Euroscience was born 14 years ago. It was the time when a lot of debate about the future of science in Europe was taking place. Euroscience founders were visionaries in identifying that Europe was in need of a grassroots organization, totally independent of the political power; an organisation of individuals that could speak up. From the very beginning, Euroscience was to be an association of individuals. These individuals would not just be scientists, but indeed anyone with a vested interest in science, technology or the humanities. Euroscience would not be a lobby group, nor a trade union or think-tank. Instead, it would be an active group of as many scientists and citizens as possible; a truly bottom up organization. This united group would certainly seek to influence science policy at the European level, but it would also seek to act as a bridge between science and society. Importantly, Euroscience would also endeavour to examine, question and improve the practices and working conditions of European scientists.
Contributing to European integration was one of the goals expressed by Euroscience founders and it does it by promoting and securing the European Research Area. It achieves this in several ways: (1) by being at the forefront of influencing policies in areas that affect the governance of science in Europe; (2) by supporting and taking part in several Framework Programme projects and responding to Framework Programme calls whenever appropriate. Last, but not least, (3) by working on a stronger sense of European identity and culture of science through its own independent activities.
One of Euroscience’s key goals, since the very beginning, has been to support young scientists. Its first President Claude Cordon took especial and personal care that this goal was being introduced in Euroscience’s genetic code. He set the stage for us to work in not just improving career prospects and working conditions, but by giving young scientists a voice.
Perhaps the most high profile of all Euroscience’ activities today is the biennial ‘Euroscience Open Forum’ (ESOF). It has become arguably the most influential platform for science in Europe, bringing together such disparate groups as scientists, media, policy makers, business people, and the public in a relaxed environment to encourage informal discourse amongst all parties.
Euroscience has achieved a good deal in its relatively short, 14-year life, as you will discover by reading this booklet, but it is not resting on its laurels. So much more needs to be done to ensure that Europe remains competitive in a global context; to establish a first-class working environment that attracts and keeps the very best scientists in Europe; to nurture the next generation of scientists; to enable science to take its place at the heart of European culture and, last but most certainly not least, to promote dialogue between science and society. Thanks to Euroscience, individuals with a vested interest in science do now have a voice on these and other pressing issues – but the community still needs vital support to speak louder and be heard more widely.
Prof. Enric Banda
President
Contact Euroscience:
1 quai Lezay-Marnésia
67000 Strasbourg
Tel : +33 (0) 3 88 24 11 50
Fax : +33 (0) 3 88 24 75 56
