Newsletter ALLEA Issue 1 / 2016 ALL E Uropean a Cademies

Newsletter ALLEA Issue 1 / 2016 ALL E uropean A cademies

Building Europe A Duty for Academia in Europe

Content Dear Reader,

It is all too often a dire sight when of thought and discussion during and Board / Presidency we open newspapers across Europe after the day. The first day will then 2 ALLEA Board Meetings in at the moment. Wherever we turn, culminate in the Award Ceremony for Dublin and Bucharest we see disunity and conflict among aforementioned Prof. Rémi Brague. We 3 ALLEA President visits European nations and our common are very proud to have Johannes Hahn, Academy of Sciences of dream of a unified Europe seems European Commissioner for European Moldova more under threat today than ever Neighbourhood Policy & Enlargement since its inception. ALLEA is deeply Negotiations hand over the Prize. To Focus: Building Europe concerned about these developments give you a little preview of what’s to 4 Interview: Remi Brague, and will continue to work towards expect, we have included an academy 2016 ALLEA Prize laureate a Europe united by common values portrait of the Austrian Academy of 6 Second Volume of and traditions. As such, I am most Sciences in this issue. ALLEA Book Series pleased to announce the focus topic of Discourses on Intellectual this edition of the ALLEA Newsletter: Lastly, we want to give you an Europe announced for Building Europe. As such, we recently update on what’s been happening autumn 2016 announced the latest edition of the with the European Commission’s ALLEA book series Discourses on Scientific Advice Mechanism. As I 2016 General Assembly Intellectual Europe, edited by Prof. am sure you are well aware, ALLEA is 7 Announcement General Albrecht Riethmüller. Furthermore, involved, as part of a consortium of Assembly Programme this edition features an interview with European Academy Networks, in the 8 Academy Portrait: Austrian Prof. Rémi Brague, this year’s laureate development of a Horizon 2020 grant Academy of Sciences of the ALLEA Mme de Staël Prize for proposal to provide evidence-based Cultural Values and eminent scholar scientific advice to European policy- Update on SAM on medieval European philospophy. makers. Said High Level Group met for I am sure his insights will provide a the first time in January, where they 10 High Level Group now fully functional fertile ground for discussion on current decided to reach out to the Academy European issues. Network presidents and meet them

in Brussels. You will be able to read ALLEA Working Groups and This leads me to our next topic. It is all about the latest development in Projects now not long until the ALLEA General personnel, proposed research topics 11 Taking Stock: The Assembly 2016, kindly hosted at and the status of the grant in the SAM Integration of Social the Austrian Academy of Sciences section of this edition. Sciences and Humanities in Vienna, will take place on 18 and 12 ALLEA Permanent Working 19 April. The event will kick off with I wish you enjoyable reading Group Science & Ethics a scientific symposium entitled ‘The met in Stockholm Freedom of Scientific Research in Kindly yours, the Face of Political and Societal Miscellaneous Demands’. The symposium will feature 13 Legal Information, a wide variety of scholars from around Europe and will surely encourage a lot Günter Stock Board/Presidency

ALLEA Board Meetings in Dublin and Bucharest

Board met in December and February at the Royal Irish Academy and at the Romanian Academy Following the warm welcome by the The Academy is an all-island Românã – the Romanian Academy. Presidents of the respective host independent forum that brings Form the very beginning the newly academies, the members of the together the worlds of academia, founded institution was a national, Board discussed recent, on-going government and industry, to address encyclopedic and active society. It and future ALLEA activities. During issues of mutual interest through was: both meetings, a particular focus major outreach events and legacy was put on the big topics of the projects. Drawing on the expertise •National, because it was moment: the ongoing development of its Members, the Academy makes representative of the culture of not of ALLEA’s involvement in the a significant contribution to public only the territory of what was then European Commission’s Scientific debate and public policy formation Romania, but also those territories Advice Mechanism (SAM) as well on issues in science, technology under foreign domination by the as the ongoing preparations for the and culture. The Academy leads Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, and 2016 ALLEA General Assembly in the important national research projects, Russian Empires. Hence, the 21 premises of the Austrian Academy of particularly in areas relating to founding members were scholars and Sciences in Vienna on 18/19 April. Ireland and its heritage. In addition, literati, not only from Wallachia and the Academy represents the world Moldavia, but also from Transylvania, During the meeting in Dublin, the of Irish learning internationally, Banat, Bukovine, Bessarabia (today Royal Irish Academy kindly provided maintains and enhances a unique the Republic of Moldova) and the the Board with a guided visit to globally-recognised library and is a Balkan Peninsula. the academy’s library and hosted leading academic publisher. a reception, where the academy’s •Encyclopedic, since its President Mary E Daly introduced her preoccupations embraced all domains academy to the Board. of the arts, letters, and sciences.

