New Strategic Plan Approved at 2005 ESF General Assembly
The 31st annual General Assembly of the European Science Foundation (ESF) took place on November 24-25, 2005, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. More than 110 representatives from the Member Organisations and other international bodies participated in the meeting.
During the event, participants engaged in discussion with their peers and colleagues in meetings, parallel sessions and presentations given by ESF’s leaders and invited speakers.
The major theme of day two of the Assembly was ESF’s 2006-2010 strategic plan, the initial concepts for which were first presented to the 2004 Assembly.
The main pillars in the strategic plan are to promote ‘science strategy’ and ‘science synergy,’ paving the way for initiatives across disciplinary and geographic boundaries in the European Research Area (ERA). The plan provides a systematic approach to ESF’s future activities, taking into account the often differing views and needs of the Member Organisations as expressed during an extensive consultation process over the past year, involving 77 Member Organisations in 30 countries. The strategic plan is accompanied by a financial plan to ensure efficient and high-quality delivery and to provide a long-term financial planning framework for the Member Organisations.
In his presentation of the plans, ESF Chief Executive Professor Bertil Andersson said, “The strategic plan is about how ESF can provide the platform for our Member Organisations to add value to the ERA. It is probably the most comprehensive consultation process in the history of ESF. We have had no agenda other than to listen to you.” Andersson said that the strategic plan is a rolling implementation for each year from 2006-2010 with the financial plan as a “planning document not only for us but also for you.”
In comments reflecting views expressed by other representatives of the Member Organisations during open discussion on Andersson’s presentation, Professor Norbert Kroó, Vice President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, said, “We should endorse and accept this plan. European research and development is a moving target and changing very fast, however, so the Member Organisations should have the right to modify the strategic plan.”
Michel Dodet, Vice President of the Institut National de Recherche Agronomique in France, said, “The most important point is the role of standing committees. Also the decision-making process and transparency: they are not always clear.”
Jan Bernt, President of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, said, “It’s a good plan which I endorse. It redefines and strengthens the identity of ESF. We have to make some choices about type of organisation – research or a network or a more narrow club? It must be a credible voice for the whole European science community.”
Professor Peter Nijkamp, Chairman of the European Heads of Research Councils (EuroHORCS), said, “ESF is a multi-client agency serving different categories of communities. The current draft plan is a fair record of all the discussions that have taken place and therefore is acceptable and workable. It’s not a blueprint but creates space for an evolutionary development.”
In responding to many of the comments, Andersson said, “In future, ESF will be much more a networking organisation with the Member Organisations for the benefit of European science. Two lessons to make it happen – EuroHORCS is part of the family, and the Member Organisations will be able to engage more with ESF. Crucial, though, is that ESF will be networking with our Member Organisations.”
In his summary comments on the strategic plan prior to Assembly voting, ESF President Reinder van Duinen said, “The plan presents a well-balanced reflection of everyone’s viewpoints during consultation. Today we have had several comments on structure, processes, instruments, and quality, all of which we have taken to heart.”
The Assembly then unanimously endorsed the strategic plan and approved its publication; and endorsed the financial plan as an appropriate financial translation of the strategic plan.
In his annual report to the Assembly, Andersson highlighted a roster of activities ESF successfully accomplished during 2005, including:
Partnerships between ESF and EuroHORCS, European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO), (ISE), and the European Commission
New partnership conferences (15 partners) with up to 20 scientific conferences planned for 2006 across Europe
Substantial progress with changes and reforms of COST
20 EUROCORES programmes of which 16 are fully running
A new EUROCORES scheme comprising a high-level committee of high-ranking scientists under the ESF Executive Board
The successful conclusion of the second annual EURYI Award scheme and the first call for nominations published for the 2006 scheme
The Assembly approved two new organisation to ESF membership: The Slovak Academy of Science (Slovakia) and VINNOVA (Sweden).
During the meeting, the 2005 European Latsis Prize was presented to the winner, Professor Donal Bradley of Imperial College, London, for his pioneering work in nano engineering .
The 2005 General Assembly concluded with two special events – the ratification of Professor Ian Halliday as the next ESF President from January 1, 2006, and the stepping down of current President Reinder van Duinen from December 31, 2005.
In his farewell comments – to resounding applause from the Assembly participants – van Duinen thanked his fellow Executive Board members and the Member Organisations, saying, “I have enjoyed your trust and I am glad to have been of service.”
Contact
Claus Nowotny
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 76 71 32
Fax: +33 (0)3 88 76 71 80
Category: Media Centre, Press Releases 2005