Brussels, 07 August 2002
The decision by the Danish Presidency to raise the issue of a possible European research council at an event in October has encouraged discussion on the possible role of the council. In line with this, Euroscience has established a discussion forum for stakeholders and interested parties to share their opinions on the possibility.
The association of heads of European research funding organisations (EUROHORCS) is appraising the possibility of a European research council and it has already agreed that a non-governmental funding institution could be an efficient tool to bring about transnational competition between European laboratories, especially in areas that are not covered by the Framework programmes.
Euroscience says that the prevailing opinion so far in the debate is agreement by national research organisations that scientists from different countries should be given more opportunities for funding outside European Commission programmes, but that any new moves should be made in agreement with the Commission.
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In order to participate in the event, please send an e-mail to the address given below.
For further information, please contact: E-mail: Frederic.Sgard@sanofi-synthelabo.com