Each ESF activity is designed from the perspective of the research community. Each is carefully tailor-made to  provide an opportunity for researchers to break the barriers of international borders and to come together for the benefit of European science as a whole, be it from a long-term or short term perspective, forward looking or applying synergy or management, opening new horizons or delving deeper into existing knowledge banks.

ESF categorises its activities by dividing them into what we call the three pillars.

1. Science Strategy
   
   Within this pillar which aims to provide high level and high quality foresight and advice on science, research infrastructure and science policy issues, are activities such as Forward Looks, Member Organisation Fora, and Exploratory Workshops.
   
   
2. Science Synergy
   
   The instruments grouped here aim to bring together excellent scientists at all stages of their careers to advance the frontiers of research. These activities are EUROCORES, ESF Research Networking Programmes and ESF Research Conferences.
   
   
3. Science Management
   
   ESF also manages external programmes and takes a co-ordinating role in various EC-funded ERA-NETs.