Science Europe

Science Europe
Name	Science Europe
Formation	2011
Type	NGO
Headquarters	Brussels, Belgium
Region served	Europe
Membership	Research funding and performing organisations
Language	English

Science Europe. It is a Brussels-based association representing major public organisations that fund or perform excellent, ground-breaking research across the European continent. Established in 2011 from the merger of EUROHORCs and ESF, it serves as a powerful collective voice for its members in policy dialogues with institutions like the European Commission and national governments. The organisation is dedicated to strengthening the European Research Area by promoting robust scientific methodologies, sustainable research infrastructures, and open scholarly communication.

History and establishment

The genesis of the organisation followed a period of strategic reflection among Europe's leading research bodies, culminating in the 2011 merger of the European Heads of Research Councils (EUROHORCs) and the European Science Foundation (ESF). This consolidation was driven by a desire to create a more unified and influential advocate for science at the EU level, particularly in shaping the Horizon 2020 and subsequent Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development. Key figures from founding members, including the DFG, the CNRS, and the UKRI, played instrumental roles in its formation. Its establishment marked a significant step in the evolution of the European Research Area, aiming to reduce fragmentation and enhance collaboration across national systems.

Mission and objectives

The core mission is to promote the collective interests of its member organisations and the scientific community they represent. A primary objective is to advocate for the highest standards of research integrity, robust peer review, and the adoption of Open Access and FAIR data principles across all disciplines. It actively works to influence the design of major European initiatives such as Horizon Europe and the European Innovation Council. Furthermore, it seeks to foster a sustainable and attractive research career environment in Europe, addressing challenges in research assessment and supporting early-career researchers through initiatives like the European Charter for Researchers.

Member organisations

Membership is composed of prestigious national research funding and performing organisations from across the continent. Notable members include the German Research Foundation (DFG), the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), the Italian National Research Council (CNR), the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). From the Nordic countries, members include the Research Council of Norway and the Swedish Research Council. The membership collectively represents a vast portion of Europe's public investment in research and development, providing a formidable base for its advocacy and collaborative activities.

Activities and initiatives

Its activities are diverse and targeted at advancing strategic priorities. It conducts in-depth analyses and publishes position papers on critical topics like research infrastructure sustainability, Open Science, and science communication. The organisation facilitates working groups where members collaborate on cross-cutting issues, such as the Gender Equality in research and the Social Sciences and Humanities integration. It regularly convenes high-level events, including the annual Science Europe Conference, and engages directly with policymakers at the European Parliament, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, and during the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Governance and structure

The supreme governing body is the General Assembly, comprising high-level representatives from all member organisations, which meets annually. Day-to-day leadership is provided by an elected President and a Secretary-General, supported by a permanent Secretariat located in Brussels. Strategic direction is set by a Board composed of the President, Vice-Presidents, and other elected officials. Key operational work is carried out by specialised committees, such as the Scientific Committee for Life, Environmental and Geo Sciences and the Committee for Social Sciences and Humanities, which guide its substantive policy work and collaborative projects.

Impact and recognition

The organisation has become a respected and influential voice in European science policy, regularly consulted by the European Commission on the development of major funding programmes and policy frameworks. Its advocacy has significantly shaped debates on reforming research assessment, leading to initiatives like the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA). Through its persistent work on Open Access, it has contributed to the evolution of policies like Plan S. Its role in fostering cross-border collaboration and setting common standards has been acknowledged as vital for the continued development and global competitiveness of the European Research Area.

Category:International scientific organizations Category:Research organizations in Europe Category:Organizations based in Brussels