Since last October 21st, the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) is one of the 50 European research funding and performing organisations which make up Science Europe, a new organisation looking to sustain the research excellence within the continent and enhance future prosperity and global competitiveness. The creation of this organisation will strengthen collaborations and talks between these institutions, which share interests and activities, and provide a voice to the scientific community in the construction of the European Research Area.
Rafael Rodrigo, President of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), emphasizes: "This new organisation was not only created with the aim of helping its members but also strengthening the talks between all those taking part in the European research system. Furthermore, it will help research funding and performing organisations to maintain the level of excellence achieved in recent years".
Science Europe substitutes EuroHORCs (European Heads of Research Councils), an association consisting of national research councils and other research organisations of the EU Member States and Associated Countries. In recent years, EuroHORCs has grown to become an active agent in European research policies, by fostering and strengthening collaboration between institutions. Science Europe establishes one single office, close to coordinating policy work centers, by acquiring the necessary administrative structure to exert its influence on the European scientific research strategy.
In 2012, this new organisation will establish six scientific committees covering all scientific disciplines, including social sciences and humanities. These committees will consist of highly respected scientists in each field in order to ensure a direct voice for scientific community in the strategic outlook, policies and priorities of the new organization.
Based in Brussels, Science Europe will promote the collective interests of its member organisations and streamline the coordination of both activities and policies. Its location will allow Science Europe to work in effective partnership with the European Commission and other European organisations with similar aims. In addition, it will try to accelerate progress in implementing the actions described in the roadmap for the European Research Area Program developed by EuroHORCs and the European Science Foundation in 2009.
Last October 21st, the General Assembly of Science Europe gathered in Berlin and approved the regulations governing the organisation and its plans for the first year of operation. The Assembly elected the British scientist John Boyle, Chief Executive of the UK's Economic and Social Research Council, as Science Europe's first President.
Voice for the scientific community
The creation of Science Europe has been in development for two years. CSIC has played an outstanding role in this process, by actively participating in both the preparation of regulations and its scope and future tasks, including nomination and selection of candidates for the Steering Committees.
The new organisation main goals are described below:
- Support the work of its member organisations and promote co-operation between them both at policy and activity level.
- Establish the scientific community as a third voice in the European Research Area, together with national government and the European Commission.
- Act, with the interests and expert views of researchers as a guide, to maximize the input of the member organizations in the development of the European Research Area in conjunction with the European Commission.
- Work with other European organisations to ensure that a broad based forum is established to inform discussions on ERA and related policy matters.
- Provide a platform for dialogue with national ministers of research.
- Co-operate with non-European research organizations.
- Deliver a coherent plan of action to ensure that publicly funded research and innovation in Europe has the maximum impact, contributing to the development of the economy and providing solutions to deliver societal benefit.