In Bucharest, the President of the •An active society, because the Romanian Academy Ionel Valentin Romanian Academy was conceived Vlad, elaborated to the group the by its founders as a forum of national conditions of scientific research recognition, but at the same time as in Romania. Additionally, ALLEA an active centre of scientific research President Günter Stock accepted The Romanian Academy (Academia and literary and artistic creation. an invitation to attend the 150th Românã) was founded in April 1866 anniversary celebrations of the as the Romanian Literary Society. Romanian Academy in April. The The following year it began its meeting was concluded with a tour activities, but was now called the to the Romanian Academy’s library. Romanian Academic Society. In 2016, the Academy will celebrate The Royal Irish Academy champions its 150th anniversary on 4 April. On Irish academic research. One of behalf of ALLEA and its member its principal roles is to identify and academies, ALLEA President Günter recognise Ireland’s world class Stock will address the audience researchers. It supports excellent during the festivities. In 1879, by scholarship and promotes awareness means of special legislation, it was of how science and the humanities promulgated as a national institution enrich our lives. with the current name of Academia

ALLEA Newsletter - Issue 2016-1 2 Board/Presidency

ALLEA President visits Academy of Sciences of Moldova

Professor Guenter Stock receives view towards the European honorary doctorate and delivers Commission’s new Scientific laureate speech on the role of science Advice Mechanism and in shaping our future. the role of the academies therein, the autonomy of the On 19 January 2016, ALLEA President science community is now Guenter Stock visited the Academy more important than ever in of Sciences of Moldova on the kind order to provide meaningful, invitation of academy president unbiased and evidence-based Academician Gheorghe Duca in policy advice. He reiterated the Chisinau. He was awarded an unique ability and responsibility honorary doctorate by the academy of the scientific community “to for his substantial contribution to the spot problems earlier than the © The Academy of Sciences of Moldova promotion of scientific excellence and general public and politicians” and the academy, Professor Stock signed academic cooperation. hence derived the duty to “make our the Book of Honorable Guests at the fellow citizens, our politicians aware Museum of the academy, and inter alia In his laureate speech Guenter Stock of what the future holds and how met with esteemed representatives expressed deep gratitude and pride positive solutions could be found”. of the Moldovan scientific and to receive this prestigious award. He medical community. Professor Stock reaffirmed ALLEA’s inclusive outlook A video recording of the speech highly commended a draft concept on Europe, transcending the political can be found on the website of the published by the academy towards boundaries of the EU and highlighted Academy of Sciences of Moldova here ensuring the proper conditions the importance of scientific and to view the picture gallery please for the improvement of research autonomy and independence from click here. performance and the creation of political, ideological and commercial premises to attract talented youth interference. Especially with a In addition to his laureate speech at in research. In his position as ALLEA President he reaffirmed his offer to support and assist where possible in achieving these laudable goals.

The Academy of Sciences of Moldova (A.S.M.) is the highest scientific forum of the state, and represents the only public institution of national interest in science and innovation sphere, it is a plenipotentiary coordinator of scientific and innovation activity. Also, it is a scientific consultant of the public authorities in the Republic of Moldova and has a Statute of Autonomy and acts on the basis of self-administration principles.

ALLEA Newsletter - Issue 2016-1 3 Focus: Building Europe

Interview: Rémi Brague, Laureate of the 2016 ALLEA Mme de Staël Prize „What academia as such can and should do is to spread a sober view of things“

