25. November 2010 08:41
European Science Foundation cancels research funding calls
The European Science Foundation (ESF) will not launch three funding calls pending more progress towards its merger with the European Heads of Research Councils (EUROHORCs).
At the ESF annual assembly last week ESF member organisations decided to put certain activities on hold during the current transition period.
- The 2010 call for research networking programmes (RNPs) will not be launched.
- In addition, the 2011 call for themes for EUROCORES (European collaborative research scheme) and project proposals for ECRP (European collaborative research programme) will not be launched.
- This year’s call for EUROCORES Themes will be progressed and with sufficient contributions from member organisations, the ensuing call for EUROCORES programmes under the selected themes will be launched in 2011.
Since the intention to merge the two organisations was announced earlier this year, a EUROHORCs-ESF Working Group has been discussing plans for a merged organisation. Their final analyses will be reviewed by the ESF Assembly Members and a vote will take place regarding the proposed new organisation during a Special Assembly in May 2011. The mission, vision and activities for the new organisation are being guided by the jointly created “EUROHORCs and ESF Vision on a Globally Competitive ERA and their Road Map for Actions”.
ESF will continue its existing activities until a decision has been taken regarding the new organisation, these include the Exploratory Workshops, Forward Looks, Member Organisation Fora, Science Policy Briefings and most Conference partnerships. Current commitments will be honoured as much as possible and the activities and membership renewals continue for its Science Advisory Board, Standing Committees and the Expert Boards and Committees. ESF will carry out its obligations to European Commission contracts and also continue to take on new contracts in line with the new organisation’s strategic direction. ESF also continues as the implementing agent for COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) until the end of Framework Programme 7 in June 2014.
“The intention behind merging the two organisations is to create a united voice for science in Europe that would be a powerful driving force to lead the future of the European Research Area,” said Marja Makarow, ESF Chief Executive.
ESF and EUROHORCs have overlapping membership and have successfully collaborated to support the development of a globally competitive research environment in Europe. EUROHORCs represents 45 national public organisations which fund research or perform research, while ESF has a wide membership of 79 research funding and performing organisations, and learned societies in 30 countries.
Notes to editors
For further information please contact:
Chloe Kembery, ESF press office
Tel +33 (0) 388-762-158 Cell +33 (0) 643-172-382
Media contact:
- Ms. Chloe KemberyE-Mail
