European Science Foundation's governing council meeting in Budapest gives the go-ahead to key measures intended to promote the organisation and its agenda
The ESF governing council has taken a number of important steps aimed at advancing the European research agenda.
Held over the 19th and 20th of the governing council was the first following the governance changes agreed by the ESF assembly in November 2006.
The new-look governing council comprises single representatives at head of organisation level from each of ESF's member countries.
This new configuration provided the environment for discussions on a number of key issues for both ESF and the European research scene in general.
Ian Halliday, president of the ESF, said: "We are faced with a number of key challenges, and it is crucial that we work together, review our practices, and consolidate our efforts".
Green paper on future perspectives for the ERA.
To respond to the ERA green paper consultation, ESF will work with the European heads of research councils (Eurohorcs) to provide a common input on behalf of their members.
A joint high-level task force will highlight key issues for the ERA and outline ways to address these issues.
ESF Science Advisory Board.
In an important decision for the operation of ESF, the council approved the terms of reference and the potential membership of a science advisory board, a high-level advisory panel comprising the chairs of ESF standing committees and independent scientists under an independent chair.
The board will play a key role in overseeing the quality of ESF's procedures and will provide high level scientific advice in respect of key instruments, policy and strategy and the launch of major new activities.
