Editorial – Joining forces for science and scientists in Europe
What a nice initiative from the EuCheMS president Ulrich Schubert to invite me to participate in the General Assembly of the European Association for Chemical and Molecular Sciences. This took place on 11-12 October 2012 in Dublin, in the beautiful library of the Irish Royal Academy.
Two round table dicussions were organized, on the following items:
- What are the European needs for Member Societies
- Combining forces for Horizon 2020.
The discussions were interesting and lively, and many possible elements of collaboration between the EuCheMS and the EPS emerged, ranging from a common participation in the Initiative for Science in Europe [ISE], to a joint dual partnership EuCheMS-EPS for the organization of the next European Energy Conference [E2C] in 2013, to a combined effort in supporting science and scientists in Europe through Horizon 2020.
During the round table, I had the opportunity to stress (once more) the position of the EPS, namely that:
i) researchers should be included in policy development at the EU/EC level;
ii) scientific excellence should be the prime factor in research funding decisions;
iii) basic research is necessary for the social, economic and cultural development of Europe (no matter how the transition to application and industrial development occurs);
iv) education and training are essential to maintain and develop research excellence in Europe.
With respect to the above, we already know that other Societies and Organizations share our same concern.
Let’s then join forces in a common strategy for science and scientists in Europe. I will focus on this during the final six months of my mandate.
Luisa Cifarelli
EPS President
