associations, professional (see call for proposals and //////////////////////////// contact: proposalsESOF2006@ societies and industry, both www.euroscience.org). euroscience.org within Europe and worldwide. JUNE 15th Finally, in the political field, it ESOF2006 aims to attract a If you have any questions assists policy makers in diverse audience from all 2005 regarding the application consulting relevant scientists on scientific disciplines, as well as Deadline for submission procedure for outreach issues affecting society, including journalists, policy-makers and of proposals activities, please contact: the governance of science. science communicators. //////////////////////////// [email protected] JRL

Themes for 2 more prevalent? Why are approaches lead to scientific Social Integration forgotten diseases able to innovation? Does Open Access ESOF2006 Are social sciences and return? Could a sudden open minds? //////////////////////////// humanities the invisible pandemic catch us unprepared? architects of society? Is What can we learn from paleo- secular humanism the answer pathology? Should your lifestyle 5 1 to religious fundamentalism? match your genes? Nanosciences and Beyond Quantum Mechanics What should be the pillars of Nanotechnology and Relativity a European identity? Does Building up vs. scaling down – Can quantum mechanics and mobility favour integration? 4 Where does quantum mechanics theories of gravity be unified? Are we heading towards a Science Policy in Europe intrude? Nanotubes and pea Is space-time smooth or is it Europe of regions? How can and Beyond pots – Are they just pretty? granular? Does chaos occur in society be engaged in scientific Would Einstein get funded New devices and new materials quantum mechanics? How much development? today? How do we recognize – What are the promises of of physics is fractal? Is there scientific quality beyond the nanoscience? Metallofullerenes, a Schrödinger equation of the impact factor? What is the confined atoms, DNA chips – whole universe? 3 payback from science? Does Are they the future of Evolving Patterns of Disease scientific mobility enhance computing? Does self-assembly Changing life style: does it output? Where do we find the explain the origin of life? create new vulnerabilities? scientific excellence for a Which diseases have become competitive Europe? Do strategic

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6 11 15 A continuing The Nature of Time Evidence and Belief New Planets – New Worlds? How much do we know about What is the impact of scientific What do we learn by exploring story… the origin of time? Can time be evidence on our lives? Our other planets? What is known discrete? What is the shortest knowledge of the world – a about their atmospheres? How possible time? How should time social construct? Placebo – how many more planets will be be measured? Is time unique? does it work? Which policies found? Can we do better than Are there other universes? How should science underpin? Whose stellar shifts? Why listen for life? At the beginning of February does nature measure time? Why science do we trust? Is it wise Should people be in space? EUROSCIENCE issued a press is time perceived differently in to follow the precautionary release entitled different cultures? principle? What is the outcome when culture and scientific 16 “PRESIDENT OF EUROSCIENCE evidence clash? How do beliefs Epigenetics – From Genes SURPRISED BY BILL GATES' 7 and social conventions influence to the Individual SPEECH ON EUROSCIENCE”, Dealing with Disasters research? What shapes the individual? Why following several attempts to Which disasters are intrinsically are identical twins not identical? contact Microsoft on the hijacking predictable? What do we learn Can the reading of genes in of our Association’s name (for from cultural heritage? How early 12 previous generations be more, see EuroScience News should the warning “come”? Environment, Energy and remembered? Are mothers more No.30, p12 and How does one calculate the Resources important than fathers? Can a www.euroscience.org ). impact? Which forms of relief Is human development "good" gene be bad news? must be delivered? compatible with sustainability? Microsoft reacted promptly – first How accurate are the models? of all from the MS headquarters Can technology and/or policy 17 in Seattle and then, on the same 8 repair the damage? How What’s new in green or soft day, EUROSCIENCE was in Ageing – Is it all bad news? complete is our understanding chemistry? contact with Microsoft’s leading Why do societies age? about the web of life? What is How much of chemistry can be lawyer in Paris, who excused What are the challenges and the value of biodiversity? Is green? Is green chemistry a real himself many times on behalf of opportunities? Does ageing there green energy for option? Can green biotechnology MS and promised to change the create new markets? How do transportation? help develop sustainable name of their new programme, individuals age? How much of agriculture? Can we find safer ‘Microsoft EUROSCIENCE this is determined socially, and solvents and better feedstocks? Initiative’. Microsoft did in fact how much biologically? Can we 13 Should reversible processes be change the name to ‘Microsoft learn from other cultures? The Fabric of Science used for energy storage? Can Science Initiative in Europe’ a What propels science: Genius, efficient rocking chair batteries week later, and some people may hard work or paradigm shifts? solve our transport problems? Is have thought this was the end of 9 How do scientific breakthroughs lithium iron implantation the the story… But there still appear Science – Security and Safety occur? How are trends in future? a number of references to the Civilian and military research: A science born? Interdisciplinarity: “Microsoft EUROSCIENCE” love-hate relationship? Just a buzz word? Mad initiative. So the Board of Biometrics and DNA scientists: Where do popular 18 EUROSCIENCE has decided to fingerprinting – Safe new world? myths of science come from? The pervasive Nature of follow this up with a letter to Bill Is the war on terror helping or Should there be a “Hippocratic Mathematics Gates himself. This time we really hindering science? Can the Oath” for scientists? Are there Why does intuition sometimes mean business – not that we Sakharov dilemma be resolved? different scientific cultures? fail? How is this visible in want anything from Microsoft – What is the media’s role in the Stochastics? Do percolation and and we have invited Bill Gates to dissemination of science? Brownian motion illustrate this? give a presentation at ESOF2006 10 What are the properties of large in Munich. That will surely settle The Workings of the Brain cardinal numbers? How can one this issue… Do humans have free will or is 14 build and use unusual our brain a deterministic Digital Worlds mathematical models? Which Jens Degett machine? Can we manipulate Are all the digital media conceptual tools can help [email protected] our consciousness? Can converging? Will grid computing understand higher dimensional biochips enhance our thinking become the norm? Can artificial structures? and judgement? Why is intelligence improve our neuroethics needed? How can potential? How far can the brain adapt so well? computers extend biology? Is bionics the future? How should data mining be organised? Can we really cope with all the information? How big is the digital divide?