ALLEA: Mr. Brague, first of all essential for the survival of European Rémi Brague congratulations for receiving the 2016 culture is Christianity, not the alleged ALL European Academies Mme de Staël “Christian values”. All the less that, Rémi Brague, born in Paris in 1947, Prize, making you the latest in a line of first, “value” is quite a dubious is professor emeritus of Arabic great thinkers on European identity philosophical notion. Second, a and medieval philosophy at the and cultural values. Mr. Brague, please “value” qualified by any adjective as Sorbonne in Paris and holds the share with us, what does European being the value of a definite group Romano Guardini chair of philo- cultural identity mean to you? Who are of people (“my” values vs. “your” sophy (emeritus) at the Ludwig we and what unites us? values) becomes suspicious. Third, Maximilian University in Munich. Christianity is about a person, not Professor Brague’s work provides Mr. Brague: First of all, I am the one about a “message”. an invaluable wealth of analysis who has to thank you. I am immensely This distinction between religion and on the interplay between Judaism, flattered to be put on the same culture didn’t make sense for the Christianity and Islam as they pro- footing as the two ladies before me, Ancient World. It was brought about gressed through history. not to mention the one after whom by Christianity. It is the result of the Prize is named. You know that I Paul’s rejection of the literal meaning saddled university chairs in Paris and of the bulk of the commands of the in Munich, so I have a sweet spot for Torah in favor of a merely allegorical or as the later Islamic shariah. Rules the French-speaking author of On interpretation. The Decalogue could of the right and the wrong, criteria Germany (1810). not provide a complete code of of the beautiful and the ugly, and Well, all is said in the very phrase others had to be borrowed from the “cultural identity”. European identity is “Pagan” world: law from the Romans, neither grounded in geography, since philosophy and art from the Greeks. Europe has no physical boundaries, To some extent, the idea of a culture nor in racial features, or political rule that could be judged in its own right, (empire), but on culture alone. And without religious underpinnings, is a in Europe even the basic element Christian invention. of common culture, i.e. language, is European elites were Christian, diverse. Yet, we have some sort of but they were taught the classical focal unity: the Europeans look back writers of Pagan Greece and Rome for towards the same sources, the Bible, centuries. Greece, and Rome. Wherever Judaism and Christianity, Greek philosophy, ALLEA: You are an eminent scholar Roman law are relevant and active at on medieval Jewish, Christian and the same time and place European Islamic philosophy. Why is it necessary features are present. to return to the Middle Ages to understand the cultural problems of ALLEA: Following on from this, from today? your perspective as a philosopher, do you consider Christian values an Cover of Rémi Brague‘s 2009 book Ec- Mr. Brague: Eminent or not, I keep essential part of European culture centric Culture: A Theory of Western thinking that a better assessment of today? Is it even possible to make Civilization the Middle Ages could help us, not a distinction between religion and only towards a better understanding culture? of our present day predicament, but conduct such as the Jewish halakhah towards some answers. As for the Mr. Brague: What I do consider that was to evolve from the Torah former, the swerve that had Europe

ALLEA Newsletter - Issue 2016-1 4 Focus: Building Europe

drift away from other cultures took place around the 11th century. As for the latter, let me give you only one example: I think that the medieval view of Nature is right to take a middle course between the technological outlook (nature as a lifeless quarry to be exploited) and the divinisation advocated by some deep ecologists (Gaia as a goddess to which mankind might have to be sacrificed). People like Alain de Lille around 1160, and later on Jean de Meung and Geoffrey Chaucer saw in Nature God’s lieutenant, Brague in Barcelona in 2009 in charge of producing the spectrum Mr. Brague: I insist that a dialogue of beings and of ruling them according can’t take place between abstract Muslims who are simply interested in to her own laws, but under the sway entities like “religions”, but only Christianity, let alone knowledgeable of the Creator who wants things to be between people of flesh and blood. about it. Just compare books on Islam and stands for the legitimacy of their This doesn’t just require the moral in Christian bookstores and books on existence. qualities that are so harped upon Christianity in Islamic bookstores… As a matter of fact, a return to the by our present day preachers, such Christians know that they don’t know Middle Ages, which I have the nerve as “tolerance” and “openness”. Islam; many Muslims imagine that to hope for, wouldn’t mean jettisoning What we badly need are first and they know Christianity, since the the achievements of modern times, foremost intellectual virtues: seeing Quran tells them they do. for they are emphatically positive. things as they are, calling a spade a I simply wish that we should get a spade, getting rid of one’s schemes ALLEA: In your view, what role could clearer consciousness of what made of thought in order to learn what the or should academia play in light of those very achievements possible, other really thinks. the challenges and changes that mass i.e. a world-view whose roots are I am not sure that both sides are migration to Europe is likely to entail? medieval and in line with what the polarised in the same way. The Middle Ages kept and bequeathed to phenomenon happens, regrettably, Mr. Brague: Academia’s proper task, us from the ancient legacy. among poorly educated people educating people, can only take place on both sides. But what about the with already pre-educated young ALLEA: In the past you mentioned that intellectuals? European Christians boys and girls. The ground work of in order to achieve a common positive have been curious of and interested the matter is done in elementary future for Christians and Muslims, in Islam since at least Robert the school: teaching the language; then dialogue between the people is Venerable, who had the Quran high school can teach real history, real needed. How could we facilitate such translated in the 12th Century. A biology. At an even more basic level, a dialogue if, as we are witnessing at bevy of the so-called “Orientalists” it is necessary to teach European the moment, both sides are becoming devoted their lives to the study of morals, teaching elementary things more polarised and thus refuse to Islamic religion and history. I am sorry like: a woman bare-headed and engage with the other? to have to say that I very seldom meet wearing a skirt is not necessarily

