ESF Action Line on Research Infrastructures (RI)
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With the implementation of the Action Line on RI, the ESF is well prepared to undertake exploratory and advisory action on research infrastructure issues in all ESF science domains, including specific policy issues, serving the needs of European science research and of the principal actors involved.
Starting line of the ESF Action Line on RI
The Action Line on Research Infrastructures – launched under the ESF Plan 2002 - 2006 – has been implemented in the course of 2002 - in accordance with the terms set out by the ESF Plan and the ESF
ESF will continue to develop and strengthen its role in giving independent scientific advice on all aspects of infrastructures. The definitive agenda will derive from requests from ESF Member Organisations and related national agencies, European authorities such as the European Commission, and in particular in response to the emerging needs of the research community, usually identified through the ESF committee structure, and the Scientific Standing Committees will have an important role to play in this action.
The ESF Statute includes the responsibility to promote cooperation in the use of existing research facilities and in the planning and provision of new ones. [Article II. 2. f]
ESF launched its Action line in response also to major developments at the European policy scene:
The EC-organised Strasbourg Conference 2000 on Research Infrastructures recommended that a new and efficient decision-making process for research infrastructures should be established in Europe, based on high quality independent scientific advice; the ESF was identified as the appropriate organisation to assume such a scientific advisory role at the European level. [Research Infrastructure Conference, 18-20 September 2000, Strasbourg - click here for full text of Final Declaration.]
Remit, scope and goals of the ESF Action Line on RI
ESF’s Action Line on RI has been g
to explore scientific-strategic issues of research infrastructures, and provide advice, from an independent, science-driven European perspective, committed to the advancement of science and research in Europe, and taking into account the optimal use of human and financial resources available in Europe.
In its general scope, ESF’s Action Line should aim to produce a coherent scheme of activities on research infrastructures with a balanced agenda and coverage of science domains, including specific policy issues, serving the needs of European science and research and of the involved actors (research communities, ESF Member Organisations, and other relevant agencies and institutions). After its 3rd year, ESF’s Action Line will be subject to a review.
ESF’s working definition of ‘Research Infrastructures’ covers, in principle:
large research facilities with a unique capability;
medium or small scale research infrastructures which have a European-wide or regional impact single-site or distributed);
scientific data bases or collections (single-site or distributed) of substantial value and European impact; and
underpinning infrastructure, such as broadband connectivity or GRIDS, for European science research.
ESF action on research infrastructure should, in general, be ‘responsive’ - in reaction to qualified requests/needs. Also, ESF action should, in general, be ‘objective’ - undertaken from a neutral and independent position. [ESF Expert Groups, according to their specific terms of reference, may pursue action on RI issues in a pro-active manner.] If and when appropriate, ESF may decide to become an active promoter of a specific project (as this has been the case for the project of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility ESRF).
The ESF Executive Board recommended that ESF may foresee different types of action on research infrastructures, depending on their scale:
Large-scale research facilities: Due to their extended scale and costs such projects depend finally on inter-governmental political engagement which is within the sphere of interest but generally beyond the potential and responsibility of ESF’s Member Organisations (and even beyond the capabilities of smaller countries). Hence, ESF action on large-scale research infrastructure should in general not be pro-active but be undertaken from a neutral position. Concretely, ESF action could cover exploration, evaluation, reviewing, and recommendation.
Smaller–to-medium scale facilities: Such research infrastructure projects, and their trans-national sharing, pooling and networking, are well within the responsibility and decision powers of ESF Member Organisations. Accordingly, ESF should be open to facilitating and pro-active action on smaller-to-medium-size infrastructures of European impact, in collaboration with involved Member Organisations. Special emphasis could focus on ‘distributed facilities’ which require a substantial effort of analysis, planning and coordination.
In the end, the ESF Action Line should ensure a balanced and timely ESF agenda and action scheme on research infrastructures covering in principle all ESF science domains, including specific policy matters, which should serve the needs of European science research and of the principal actors involved.
Partnership
ESF in its action on RI matters works in internal partnership with its own Expert Committees and its Member Organisations. ESF also works in external partnership with learned/specialist societies, and with institutions at the national, European and international level, such as the European Commission and OECD Global Science Forum.
In operational terms, ESF will not duplicate others’ action but act in a complementary fashion, in recognition of relevant action on specific matters taken up by other actors (in Europe and internationally) with whom ESF may work in partnership.
Initial agenda of the ESF Action Line on RI
The initial agenda of the ESF Action Line on RI comprises more than 2 dozen actions on research infrastructure. This current agenda wil
ESF publications on RI
ESF is publishing the results of all its activities, including those undertaken for external entities. Publishing is done through printing or through internet (ESF w
ESF procedures; ESF evaluation criteria
The agenda of the ESF Action Line on RI is to be pursued in the first instance through the scientific Standing Committees and Expert Groups of ESF, complemented by special panels. A small-sized Research Infrastructures Unit has been implemented, providing advice, coordination and support. The ESF Executive Board provides oversight and quality control. The working capacity may need enhancement if ESF’s envisaged advisory role on RI matters in the European Research Area (ERA) materialises.
Essential ingredients of the ESF Action Line on RI are coherent and transparent working procedures, matching criteria for RI evaluation, and concise information for research organisations and research communities interested in ES
Additional and specific information may be inquired from ESF.
Costing of ESF activities on RI
In general, ESF’s expenditures for activities on RI requested by ESF Member Organisations and by external organisations are to be paid by the requesting parties. External entities shall generally reimburse ESF in full. ESF Member Organisations might be willing to support the execution of specific ESF activities on RI subjects.