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participate in the advancement Everything you’ve and promotion of science and technology in Europe, but you ESOF 2008 will also be integrated within a \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ always wanted wonderful network of dedicated NOW OPEN FOR BIDS individuals. And this is probably the most attractive feature of The biennial EUROSCIENCE to know about these Workgroups… Open Forum meetings aim at being the European meeting Frédéric Sgard place where scientists, Workgroups… Vice-President of EUROSCIENCE science teachers, media, [email protected] politicians, industry and the public at large can debate, EUROSCIENCE WORKGROUPS influence and be informed ////////////////////// about recent developments and longer-term trends in Workgroups are one of the key The guidelines that have been Career Development public and private science and structures of EUROSCIENCE. set up try to respond to these (Christine Heller del Riego, technology, their interaction They bring interested members of main issues, with advice on [email protected]) with society, as well as policy EUROSCIENCE together around starting up a new Workgroup to Ethics in Science issues. Several strong particular themes related to the managing its activities, getting (Lydie Koch Miramond, candidate cities have already general aims of the Association. internal and external support, [email protected]) expressed their interest in By contributing through their work communicating its activities, Industrial Science and hosting the EUROSCIENCE and shared experience to editing reports and studies, and Technology Open Forum after Munich projects on issues of interest, even terminating a Workgroup if (Frédéric Sgard, 2006. they help the Association to necessary. This kind of [email protected]) achieve its objectives. information is primarily aimed at Integration and The procedure will be as those who wish to start a new Collaboration in follows: A set of guidelines for the Workgroup or are currently European Science creation and running of running one, but it also provides (Simeon Anguelov, • 15th September 2005: EUROSCIENCE Workgroups background information for those [email protected]) submission of bids. has now been set up, to help wishing to join one of the existing Public Awareness in • 1st October 2005: all those who wish to be Workgroups. Science presentation of bids to the involved in their activities (see (Raymond Seltz, Governance Committee http://www.euroscience.org/ Currently, ten Workgroups are up [email protected]) (plus any additional experts) WGROUPS/index.htm). and running; these include the Science Policy • 1st November 2005: Workgroups’ activities can be recently launched groups on (Peter Tindemans, presentation of the very diverse, from discussions Science Publishing and on [email protected]) conclusions of the and debates between members Education. EUROSCIENCE Science Publishing* Governance Committee to on particular topics to the members are always welcome, (Hélène Bosc, the EUROSCIENCE production of reports, the and should never hesitate to [email protected]) Governing Board. organization of conferences contact the Workgroup Science and Urgent • 1st December 2005: and meetings, etc… convenors, or the Secretariat, to Problems of Society publication of the decision. join in their activities (for (Alik Ismail-Zadeh, But creating a Workgroup, contacts, see Table below). The [email protected] More detailed information organizing its activities, track record of these Workgroups karlsruhe.de) can be found on the sustaining its interest and is impressive, from major Technology Transfer EUROSCIENCE website at communicating its activities can conferences and workshops to (Sam Vaseghi, www.euroscience.org be a difficult task when you take reports and publications that [email protected]) into account the fact that form the basis of Education* EUROSCIENCE members are EUROSCIENCE’S reputation. (Vsevolod Borissov, distributed throughout the whole The ‘added value’ comes from [email protected] of Europe and beyond… the diversity of its members, a and Radu Mircea Damian Furthermore, internal unique feature not seen [email protected]) communication must also be in elsewhere in Europe. So by * See this issue, pages 9 and 10 place to avoid duplicating efforts. joining in, not only will you