ALLEA Newsletter - Issue 2016-1 5 Focus: Building Europe

morally reprehensible. This should Roman elite began to acknowledge ALLEA: Mr Brague, thank you very already happen at the level of the the cultural superiority of the Greeks much for your time and answering our family. What academia as such can and set to learn the language and questions. We are very much looking and should do is to spread a sober imitate the achievements of the forward to seeing you in Vienna. view of things, and teach teachers. people they had vanquished on the battle-field. What is important is not The written responses of Mr. Brague ALLEA: You once mentioned Europe’s whether cultural goods are foreign or were received on 1 February 2016 „eccentric identity“, its ability to not, but whether they are better or openly engage with foreigners and worse than our own. Other people to adopt their customs, norms and could teach us some virtues that we knowledge for its own benefit. Do are forgetting: hospitality, courage, you see the opportunity for cultural hard work, faithfulness, respect for enrichment in present times as well? the elders, love of one’s offspring, etc. As for “culture” as it is commonly Mr. Brague: This idea is absolutely understood, i.e. science, art, law, central to my view of European culture. literature, I’m afraid the Western or Its cultural model began when the Westernized World is still ahead. Second Volume of ALLEA Book Series Discourses on Intellectual Europe announced for autumn 2016 Professor Albrecht Riethmüller compiles volume on The Role of Music in European Integrati- on: Conciliating Eurocentrism and Multiculturalism Following on from the first volume The„ often effectively underscored political Boundaries of Europe“ of the ALLEA and societal transformation. While book series Discourses on Intellectual the future direction of the European Europe, ALLEA is proud to announce continent might not depend on the the next volume of the series: The music it produces, music will at any Role of Music in European Integration: rate set the inherent accompanying Conciliating Eurocentrism and tone. Multiculturalism, edited by Professor Albrecht Riethmüller, long-standing The ALLEA book series represents an delegate of the Union of German effort by the scientific community to Academies to ALLEA and member of rekindle commitment to the European the Akademie der Wissenschaften und dream and encourage commitment der Literatur, Mainz. towards an understanding of Europe as an enduring cultural and Professor Riethmüller’s book compiles intellectual region. ALLEA’s member contributions from a wide variety of academies, with their expertise in scholars and from a workshop held at sciences and humanities, are in a the Berlin Brandenburg Academy of unique position to sharpen awareness Science and Humanities on 11 and 12 for the deep-rooted intellectual and March 2014 on Music and European cultural richness of Europe and can, integration. The author investigates thus, present unique and challenging how music beneficially influenced the continent. As such, one can no longer perspectives. process of European integration since speak of distinct national styles, but World War II. The development of a rather of a European style that has European musical identity went hand come to the forefront. The role of in hand with deepening interrelations music has always mirrored the political and multiculturalism on the European environment it was created in and has

ALLEA Newsletter - Issue 2016-1 6 General Assembly 2016

The 2016 ALLEA General Assembly

Every year in spring the European level. Despite all ALLEA delegates meet in of this uncertainty we can one of the many splendid be sure of one thing: the member academies to symposium will certainly reflect upon the past year shed light on many aspects and to set the course for the and enlighten its audience. year to come. Traditionally, the meeting opens with a The day will be rounded off scientific symposium where by the award ceremony for eminent scholars discuss this year’s Mme de Staël science policy topics with Prize for cultural values. This an interested audience. The year’s recipient, Professor symposium is followed by Rémi Brague, is one of the award ceremony for the Europe’s foremost experts ALLEA Mme de Staël Prize on medieval philosophy for Cultural Values, which and undoubtedly a suitable this year will be awarded recipient of the price. The to Professor Rémi Brague All European Academies (interview on page 4). Madame de Staël Prize for After the Lisbon Academy Cultural Values is awarded of Sciences (click here for to eminent scholars whose video) did an outstanding work represents a significant job in hosting the 2015 contribution to the cultural ALLEA General Assembly, and intellectual values of the Austrian Academy of Europe and to the idea Sciences has kindly offered of European integration, to host this year’s General thereby promoting Assembly in its premises in 2020, the European Commission’s and strengthening an Vienna. If you want to learn more Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) understanding of Europe as about the academy check out the to strengthen evidence-based policy multifaceted, intellectual, open academy portrait on page 8. making, strategies to establish Open and vibrant. The prize also seeks to Science and Open Innovation as well underline the importance of non- The topic of this year’s symposium as Open Access initiatives all attest technological scholarly work and „The Freedom of Scientific Research to these ever more urgent attempts research for European advancement. in the Face of Political and Societal to encourage interaction between Due to their long-standing tradition Demands” suggests a juxtaposition the scientific, political and societal of preserving, securing and making of scientific, political and societal spheres. Yet, trying to influence available the cultural heritage of spheres, which in today’s day and age the direction and the results of Europe, Academies of sciences and holds potential for tension or even this exchange might fundamentally humanities are in a special position conflict. However, increasing interest risk the autonomy of science and to show and promote Europe’s in deepened exchange also offers research, and with it, the key source intellectual and cultural richness. enormous potential for all three of its credibility. The prize is kindly co-sponsored by sectors. Thus, it is not surprising that The symposium will aim to discuss the Stiftung Mercator. initiatives and concepts aiming at these interactions, their risks and greater interaction are currently on opportunities, from a scientific Feel free to come and join us in the rise: Science with and for Society perspective and to contribute to Vienna for a day full of knowledge as one of the mainstays of Horizon advancing the discourse on the and wisdom. For more information please visit the ALLEA website here.

