Last fall, Europe’s national research organizations announced the founding of Science Europe, an organization that brings together 50 organizations from across Europe. Based in Brussels, Science Europe will promote the collective interests of its member organizations, and streamline the coordination of policies and activities. Its creation will accelerate progress on implementing the actions set out in the road map for the realization of the European Research Area developed by the European Heads of Research Councils (EUROHORCs) and the European Science Foundation in 2009. Its location in Brussels will enable Science Europe to work in effective partnership with the European Commission and other European organizations with similar aims.

In addition to coordinating policy work among its members, in 2012, Science Europe will establish six scientific committees that will be made up of leading European researchers to ensure a direct voice for the scientific community in the organization’s strategic outlook, policies, and priorities.

As Science Europe’s first president, Assembly-elected Paul Boyle of the Research Councils UK said, “Science Europe will provide a strong single voice for research funding and performing organizations in Europe; it is essential for us to work together to support research to address the global challenges we face today.”

Preparations for the establishment of Science Europe have been in development for two years, and a Pilot Board, with a small Pilot Office in Brussels, has been operating since February 2011 to prepare for its establishment and enable a Secretariat to be operational quickly. The Pilot Office has also been working closely with the European Science Foundation to ensure coherence and avoid duplication of activity.