ISE Conference
Celebrating the first concrete steps towards the implementation
of the European Research Council (ERC)
UNESCO, Paris, 9-10 November 2005.
The establishment of the European Research
Council (ERC) has dramatically gained pace in recent
months, with discussions taking place at ministerial level
on the proposal of the
European Commission and the nomination by Research Commissioner
J. Potocnick of the 22
members of the ERC Scientific Council, the body whose
role will be to "determine the ERC's scientific strategy
and ensure that its operations are conducted according to
the requirements of scientific excellence."
The Initative for Science in Europe
(ISE) is pleased with recent progress, however, it
notes the need to maintain vigilance with respect to the autonomy
of the Scientific Council and the scope, funding and structure
of the ERC.
To this end, ISE convened a meeting at UNESCO,
Paris, on 9th-10th November to celebrate the first concrete
steps towards the implementation of the ERC. The meeting was
attended by members of the ERC Scientific Council and the
Commission and was an excellent opportunity to exchange opinions,
make contacts and allow informal discussion among scientists
and attendees from the ERC Scientific Council and the European
Institutions. In addition, the meeting featured presentations
on novel elements of FP7 and discussions on research infrastructures.
The Conference was structured in two parts;
9th November
"Implementing the ERC: Practical and Political
Aspects"
This roundtable discussion will include several
members of the ERC Scientific Council, representatives of
the EC and the European Parliament and, possibly Jose Mariano
Gago, Portuguese Minister of Science, Technology and Higher
Education and former Chair of ISE.
10th November
"New Instruments in the 7th Framework Programme (FP7)"
Presentations on these topics by EC Officers
will take place with the aim to inform and allow input from
scientists.
"A Roadmap to Research Infrastructures
in Europe"
A open debate will address an issue that is
central to establishing a science policy vision in Europe.
Please see the Conference Programme and travel
details below.
The meeting is open to all open
to all, irrespective of organizational affiliation. There
is no registration fee; however, for security reasons on-line
registration is compulsory.
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