ALLEA Newsletter - Issue 2016-1 7 General Assembly 2016

Academy Portrait: The Austrian Academy of Sciences

ALLEA is very pleased to announce the venue for the next General Assembly in April 2016. The esteemed Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) has graciously offered its premises for hosting the event. Since our meeting is only a few weeks away, now is an excellent opportunity to introduce the Academy in Vienna as we look forward to April.

The Academy was founded on 14 May 1847 by Emperor Ferdinand I. The famous Orientalist Joseph Freiherr von Hammer- Purgstall was elected as its first president. From the outset, the Academy © The Austrian Academy of Sciences undertook pioneering research of 770 members and 1,450 employees relevance to science and society such great importance to the state and dedicated to innovative basic as interdisciplinary ecological studies, increasingly on the international stage research, interdisciplinary exchange climate and air quality, migration and in the central fields of the humanities of knowledge, and the dissemination integration or science ethics. and sciences. Many results were of new insights with the aim of published in the memoranda of the contributing to progress in science Furthermore, the OeAW operates Academy, which were open to all and society as a whole. 29 research institutes in the field languages of the Habsburg Empire. of innovative basic research in the In 1857, the Academy moved to the As a learned society, the Academy humanities, social sciences, and former premises of the University consists of two divisions – the Division natural sciences. The Academy of Vienna, today’s Dr. Ignaz Seipel- of Humanities and the Social Sciences stimulates pioneering research by Platz, in the heart of the city. This has and the Division of Mathematics taking up future-oriented topics remained the seat of the Academy to and the Natural Sciences – as and ensures the preservation and this day. well as of a Young Academy. The interpretation of cultural heritage. members of the Academy engage in MISSION AND VISION interdisciplinary exchange to consider The Academy is particularly The Academy is Austria’s central important questions concerning the committed to the sustainable support non-university basic research and future and are active in the field of of promising young talents: it offers science institution. Its statutory science for policy advice. In scientific diverse opportunities for highly mission is to “promote science in commissions, members of the qualified emerging researchers in every way”. The OeAW has over Academy examine questions of great its own research institutes and also

ALLEA Newsletter - Issue 2016-1 8 General Assembly 2016

awards fellowships and prizes mainly international level and is a member in Another important step in the for young researchers independent of international scientific institutions. Academy’s internationalization is its their affiliation. recent cooperation agreement with The establishment and cultivation the Collège de France, which has The OeAW aims to foster the dialogue of international contacts has a long already resulted in a lively exchange. between science and society. This tradition at the OeAW. The Academy As part of this agreement, outstanding dialogue is mainly driven by the currently has bilateral agreements with researchers from both organizations initiative of the members of the more than 40 partner organizations give public lectures in the other Academy. Therefore, the Academy worldwide that foster the mobility and country. is a lively place for the discussion of networking of researchers, among scientific achievements and insights. them distinguished institutions such With all of these activities and Through its wide-ranging events, as CERN. initiatives, the OeAW thus contributes open to a broad public, it inspires the to the sustained visibility of Austrian fascination for science and research. research on the international stage.

…OeAW and ALLEA

The OeAW is a member of ALLEA ever since ALLEA’s foundation in 1994. Until today, the OeAW has taken part in ALLEA activities such as science for policy advice and research on Digital Humanities.

The members of the Presiding Committee of the OeAW, President Anton Zeilinger, Vice President Michael Alram, President of the Division of Humanities and the Social Sciences Brigitte Mazohl, and President of the Division of Mathematics and the Natural Sciences Georg Brasseur are pleased to host the ALLEA’s General © The Austrian Academy of Sciences A focal area for the OeAW‘s efforts Assembly in 2016. The OeAW is in respect of internationalization in looking forward to this opportunity SPOTLIGHT ON… recent years were countries outside of of strengthening ties between the Europe, such as China, Iran, Cuba, or member Academies in Europe and …the OeAW in a global context South Africa. However, the Academy beyond. also paid particular attention to the Since basic research of the highest countries of Central and Eastern ALLEA kindly thanks the Austrian quality can only take place in a global Europe and the successor states of Academy of Sciences for providing this context, the OeAW is committed the former Soviet Union with whose comprehensive academy portrait to increasing its international academic institutions the Academy collaboration: The OeAW’s institutes has long nurtured close relationships. participate in international research cooperation projects, its members The OeAW’s new Joint Excellence in are networking worldwide, the OeAW Sciences and Humanities exchange provides exchange programs for program (JESH) aims to foster scientists, and engages in bilateral “brain circulation” by enabling an agreements with partner academies. international exchange of researchers It also represents Austria’s scientific between Austria and a wide variety of interests on a European and countries.

