18. May 2006 14:13
European Science Foundation agrees multidisciplinary conference scheme with Linköping University
The European Science Foundation (ESF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Linköping University (LiU) for a new conference scheme. The document was signed in Linköping by Professor Bertil Andersson, Chief Executive of the ESF and Professor Mille Milnert, Rector of Linköping University.
Professor Dan Brändström, Managing Director of The Bank of Sweden Tercentenary Foundation confirmed that his organisation would provide financial support for the scheme. The Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet), one of ESF’s Member Organisations has also pledged funding.
The memorandum provides for close cooperation between the two organisations for the organisation of ‘ESF-LiU Conferences in the Humanities and Social Sciences’. The conferences will take place in Vadstena, Sweden, a small historic town situated on the shores of Lake Vättern. The agreement is for up to four conferences per year (two in each of the scientific areas, Humanities and Social Sciences) over a period of five years that may be extended by mutual agreement.
This partnership represents a significant opportunity to integrate European humanities and social science research by sharing knowledge and expertise. Social change and advances in the natural sciences directly affect the humanities, making an interdisciplinary approach valuable in this area. Linköping University has an excellent track record in humanities and social sciences which has further inspired the creation of this conference scheme.
The ESF Research Conferences Scheme is a high-level conference programme in partnership with national and international organisations, including universities. The Scheme provides the opportunity for the world’s leading scientists and other participants, including young researchers, to meet in an informal setting for discussions at the highest level on the most recent developments in their fields of research. Furthermore, it will act as a catalyst for creating new collaborations and contacts throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
The conferences may be a series, usually with a biennial meeting focusing on specific aspects of the same general topic, or single events. They will be interdisciplinary when appropriate. The duration will normally be four or five days and up to 150 invited speakers and participants may attend.
Two conferences are planned in 2006:
ESF/LIU Conference on Intersectionality, identity and power, 11-15 October 2006, Co-Chaired by Professor N. Lykke and J. Hearn
ESF/LIU Conference on ‘Cities and Media, 25-29 October 2006, Co-Chaired by Professor J. Fornas and N. Couldry
Four topics will be selected jointly by both organisations for 2007 and for 2008 events an ESF Call for Proposals will be issued soon.
Contact
Ms Caroline Hirst
+33 (0)388 76 71 35
