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Framework

Format

The ESF Research Conferences Scheme provides the opportunity for leading scientists and younger researchers to meet for discussions on the most recent developments in their fields of research. It acts as a catalyst for creating new synergistic contacts throughout Europe and the rest of the world. ESF Research Conferences are open to scientists world-wide, whether from academia or industry.

Format:

  • 90-150 participants (including up to 25 speakers and convenors)
  • A duration of 5 nights, 4 full conference days (4 nights, 3 full conference days for conferences in social sciences and humanities) 
  • Core activities:
    • lectures by invited speakers
    • short talks by young scientists
    • poster sessions and extensive discussion periods
    • Forward Look Plenary Discussion about future developments in the field
    • no parallel sessions
  • Joint meals and social activities to encourage further contact and networking

Eligibility

Applicants should be individual scientists/researchers based at European universities/research institutes (in the broad sense) in ESF Member Organisation countries.

The conference should fit within the ESF Research Conferences Scheme.

 

Scientific Domains covered by the Call

In 2010, the ESF - together with its respective partner organisations - will fund Research Conferences in the following domains:

Scientific Domain

Number of Events in 2010

Duration

Location

Further Information

Biology+: Molecular Biology at the Interface with other Science Disciplines

The  topics should be at the forefront of scientific research and should be interdisciplinary. Conferences will concentrate on those topics that are at the interface between Life Sciences (ensuring that ‘molecular aspects’ are covered) and other related science disciplines, such as: Molecular Biology + Chemistry, Physics, Computer Sciences, Mathematical Modelling, Space Science, Clinical Medicine, Engineering, Environmental Science, Humanities and Social Sciences.

up to 5

5 nights, 4 full conference days

Hotel Eden Roc, Sant Feliu de Guixols, Spain

ESF-EMBO Conference Guidelines

Energy and Environment

The topics should focus on interdisciplinary environmental sciences and must address environmental issues in a multifaceted and multidisciplinary manner. Conferences held in 2010 will have a thematic focus on Energy and Environment: Advances in Basic Science and Technology, Social Impacts and Research Policies.

Suggested Conference Themes are:

  • Energy and human needs versus energy and environment
  • From basic science to the development of sustainable energy technologies
  • Global perspectives and policies

...more details

1

5 nights, 4 full conference days

IGESA Porquerolles, Porquerolles, France

ESF-FMSH Entre-Sciences Conference Guidelines

Mathematics

The topics should be at the forefront of scientific research and may be interdisciplinary when appropriate. ESF-EMS-ERCOM Mathematics Conferences will concentrate on topics in the broad area of Mathematics.

up to 6

5 nights, 4 full conference days

Participating ERCOM Institutions (see Conference Guidelines)

ESF-EMS-ERCOM Conference Guidelines

Physics/Biophysics and Environmental Sciences

The topics should be at the forefront of scientific research and may be interdisciplinary when appropriate. Conferences will concentrate on topics in the areas of Physics/Biophysics, and Environmental Sciences

up to 5

5 nights, 4 full conference days

Universitäts-
zentrum Obergurgl, Obergurgl, Austria

ESF-FWF-LFUI Conference Guidelines

Social Sciences and Humanities

The topics should be at the forefront of scientific research and may be interdisciplinary when appropriate. Conferences will concentrate on topics in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

The ESF Standing Committee for the Humanities will select for recommendation at least one research conference proposal covering one of the following three generic topics:

  • Landscape studies-archeology-cultural heritage
  • Histories, stories and images of people in movement
  • Cultures of youth, cultures of childhood 

...more details

up to 4

4 nights, 3 full conference days

Scandic Linköping Väst, Linköping, Sweden

ESF-LiU Conference Guidelines

Assessment Process and Criteria

Proposals are evaluated through international peer review and selected by review panels composed of members of the ESF Scientific Committees and scientists nominated by the Partner Organisations.

Assessment Criteria are: 

  • Scientific scope and interdisciplinarity of the proposal
  • Scientific relevance in terms of novelty, originality and timeliness
  • European dimension and added value
  • Scientific quality of the draft programme

Conditions of the Award

  • Likely interest in participation (number of potential participants)
  • Conferences must comply with the profile of ESF Research Conferences as defined under the framework.
  • Successful applicants must comply with the "Guidelines for Chairs

Next Step: Sumbission Procedures

Quicklinks

  • Format
  • Scientific Domains
  • Eligibility
  • Assessment
  • Conditions of Award

Further Pages

  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • 2008 call for proposals
 

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