ALLEA Newsletter - Issue 2016-1 9 Update on SAM

High Level Group now fully functional

In this section, we would like to give its first advice to the Commission will the Consortium, the HLG and the you an update on recent developments be on the topics of cybersecurity and European Commission should be within the European Commission’s on closing the gap between light duty established in order to discuss and newly set up Scientific Advice vehicle real-world CO2 emissions and agree on subjects for scientific Mechanism (SAM). Most importantly, laboratory testing. evidence-based policy advice from a meeting between the High Level In the meantime, scoping papers for the academies; Group of Scientific Advisors (HLG) both topics have been published and 2: A timely delivery of advice was and Commissioner Carlos Moedas can be accessed here: agreed, ensuring that scientific results took place in January to decide on the Cybersecurity from the academies` work contribute Chair and deputy Chair of the HLG as Closing the gap between light duty to the opinion-forming and policy- well as to discuss first topics for policy vehicle real-world CO2 emissions and making process; recommendations. laboratory testing. 3: The consortium will provide In March, the HLG and Commissioner support to the HLG for the two Moedas came together again in The meeting saw a Brussels for its second meeting, firm commitment which included discussion with the by the HLG and Presidents of the 5 academy networks. the Commission to closely work On 29 January the seven leading together with the scientists who make up the European European academy Commission’s new Scientific Advice networks. Mechanism High Level Group met in Brussels for the first time since their This commitment appointment. led to an invitation The meeting was chaired by to the Presidents Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for of the academy Research, Science and Innovation networks, and attended by Andrus Ansip, the Academia The Presidents of the Consortium with Commissioner Commission’s Vice-President for the Europaea, ALLEA, Carlos Moedas and the members of the High Level Digital Single Market. On the occasion EASAC, Euro-CASE Group; © European Union Commissioner Moedas emphasised and FEAM, to meet the role of academies and stated that the HLG and Commissioner Moedas in topic requests from the European “plans to consult European Academies Brussels on 17 March. Commission (“Closing the gap of Sciences and the wider scientific between light duty vehicle real-world community, will make an important At the meeting, the Presidens re- CO2 emissions and laboratory testing” independent contribution to science iterated the importance of truly and “Cybersecurity”). advice for European policymaking“. interdisciplinary approaches towards today’s societal challenges which On the occasion of the meeting The group started out with the the academies are in a position between the HLG and the academy appointment of the Chair and to provide. With their scientific networks’ Presidents, the consortium Deputy Chair. Professor Henrik C. expertise, the European academies held a meeting to advance a joint Wegener, Executive Vice President, will contribute to the debates on grant proposal in response to a Chief Academic Officer and Provost risks and benefits of new advances, Horizon 2020 call. at the Technical University Denmark support the formulation of policies, was appointed as Chair of the group and help enhance public confidence For more information on the Scientific and Professor Elvira Fortunato, Nova in science policy advice. Advice Mechanism please click here University Lisbon was appointed as deputy Chair. Following discussions In their discussions, the following with representatives of the European issues were addressed: Commission, the group declared that 1: A structured dialogue between

ALLEA Newsletter - Issue 2016-1 10 ALLEA Working Groups

Taking stock: The Integration of Social Sciences and Humanities ALLEA participates in Meeting between DG Research and Stakeholders in SSH

On 2 December 2015, ALLEA participated in the second external stakeholder workshop on the Integration of Social Sciences and Humanities in Horizon 2020. The invitation-only workshop gathered a limited number of eminent experts from European and international scientific organisations active in the fields of social sciences and humanities as well as representatives from the European Commission, particularly from its Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. ALLEA was represented by Professor John Bell, Chair of the ALLEA Working Group on Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) and Fellow of the British Academy. The invited members of the and Eastern Europe still show very The meeting followed up on a first scientific community concluded that low participation rates and project workshop on “Embedding Social considerable progress had been coordination is most often awarded Sciences and Humanities (SSH) made in improving the integration to countries with strong infrastructure in Horizon 2020” held in Brussels of SSH. However, several Societal to support the preparation of bids. in November 2014. With these Challenges would still benefit from workshops, the Commission intends further integration while other areas In its concluding remarks the to receive feedback from various even show a worrisome lack of SSH Commission reaffirmed its plans to involved SSH stakeholders on how input at all. In agreement with the continue the publication of an annual to further improve the integration Commission’s conclusion that more monitoring report. In addition, the of research in the social sciences efforts and actions are still required importance of deeper SSH inclusion in and humanities in Horizon 2020. In for the SSH to become an integral “Societal Challenges” was underlined 2014, participants were invited to part of the development process and concrete actions were highlighted provide feedback on the quality of for new research questions, the to improve the integration of SSH the integration of SSH in the first calls stakeholders identified several areas in Horizon 2020. The Commission of Horizon 2020. Furthermore, they of improvement to strengthen the committed to continuing the fruitful provided feedback on how to further role of SSH in Horizon 2020 calls. and constructive exchange with the improve true interdisciplinarity in the It was noted that experts with SSH SSH stakeholder community and calls, with the SSH as an integral part expertise constituted only a minority announced that the next stakeholder of the research projects to be funded. within H2020 Expert Advisory Groups meeting will be held in June 2016. This year’s workshop focussed on as well as among proposal evaluators. a discussion around the recently In addition, Societal Challenges that published Commission Monitoring would naturally require a stronger Report on the integration of Social inclusion of Humanities subjects too Sciences and Humanities in Horizon often show low levels of inclusion 2020 in the first calls for proposals of (SC 6&7). In terms of geographic Horizon 2020. distribution, the participants raised concerns that countries from Central

