Previous Fora / 2011
TINDEMANS, Peter
Founder Member of Euroscience
- Peter Tindemans, PhD theoretical physics Leiden University 1975, switched to science policy. Coordinated the first comprehensive Dutch Innovation Policy in 1979. From 1991 till 1998 leading overall Research and Science Policy in the Netherlands. Involved in key European initiatives such as EUREKA (member High Level Group), COSINE for establishing the first pan-European data networking backbone (chair Policy Group) and global efforts such as the OECD Megascience Forum (chair 1992-1999). Since 1999 independent consultant, working with World Bank, UNESCO and governments in Africa, Latin and Central America, and Asia on Science, Technology and Innovation Policies; with regional governments, universities and companies in Europe on regional innovation policies including open innovation campuses; until April 2010 chair European Spallation Source (1,4 B€ neutron facility). On a global (rapporteur-general World Conference on Science, UNESCO-ICSU) and European level (EUROHORCS-Ministerial conferences on EU vs national STI policies) heavily involved in future STI policies and ICT infrastructure governance (first chair Alliance for Permanent Access). Responsible for merger (effective January 2010) of all Dutch natural history collections into top-5 museum and Research Centre of Excellence in Biodiversity. Currently member of EU High Level Expert Group on Research and Education Networks. Writes and lectures extensively about STI policies. Member Governing Board Euroscience and of ESOF Supervisory Board. Lead author of Euroscience response to EC consultation on Strategic Framework for Research and Innovation (2011).
ABSTRACT
14:30-16:30 18 NOVEMBER
PLENARY SESSION V. “FORUM OF GLOBAL FORA”
The EUROSCIENCE OPEN FORUM
The biennial EUROSCIENCE OPEN FORUM (ESOF) is organized by Euroscience, the only grassroots organization of scientists at a European level. It is the only European meeting where scientists, science teachers, media, policy makers, industry and the public can debate, influence and be informed about current and future developments in science and technology, their impact on society, and policy issues. Thus ESOF aims to:
· Present cutting-edge scientific and technological developments in all scientific areas from natural sciences to the social sciences and the humanities;
· Stimulate the European public’s engagement with science and technology;
· Foster a European dialogue on science and technology, society and policy by offering a platform for cross-disciplinary interaction and communication between the public, politicians, policy makers, industry, the media and scientists;
· Provide a valuable resource, including careers advice, for young scientists.
Euroscience is the voice of science in Europe. At a national level several organizations exist modeled in some way after the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). With its annual AAAS conferences a platform for American science was created that has become a venerable tradition. With Euroscience and the so far biennial ESOF conferences European scientists now have a similar platform. Euroscience is an international organisation with offices in Strasbourg open to researchers, policy-makers, journalists, teachers, Ph.D students, engineers, industrialists, and in general to all citizens interested in science and technology and their links with society. It represents European academics of all disciplines, including the social sciences and humanities, universities and public and private research centres. The Association brings together 2,300 members and many corporate members from 40 European countries. Euroscience is and has been active in many areas. For example, Euroscience was the driving force behind the European Charter for Researchers and the associated Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers adopted by the European Commission and the EU Council of Ministers. Euroscience has also been very vocal in the debates about establishing the European Research Council and policies for space science in Europe. Several local chapters anchor Euroscience in local scientific communities. Further information on Euroscience is to be found at
ESOF was organized for the first time in 2004 in Stockholm with support from Swedish organizations, the European Commission and foundations and companies from all over Europe. It is actually many things in one.
· Scientific Programme: seminars, workshops, debates on the new developments and hotly debated issues in scientific research and the relationship between science and society;
· Career Programme: platform for young European researchers and employers to discuss career conditions and assist young researchers to get started;
· Science to Business: panel discussions and other activities dedicated to business and potential entrepreneurs;
· Science to Media: a specific track dedicated to discussions on science communication;
· Science in the City: a large series of events (lectures, shows, demonstrations, plays etc) to take scientific culture to the general public;
· Exhibition: a display case for research organization, companies, publishers, funding organizations, etc on scientific and technological research in Europe;
· Social and satellite events: an opportunity for a variety of European organizations to hold parallel events and conferences in the host city.
Euroscience has for a number of years received the support of five European foundations to strengthen the continuity of ESOF, amongst others through establishing a permanent team at the Strasbourg offices of Euroscience led by the ESOF Director. These organizations are the Robert Bosch Stiftung (Germany), the Compagnia di San Paolo (Italy), the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft (Germany), the Fondazione Caripló (Italy) and the Stiftelsen Riksbankens Jubileumsfond (Sweden).
The host city is selected on the basis of a prestigious competition. Cities and regions are invited to submit bids which demonstrate the local, regional and national support for organizing ESOF. An international Steering Committee supervises the organization of ESOF, a local organizing committee is the executive part, and an international programme committee is responsible for the selection on a competitive basis of proposals from across the world to organize panel discussions, presentations and other sessions. ESOF does not lead to declarations or conclusions. All of this has resulted in a rapid growth in all parameters of the successive ESOF conferences after the first one in Stockholm.