European Space Sciences Committee issues recommendations for Horizon 2020 Work Programme and EU Space Strategy
Monday 11th July 2016 - The European Science Foundation’s (ESF) European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC) has issued recommendations and inputs to the consultation process set up by the European Commission on the 2018-2020 Work Programme for Horizon 2020 – SPACE. The Committee was also asked by the European Commission to make targeted inputs to the ongoing public consultation on a Space Strategy for Europe. Areas covered by the ESSC recommendations include the exploitation of space data, the use of “CubeSat” miniaturised satellites and the integration of ground-based and space-based research. The Committee also made recommendations on health research in space, gravitational waves research, solar system exploration, heliophysics and space weather. Space surveillance and tracking and the Copernicus and Sentinel programmes are also covered by the submissions which can be seen at www.esf.org/space. On the European Space Strategy, the ESSC highlighted the relevance of space sciences for European citizens in the areas of security, environment, health and engineering. The Committee also underlined the strategic role that space sciences can play in European technology development, innovation and industrial leadership. The detailed ESSC recommendations on the 2018-2020 Work Programme for Horizon2020 and the contribution to the European Space Strategy are available at: www.esf.org/space Professor Athena Coustenis, ESSC Chair, said: “The ESSC is unique in Europe as it represents the interests of the broader space sciences community in a single entity. It provides expert inputs through positions discussed and agreed in its four disciplinary panels and by the entire committee. We’re pleased to make our recommendations to the European Commission as it shapes the next phase of Horizon 2020 SPACE. Additionally we have provided the inputs of European space scientists around the priorities and opportunities that we believe are important for the European Space Strategy to address.” Mr Nicolas Walter, ESSC Executive Scientific Secretary, said: “Members of the European Space Sciences Committee are active and recognised experts in their respective scientific communities and the advice they provide is based on consultations they have with their colleagues. Working closely with the Committee Chair, the ESF Space Unit supports ESSC discussions and the dissemination of their mutually agreed positions”. Dr. Jean-Claude Worms, ESF Chief Executive, said: “The ESSC is one of the crown jewels of the ESF Expert Boards and Committees. Its role is recognised and respected by the main space stakeholders worldwide and serves to support the Europe’s leadership position in many areas of space science. These recommendations will help the EU to define a strong and visible space strategy for the continent”. Notes to Editor: ESF is a services-based organisation that contributes to the European Research Area (ERA). More at: http://www.esf.org/esf-today/recent-developments.html The European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC) of the European Science Foundation is an independent committee that provides expert advice to European and national research funding and research performing organisations that support space sciences in Europe. More at: http://www.esf.org/space ENDS
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