EuroScience on the Web: www.euroscience.org

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Radu Mircea DAMIAN * The creation of the Work Group New workgroup on [email protected] on Education was approved by Vsevolod BORISSOV the EUROSCIENCE Board at its [email protected] meeting in Geneva on 30th of education Convenors, EUROSCIENCE January, 2005. Work Group on Education

Scientific education and research to help students understand the The Bologna Process are often perceived as sequential logic of scientific development. (see www.bologna-bergen2005.no) stages in a scientist’s career, but 6 The problem of balancing both should be considered as standards in science education The Bologna Process is in fact a part of the process of European inseparable. There are many with diversity, a complex issue integration concerned with higher education. The main idea is to examples of brillant ideas that that is particularly stressed in the create a European Higher Education Area based on a series of were first born in the mind of Bologna recommendations. principles shared by most or all European countries. The problems students: it is important to 7 The support of cooperative addressed, as extracted from the Communiqué of the last recognize and to nurture real interactions amongst European Ministerial Conference in Berlin (September 2003), were as follows: talent at an early stage during the universities. • Quality Assurance of higher education; education process. 8 The economics of higher • Degree structure: Adoption of a system essentially based on two education. The tendency of main cycles; Issues surrounding the education treating universities as • Promotion of mobility of students and academic and of scientists should therefore commercial units for the delivery administrative staff; figure prominently on the agenda of educational services poses • Establishment of a system of credits to facilitate student mobility of every active association of real problems that need to be and international curriculum development; scientists, such as debated. • Recognition of degrees: Adoption of a system of easily readable EUROSCIENCE, and that is why 9 Collaboration with various and comparable degrees; we have decided to create a new European bodies concerned with • Involvement in the process of higher education institutions and Work Group on Education within higher education to discuss students; EUROSCIENCE*, specifically to issues that specifically concern • Promotion of the European dimension in higher education – address the kind of issues science education. For example, development of integrated study programmes and joint degrees; relating to higher education such with the European University • Promoting the attractiveness of the European Higher Education as those being actively discussed Association (EUA); the National Area; within the framework of the so- Unions of Students in Europe, • Lifelong learning. called Bologna process (see Table coordinated by ESIB (European below). But it is also important Student Information Bureau); that we tackle some of the the European Association of problems related to high school Institutions in Higher Education Milestones of Bologna process education. (EURASHE), which comprises National Associations of Colleges May 1998 Joint declaration on harmonization of the architecture of Here are some of the issues we and Polytechnics, and Individual the European higher education system by the four Ministers in propose to address in the WG Institutions. charge for France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom (the Education: 10 Advice to government higher Sorbonne, Paris, France) 1 Participation of students in real education bodies, UNESCO- June 1999 The Bologna Declaration: Joint declaration of the research work at an early stage of related structures, and European European Ministers of Education (signed by Ministers from 29 their studies. This might involve structures such as the CDESR countries, Bologna, Italy) changes in course structure and (Steering Committee for Higher March 2001 Students’ Göteborg Declaration (Göteborg, Sweden) teaching methods. Education and Research, Council March 2001 “Shaping the European Higher Education Area”, 2 Aspects of multidisciplinarity, a of Europe), of which one of us Message from the Convention of European higher education feature of contemporary science (RMD) is a member. institutions (Salamanca, Spain) that should figure within May 2001 “Towards the European Higher Education Area”, educational programmes. The initial task of the Communiqué of the meeting of European Ministers in charge of 3 Strengthening of pan-European EUROSCIENCE WG on Higher Education (Prague, Czech Republic) exchanges of information and Education should be to gather May 2003 “Forward from Berlin: the Role of the Universities”, from experience relating to the and collate relevant information the 2nd Convention of European Higher Education Institutions, introduction of new approaches on such issues and to establish formally adopted by the Council of the European University to scientific education contacts with the most active and Association (Graz, Austria) (e.g., distance learning). effective actors in the field. It is September, 2003 “Realizing the European Higher Education Area”, 4 Spreading examples of good planned to post the activities of Communiqué of the Conference of Ministers responsible for Higher practice in teaching. For example, the Working Group Education (Berlin, Germany) brillant university courses, such EUROSCIENCE website. May 2005 Ministers responsible for higher education in 40 as Richard Feynman’s Lectures We ask all interested colleagues European countries meet to take stock of the progress of the in Physics, need to be identified to join this Working Group, or at Bologna Process since the Berlin meeting in September 2003 and and widely disseminated. least to contact with us their to set directions for the further development towards the European 5 The introduction of good advice and suggestions. Higher Education Area to be realised by 2010 (Bergen, Norway) courses on the history of science

