Euroscience

Euroscience
Name	Euroscience
Founded	1997
Headquarters	Strasbourg, France
Key people	Michael Matlosz (President)
Focus	Promotion of science and technology in Europe
Website	https://www.euroscience.org

Euroscience. Euroscience is a pan-European grassroots association of researchers and professionals in science, technology, and the humanities, dedicated to promoting science and technology and their integration into society. Founded in 1997, it serves as a platform for dialogue between the scientific community, policymakers, industry, and the public across the continent. Its activities are centered on advocacy, networking, and organizing major events to shape the future of European research and innovation policy.

History

Euroscience was established in 1997 by a group of prominent scientists, including Claes-Göran Granqvist and Enric Banda, who sought to create a unified voice for the European scientific community in the wake of major political changes like the Maastricht Treaty. Its formation was influenced by the need for stronger advocacy in the evolving landscape of the European Union's research framework programs, such as the Fifth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. Early support came from key institutions like the European Science Foundation and the European Molecular Biology Organization. The association quickly grew, establishing its secretariat in Strasbourg to leverage its proximity to European political bodies like the Council of Europe and the European Parliament.

Organization and governance

The governance structure is headed by a President, such as Michael Matlosz, and a governing board elected by the membership. Day-to-day operations are managed by the secretariat based in Strasbourg. Euroscience operates through a network of national sections, known as Local Groups, active in countries including France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Key decision-making involves the General Assembly, which convenes during major events like the Euroscience Open Forum. The organization collaborates closely with entities like the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation and maintains partnerships with learned societies such as the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Activities and initiatives

Core activities include policy advocacy on issues like research funding, open science, and researcher mobility, often providing input to consultations by the European Research Council and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. It runs the Young Euroscience program to engage early-career researchers. The association also publishes position papers and organizes workshops, frequently in collaboration with institutions like the University of Strasbourg or during events such as the World Science Forum. Initiatives often address grand challenges like climate change, digital transformation, and the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies like CRISPR.

EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF)

The EuroScience Open Forum is a premier biennial European meeting for global scientific debate, first held in Stockholm in 2004. Subsequent editions have taken place in cities like Munich, Dublin, Copenhagen, Manchester, Toulouse, and Trieste, with future meetings planned for Leiden and Katowice. ESOF features a comprehensive program of scientific sessions, career forums, and public engagement activities, attracting participants from leading organizations such as CERN, the European Space Agency, and Max Planck Society. It serves as a key platform for launching initiatives like the Stuttgart Declaration and discussions on the European Research Area.

Membership and network

Membership is open to individuals from all scientific disciplines and professionals interested in science policy, including notable figures like Helga Nowotny and Martin Rees. The network comprises thousands of members across over 40 countries, organized into Local Groups that host regional events. Euroscience fosters connections with other major bodies like the American Association for the Advancement of Science, All European Academies, and the International Council for Science. This extensive network facilitates cross-border collaborations and provides a channel for grassroots input into European science policy debates at forums like the European Union Competitiveness Council.

Impact and recognition

Euroscience has significantly influenced the European research landscape by advocating for increased investment in programs like Horizon Europe and promoting the European Charter for Researchers. Its role in establishing ESOF has created a recognized fixture in the global science calendar, alongside events like the AAAS Annual Meeting. The association's advocacy has contributed to policy shifts on issues such as gender equality in science, as seen in initiatives like the Helsinki Group on Women and Science. Recognition of its work comes through partnerships with entities like the European University Association and its status as a stakeholder in dialogues at the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy.

Category:Scientific organizations based in Europe Category:Organizations established in 1997