1. December 2008 14:58
The 2008 ESF Assembly approves 3 new Member Organisations and re-elects President
The 35th annual Assembly of the European Science Foundation (ESF), attended by senior representatives of ESF Member Organisations and other international bodies, unanimously approved the applications of three new Member Organisations, bringing the total number of members to 80 from 30 countries – a move that will further secure ESF’s position as an important force in the European research landscape.
The Assembly, which took place on November 28 at the Old Parliament in Stockholm, Sweden, gave their approval to the re-admission of the Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm) of France, and to the admission of Science Foundation Ireland, and the Riksbankens Jubileumsfond of Sweden, who join the ESF with effect from 1 January 2009. The Assembly also unanimously approved a second three-year term as President for Professor Ian Halliday. The new term will run from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2011.
“I am honoured and will work very hard on your behalf to take ESF forward,” said Professor Halliday to the Assembly.
In her first annual report to the Assembly, ESF Chief Executive Professor Marja Makarow highlighted the wide range of ESF’s successes during 2008. The Assembly congratulated Professor Makarow and the ESF office on the achievements and its professionalism and especially thanked Dr John Marks who will leave the ESF at the end of the year.
Dr. Marks took over as Chief Executive in 2007 when Professor Bertil Andersson unexpectedly left the ESF to become the Rector for the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Dr. Marks, who has been the Director of Science and Strategy for the ESF since 2004, held the fort as Chief Executive until Professor Marja Markarow took office in the beginning of 2008.
“The unstinting and supportive role that John has played is what any President could have wished for. He has taken us through changes and all sorts and levels of European discussions. From me to you, and formally on behalf of the ESF, I thank you,” commented Professor Halliday.
Media contact:
- Mr. Thomas LauE-Mail
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