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Commission has contracted The Future of the Université Libre de Bruxelles and Université Toulouse I to evaluate “the economic and technical Research Information Chain evolution of the scientific publication markets” and “to identify measures at European A workshop held in Budapest, 17–18 March 2005 level which could help improve the conditions governing access to and the exchange, dissemination and archiving of scientific publications”. P. Legros presented the work plan for this project, ALLEA1 and STM were the its Committee for Intellectual strong participation of Central which promises to come up with convenors of this two-day meeting, Cooperation, first chaired by and Eastern Europe (18) was a detailed economic analysis, subtitled “The Role of Publishers Henri Bergson, which counted indicative of the needs in these due in the summer, 2005. and Learned Societies”, which was among its members, Albert countries, specially the smaller hosted by the Hungarian Academy Einstein, Marie Curie and Robert ones, for access to the The core of the meeting was a of Science. The meeting was Millikan (see box 1). mainstream of scientific wide-ranging session, organised organised by Professor Sir Roger literature. The leading European by Sally Morris (ALPSP), on Elliott, for ALLEA, and Peter At present, the problems focus scientific publishers, e.g. Elsevier, “Business Models for Journals: Bolman, for STM, with the efficient more specifically on the impact Blackwell, Springer, IOP, together 1 – Traditional Publishers’ help and a congenial welcome of Web publishing and archiving, with various professional Perspectives, 2 – Drivers for from the Hungarian Academy. both on the practices of publishing associations, were (fundamental?) Changes”, scientists, who see large also represented, and to a highlights of which are The subject is currently a very improvements in access to the greater extent than scientific summarised below. ‘hot’ one within scientific and literature, and on the financial societies or academies. publishing circles (for April 2005, situation of academic libraries, • The economics of some a dedicated newsletter counts that is becoming precarious due The first session, chaired by Roger publishing models. While there some thirty conferences, to the increasing costs of Elliott, dealt with “The Needs of was general agreement about seminars, etc on this topic!), but subscription to journals. the Research Community – facilitating access through the the concern is not so new. Journals”, attempts were made to Web, the “author pays” system Already, some 80 years ago, the Some 75 people attended the define priorities. It began with a was implicitly rejected, as League of Nations, forerunner to workshop, including 16 from the report by one of us (P.B.) on the costly both to authors and their the UN, addressed the matter of host country, 18 from the UK and symposium held at ESOF 2004, institutions, and to publishers. knowledge dissemination through 5 from the Netherlands. The entitled “Who profits from For example, it was claimed publications?” (Incidentally, this that a highly productive talk attracted much attention to laboratory would spend more in The League of Nations the activities of EUROSCIENCE). this way than in subscriptions. Contributors, from publishing • Problems with the current Committee for Intellectual houses outlined their current publishing system, the best strategy, while the case for way of dealing with them, and Cooperation developing countries, that are likely consequences for the unable to afford the costs of various stakeholders in the In 1922, H. Bergson, chair of the Committee, proposed to publishing, was presented by scholarly publishing system. “organise libraries in a way which would allow all their resources S. Durrant, who represents an The panellists – Hélène Bosc, to be rigorously coordinated and accessible, with the building up NGO which distributes special Fred Friend, Jean-Claude of a common catalogue …” grants to help meet the needs Guedon and Jan Velterop – of these countries. described the benefits to be “Such an ensemble of documentation services … would realised from an open access constitute … the grand, universal documentation repertory The second session, chaired model for all stakeholders which is dreamed of …”. by G. Cameron (European Bio- willing to embrace change. informatics Centre), focused on • Electronic archives: publishers The impact of technical innovations was already considered: the needs of the community for archives, usually with limited “…the very fast development of reproduction and diffusion data banks. Presentations also access (subscription schemes, techniques is an element which must be taken into account dealt with the way data are access free after some delay, when envisioning future progress of intellectual cooperation.” collected, stored and accessed etc), or self-archiving by the in the life sciences and in authors? In the latter case, Excerpts from H. Galabert’s thesis (Toulouse 1931), quoted crystallography, and U. Schwens should the repositories be by P. Baruch in his presentation. (Deutsche Bibliothek) stressed institutional (department, the key role of libraries in the university, agency ..) or exchange and preservation of thematic? The need for 1 ALLEA: European Federation of National Academies of Science and Humanities documents. interconnection protocols, to STM: International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers ALPSP: Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers allow for efficient search and INASP: International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications. Last spring, the European retrieval.