ALLEA Newsletter - Issue 2016-1 11 ALLEA Working Groups

ALLEA Permanent Working Group Science & Ethics met in Stockholm

The ALLEA permanent Working Another important item on 1753 to promote research and other Group on Science & Ethics held its the meeting’s agenda was the activities in the humanities, theology, first meeting of 2016 in the exquisite consideration of a potential update law, and social science disciplines, premises of the Royal Swedish for the European Code of Conduct as well as stewardship of cultural Academy of Letters, History and for Research Integrity. The original heritage sites. Antiquities on 18 and 19 February. document was released in 2010 The Academy’s aims are: Following a dinner with academy Vice- together with the European Science •to initiate and support international President Professor Anders Andrén, Foundation (ESF) and the members of collaboration in the disciplines within the group had a busy schedule for the the group agreed that an update and the Academy’s field of activities; second day of the meeting, including the inclusion of new issues would be •to publish academic writings in the the election of a new chair and a highly desirable. The group will now Academy’s domain; discussion about a potential update look into potential amendments to •to support deserving researchers of the ALLEA-ESF European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity.

The meeting welcomed the attendance of the Chair of the ALLEA Permanent Working Group on Intellectual Property Rights, Professor Joseph Straus. He came to Stockholm to offer valuable input on issues surrounding open access and the patentability of plants. Professor Straus’ attendance is a further sign of continued cooperation between ALLEA working groups, a development that is intended to continue in the future. A particular welcome was also extended to the new members of the working group, Els van Damme from the The Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts the code, taking into consideration and others who have furthered the and Maura Hiney from the Royal Irish related documents that have objectives of the Academy; Academy. been published since the original •to issue statements in matters related publication of the code. Results are to the domain of the Academy’s In one of the first decisions of the intended to be presented at the activities day, the Chair of the working group, fifth World Conference on Research Professor Göran Hermerén was Integrity in Amsterdam at the end of The Academy awards three major re-elected to chair the group for May 2017. prizes and several smaller ones. another three years. The participants As a free learned society the academy thanked Göran Hermerén for his The next meeting of the working receives no governmental funding but work and he voiced appreciation group is planned for autumn 2016 in has through multiple donations built for the support and is optimistic a yet to be decided location. up considerable capital. the working group will continue to The Academy supports extensive provide work of importance for the Queen Lovisa Ulrika founded the conference and symposium activities scientific community in general and Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, and funds projects of great academic for ALLEA and the member academies History and Antiquities 20 March value that are not given priority by in particular. governmental financiers.

ALLEA Newsletter - Issue 2016-1 12 Miscellaneous

The next issue of the ALLEA newsletter will be published in Summer 2016 and will provide a detailed documentation of the General Assembly and about the latest developments in ALLEA.

