Dialogue and co-operation for a strong European Research Area

On the occasion of signing a Joint Statement on the European Research Area (ERA) with the European Commission and other stakeholder organisations, Science Europe reaffirms its commitment to strengthen the ERA through direct engagement with key partners as well as by facilitating co-operation and co-ordination amongst members.

“Science Europe is fully committed to playing a central role in the development of the ERA”, said Professor Paul Boyle, President of Science Europe, during the Joint Statement signing ceremony. “We see ERA as creative, flexible, trust-based, dynamic and evolving. It is something that can only be a success if all stakeholders work together and if there is a strong evidence base for the actions that are undertaken”.

In 2008 the European Heads of Research Councils (EUROHORCs) and the European Science Foundation (ESF) launched a joint ‘vision for a globally-competitive ERA and a roadmap for actions’. Science Europe is now taking forward this roadmap, which is the concrete action plan for its work towards the ERA; in the coming months it will revise it by assessing the progress that has been made and setting clear and ambitious new goals.

In particular, priority will be given to what is known as the ‘European Grant Union’, which is about effective scientific collaboration across borders. Science Europe will analyse and promote collaborative mechanisms, and will provide advice and examples of best practice. Open Access will also be a key topic on which Science Europe members will develop and implement a common policy and action plan. Other priorities include research infrastructures, research careers, ex-post evaluation, research integrity, and connecting Europe to the world.  

These actions encompass many of the areas that the European Commission has identified in the context of the ERA Framework. Science Europe is keen to ensure continuing dialogue and co-operation, whilst maintaining its independence and taking full responsibility for its roadmap actions and contribution to ERA.

Science Europe comprises 50 research funding and research performing organisations from 25 countries, representing around €30 billion per annum. It was founded in Berlin inOctober 2011 with the aim of promoting the collective interests of members and providing them with a platform to collaborate at both policy and activity level.

If you would like to read Science Europe Statement on the European Research Area or the Joint Statement On Working in Partnership in Achieving the European Research Area, please visit or website at http://www.scienceeurope.org/index.php?page=news. For more information please contact Elena Torta:Elena.torta@scienceeurope.org, Tel. +32 (0)475 84 01 12

Marco Grappeggia