Press Release Press Release

European Science Foundation announces appointment of new Chief Executive, Dr Jean-Claude Worms

Dr. Jean-Claude Worms has been appointed Chief Executive of the Strasbourg-based European Science Foundation (ESF).  With over 22 years’ experience in research management, Dr. Worms leads the organisation as it completes the re-alignment of its service offering. ESF is now focused exclusively on providing public and private clients with expert research support services derived from the organisation’s core technical and independent skill base, including peer review; evaluation; career tracking and programme management. Dr. Worms joined the ESF in 1994, since when he has held various positions, in particular Executive Scientific Secretary for the ESF’s Space Sciences Committee (ESSC), and Head of ESF’s Science Support Office. He succeeds Mr. Martin Hynes who, following four years of managing transition, has been elected as President of ESF.

Dr. Worms has played a key role in formulating science policy and implementation through high-level structures of the European Commission, and of the European Space Agency (ESA) in which, since 1999, he was observer to ESA’s Ministerial Conferences. He is a member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal on Nanotechnologies and the main scientific organiser and Editor of several solar system-related sessions in Scientific Assemblies of the Committee for Space Research (COSPAR). He also acted as a consultant for DASSAULT on the state-of-the-art French civilian research in Infrared and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) imaging.

Dr. Worms holds a PhD in physics and was Assistant Professor in physics and astronomy from 1989 to 1992 in Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, and Université Versailles Saint-Quentin. 

He said: “It is a huge honour to lead the European Science Foundation, building further from a proud heritage of 42 years in support of European science. We are uniquely positioned to provide the scientific research community and funding agencies, both public and private, with expert, independent research support services. Our intention is to be a key partner in delivering a globally competitive European Research Area.”

Mr. Martin Hynes, President of ESF said: “I warmly welcome the appointment of Jean-Claude to the role of Chief Executive. It is imperative that Europe regain leadership in science and its application; ESF, supported by our Scientific advisers, has a key role to play. Dr. Worms, with his extensive network and a rejuvenated team and environment, will bring a wealth of fresh insight and technical expertise to the role”.

Issued By:

Rachel Graham, MKC Communications, 00 353 1 703 8608, Rachel@mkc.ie

Note to Editor:

ESF is now a services-based organisation that continues to contribute to the European Research Area (ERA). It is building on core strengths developed in peer review, evaluation and project management services and continues to host five Expert Boards and Committees that provide in-depth and focused scientific expertise in selected disciplines. We are taking on this new endeavour with a commitment to high quality for our Member Organisations and the science community to provide valued services to Europe and beyond.

ESF currently has 13 Member Organisations from 11 European countries.