Scientific organisations lend urgency to ERC debate
A letter signed by over 50 European scientific organisations has warned against complacency in the establishment of a European Research Council (ERC), a pan-European funding organisation for basic research. The letter, published in the August edition of Science Magazine, was drafted by the Initiative for Science in Europe (ISE), an association of 11 organisations established to promote basic science at European level. It is co-signed by many of the leading European scientific organisations, a mass petition that the ISE describes as 'unheard of in Europe,' indicating the importance these organisations attach to the ERC debate. 'It is a very positive development in the EU that many governments now recognise that basic, not just targeted, research is vital for a knowledge-based society,' the letter starts. 'The enlarged EU, a newly elected European Parliament, and a new Commission should now grasp the historic opportunity to establish without delay a European Research Council, with full participation of the scientific community.' The organisations argue that an ERC is needed to ensure that the best research is funded and to combat the prevailing fragmentation of research efforts in Europe. 'Its budget must be commensurate with the ambition of achieving a proper balance with European targeted programmes,' they add, without mentioning specific figures. Strengthening basic research is also in the interests of industrial innovation and competitiveness, the letter continues, which require a strong science base, new human resources, better science education and renewed priority for science communication and culture. However, the letter also hints at the potential consequences if the opportunity to increase support to basic research is not seized: 'Europe has lost significant ground vis-à-vis the United States. For instance, Europe's share in high-impact publications is deteriorating in most areas, its performance in Nobel prizes is fading, and its capability to attract top scientists from abroad, or even to retain its own talents, is dangerously declining. [...] Failure to [act] may lead to an irreparable loss of talent.' The organisations welcome the preparatory work on basic research carried out by the Commission, and in particular, highlight the positive role played by Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin. However, they warn of the danger of complacency, saying that in times of more limited financial prospects than hoped for, highly visible political issues may obscure the long-term benefits of basic research. 'We call upon those who are entrusted by Europe's people to create the conditions for Europe's long-term future to act on the conviction that science is a cornerstone of European society,' the letter concludes. 'Scientists and their organisations, universities, and research institutes are today united and ready to continue their efforts to make the ERC a reality.'