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effect upon subscriptions of the for ESOF 2006. A Working Group on use of "free" repository copies of journal articles. Regarding the Hélène Bosc Science Publishing question of how countries with a [email protected] weak economy would cope with Pierre Baruch The ES Board meeting, 29–30 January 2005, Geneva, approved the publishing and with accessing [email protected] creation of a new Working Group on Science Publishing, as a follow- information, it was pointed out up to the symposium “Spreading the Word: Who Profits from that even exclusively electronic Science Publishing?” within ESOF 2004 (see EuroScience News, publishing comes at a cost. no.30, p.8 and www.euroscience.org). The rest of the meeting dealt The group, convened by Hélène Bosc (librarian, INRA-Tours, France, with important, albeit technical [email protected]), will have as its first task the preparation of a and legal, issues: ensuring and new symposium for ESOF 2006. Participation is open and you are preserving quality, detecting encouraged to register, and to send suggestions for an agenda and and dealing with misconduct, contributions for this symposium. ownership and copyright with electronic archives, preservation, etc. • Linguistic issues (raised example through multilingual especially by members of abstracts, regardless of the The meeting did not put forward South-East Europe): there was additional cost. As pointed by new concepts or solutions – and general agreement that Hélène Bosc, self-archiving this was not expected – but it although the use of a “lingua could provide the way to deal helped to bring together the views franca”, i.e. English, is a with this issue. of the main stakeholders, necessity for science • A matter of concern for publishers and scientific societies publishing, efforts should be scientific societies: as non- and academies, and to promote made to facilitate profit publishers, their revenues much needed dialogue. dissemination of information to may dwindle, hindering their non-English readers, for capacity for supporting It will be the task of the new scientific activities. EUROSCIENCE working group 2 See the full contents on the web site of ESOF 2004, to be re-posted on the EUROSCIENCE on Science Publishing (see box 2) web pages; some of the contributions have And in response to questions from to explore these issues further, also been published in Learned Publishing (vol. 18, January and April, 2005). See also the audience, the major concern as a follow-up of the ESOF 2004 EuroScience News, no. 30, p. 8 (winter 2005). of publishers centred on the symposium, and in preparing