LEGAL INFORMATION Member Academies All European Academies (ALLEA) Professor Dr Günter Stock (President) Albania: Akademia E Shkencave E Shqipërisë; Armenia: գիտությունների ազգային c/o Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of ակադեմիա; Austria: Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften; Belarus: Sciences and Humanities - Jaegerstr. 22/23 - Нацыянальная акадэмiя навук Беларусі; Belgium: Academie Royale des Sciences 10117 Berlin - Germany tel +49 (0)30-3259873-72 des Lettres et des Beaux-Arts de Belgique; Koninklijke Vlaamse Academie van Belgie fax +49 (0)30-3259873-73 voor Wetenschappen en Kunsten; Koninklijke Academie voor Nederlandse Taalen [email protected] Letterkunde; Academie Royale de langue et de literature francaises de Belgique; Bosnia and Herzegovina: Akademija nauka i umjetnosti Bosne i Hercegovine;Bulgaria : Publication Date: 4 April 2016 Българска академия на науките; Croatia: Hrvatska Akademija Znanosti i Umjetnosti; Authoring and editing: Matthias Johannsen, Czech Republic: Akademie věd České republiky; Učená společnost České republiky; Robert Vogt Denmark: Kongelige Danske Videnskabernes Selskab; Estonia: Eesti Teaduste Layout: Robert Vogt Akadeemia; Finland: Tiedeakatemiain neuvottelukunta; France: Académie des Further authors in this issue: Professor Sciences - Institut de France; Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres; Académie des Rémi Brague, Professor Göran Hermerén, Austrian Academy of Sciences Sciences Morales et Politiques;Georgia: საქართველოს მეცნიერებათა ეროვნული Pictures by ALLEA,European Commission, აკადემია; Germany: Deutsche Akademie der Naturforscher Leopoldina; Union der Austrian Academy of Sciences, The deutschen Akademien der Wissenschaften; Akademie der Wissenschaften in Göttingen, Academy of Sciences of Moldova Akademie der Wissenschaften und der Literatur Mainz, Bayerische Akademie der All rights reserves Wissenschaften, Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Akademie Copyright der Wissenschaften in Hamburg, Heidelberger Akademie der Wissenschaften, For the ALLEA Newsletter the copyright Nordrhein-Westfälische Akademie der Wissenschaften und der Künste, Sächsische and all other rights are held by ALLEA (c/o Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Leipzig (Associate Members); Greece: Ακαδημία Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities - Jaegerstr. 22/23 - 10117 Αθηνών; Hungary: Magyar Tudományos Akadémia; Ireland: The Royal Irish Academy - Italy: Accademia ;םיעדמל תילארשיה תימואלה הימדקאה :Berlin - Germany). Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann; Israel Redistribution, including in the form of Nazionale dei Lincei; Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti; Accademia delle Scienze extracts, is permitted for educational, di Torino; Kosovo: Akademia e Shkencave dhe e Arteve e Kosovës; Latvia: Latvijas scientific and private purposes if the source is quoted (unless otherwise explicitly Zinātņu akadēmija; Lithuania: Lietuvos mokslų akademijos; Macedonia: Македонска indicated by the article in question). Академија на Науките и Уметностите; Moldova: Academia de Ştiinţe a Moldovei; Permission must be sought from ALLEA for Montenegro: Crnogorska akademija nauka i umjetnosti; Netherlands: Koninklijke commercial use. Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen; Norway: Det Norske Videnskaps- Links to external websites Akademi; Poland: Polska Akademia Umiejętności; Polska Akademia Nauk; Portugal: ALLEA does its best to select all hyperlinks Academia das Ciências de Lisboa; Romania: Academia Română; Russia: Российская in the ALLEA Newsletter and their contents академия наук (Associate Member); Serbia: Srpska Akademija Nauka i Umetnosti; carefully, but has no influence on the Slovakia: Slovenská Akadémia Vied; Slovenia: Slovenska akademija znanosti in content or design of the pages linked to. ALLEA hereby explicitly rejects any liability umetnosti; Spain: Real Academia de Ciencias Morales y Políticas; Real Academia de for the contents of external internet pages. Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales (Associate Member); Reial Acadèmia de Ciències i Arts de Barcelona; Institut d’Estudis Catalans;Sweden : Kungl. Vetenskapsakademien; Unsubscribe Kungl. Vitterhets Historie och Antikvitets Akademien; Switzerland: Akademien To unsubscribe, please send an email to [email protected] der Wissenschaften Schweiz; Turkey: Türkiye Bilimler Akademisi; Bilim Akademisi (Associate Member); Ukraine: Національна академія наук України; United Kingdom: www.allea.org The British Academy; The Royal Society of Edinburgh; The Royal Society of London

ALLEA Newsletter - Issue 2016-1 13 Information and Contact ALLEA ALL E uropean A cademies

All European Academies (ALLEA), the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities, was founded in 1994 and currently unites 57 Academies from more than 40 countries in the Council of Europe re¬gion. Member Academies operate as learned societies, think tanks and research performing organisations. They are self-governing communities of leading scholars and researchers across all fields of the natural sciences, the social sciences andthe humanities. ALLEA provides access to an unparalleled human re¬source of intellectual excellence, experience and expertise.

Independent from political, commercial and ideological interests, ALLEA contributes to the improvement of framework conditions under which science and scholarship excel. Together with its Member Academies, ALLEA holds a unique position to address the full range of structural and policy issues facing Europe in science, research and innovation, and informs European policy and society through evidence based advice. In its foundation, ALLEA is guided by a common understanding of Europe tied together by cultural, historical, social and political factors as well as by scientific and economic reasons.

Contact: c/o Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities Jaegerstr. 22/23 10117 Berlin Germany

Phone: +49 (0)30-325 98 73-72 Fax: +49 (0)30-325 98 73-73 [email protected] www.allea.org @ALLEA_academies

ALLEA Newsletter - Issue 2016-1 14