SYMPOSIUM ON SCIENCE IN abolition of nuclear weapons. in assisting the use of torture. Other issues that will be Pertinent elements of the THE SERVICE OF WAR: THE addressed concern the massive International Humanitarian use of ‘agent orange’ (containing Law and its violations will also RESPONSIBILITY OF SCIENTISTS* dioxin) over several years discussed. during the war in Vietnam, the Paris, September 21, 2005 consequences of which are The meeting will end with a Round still present today both in the Table where representatives from environment and on people various groups of concerned (various illnesses, infant scientists will exchange views on Most scientists want science to Albert Einstein in 1905. It is malformations…). New appeals the present situation and discuss serve as a source of knowledge also the 60th anniversary of the will be made for further scientific future actions. and progress. However, we two atomic bombings of civilian studies on the effects of cannot forget that it has been populations, in Hiroshima and chemical weapons and for better Please contact used, and is still used today, Nagasaki, which Einstein and compensation of the victims of [email protected] in the service of war, thus other scientists protested chemical warfare. for further information. implicating scientists as indirect against, and the 50th anniversary accessories to war crimes, in of the Einstein-Russell Manifesto Other topics on the agenda will Lydie Koch-Miramond violation of the International for disarmament. include recent developments in Convenor, EUROSCIENCE Humanitarian Law, as laid down the use of sophisticated Working Group on Ethics in in the Geneva conventions and Speakers at this Symposium will ‘classical’ weapons (e.g. fighter Science additional treaties. Scientists are recall some of the outstanding planes, missiles, bombs), such not directly responsible for this “feats” of science in the service as those deployed during the * This Symposium is sponsored by: ADIF (the Association for the Defense of the misuse of science, but can they of war in recent times, such as Iraq war, killing more than International Humanitarian Fundamental Laws), avoid feeling implicated? the atom bombs in 1945, and 100,000 civilians (according to EUROSCIENCE, Pugwash-France, Fondations Daniel Iagolnitzer and La Ferthé (under the highlight current projects for the report in The Lancet, October aegis of the Fondation de France) and was The year 2005, the International “new nuclear weapons”. They will 2004), new projects, e.g. the organized by Daniel Iagolnitzer, physicist, president of ADIF and Lydie Koch-Miramond, Year of Physics celebrates the also report renewed calls, led by militarization of space, and the physicist, president of the Commission of fundamental achievements of the Mayor of Hiroshima, for the role of physicians and scientists Human Rights of the French Physical Society

SPRING 2005 ES NEWS . PAGE 11 EUROSCIENCE feature news31 Sorry, Albert…

It may be worth pointing out that support for your own work and the President of EUROSCIENCE, recover from the trauma of Jean-Patrick Connerade, your past experiences. Humour celebrates Einstein year in his remains the best and most own way. Indispensable reading if powerful weapon to fight back you are trying to raise financial against the system…

EUROSCIENCE NEWS IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR. IT IS SENT AT NO COST TO Copy for the next issue EUROSCIENCE MEMBERS. NON-MEMBERS ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: 40EUROS. PUBLISHED BY EUROSCIENCE. DESIGNED BY NVA; EMAIL: [email protected] should reach the editor, PRINTED BY DINEFWR PRESS; EMAIL: [email protected] © EUROSCIENCE. MATERIAL MAY BE CITED PROVIDED FULL REFERENCE IS GIVEN. OPINIONS preferably by email to EXPRESSED ARE THOSE OF THE CONTRIBUTORS, AND ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF EUROSCIENCE OR THE EDITOR. EDITOR – JOHN LAGNADO, SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, ROYAL HOLLOWAY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON, EGHAM TW7 4JN, UK. TEL/FAX: +44 (0)20 8560 7580; [email protected], by EMAIL: [email protected] CONTACTING EUROSCIENCE: RAYMOND SELTZ, 8 RUE DES ECRIVAINS, F-67000 STRASBOURG, Friday July 22nd 2005 FRANCE. TEL: +33 3 88 24 11 50; FAX : +33 3 88 24 75 56; EMAIL: [email protected].

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