ESF

The European Science Foundation (ESF) was founded in 1974 and serves as the umbrella organisation for 79 research funding agencies and scientific organisations from 30 European countries. The purpose of the ESF is to promote the coordination of activities in the field of basic research throughout Europe through specially designed programmes (e.g. network programmes, transnational funding programmes, workshops and conferences) and to strategically position basic research in the European context.

ESF instruments and programmes
The ESF's funding instruments and programmes are open to researchers from ESF member states and are carried out either by the ESF autonomously or in close cooperation with its member organisations and/or the European Commission. Researchers from outside Europe can participate in specific programmes as long as certain prerequisites are fulfilled.

EUROCORES - European Collaborative Research Programmes
European Collaborative Research Programmes (EUROCORES) are subject-specific programmes which give researchers an opportunity to apply for transnational joint projects (Collaborative Research Projects, or CRPs) which include at least three partners from three different countries. The sub-projects within these joint projects are financed by the national funding agencies participating in a specific EUROCORES programme. Funding decisions are based on funding recommendations from the ESF. The number of countries participating in each EUROCORES programme varies; on average, the programmes involve 9 to 23 funding agencies, 10 to 20 CRPs and 40 to 80 individual projects.

For more information, please visit www.esf.org/eurocores

Research Networking Programmes
The ESF's Research Networking Programmes aim to create European networks and involve medium-term (four to five-year) activities related to specific topics. These programmes usually establish networks among nationally funded research projects from multiple countries (12 on average). Within these programmes, the following activities can be funded: conferences, workshops, scholarships, publications, scientific databases which have a European dimension, the joint use of resources and infrastructure, etc. Proposals for new programmes can be submitted to the ESF once per year (from July to October). The programmes are funded by ESF member organisations (EUR 120,000 on average per year). The FWF decides on Austria's participation based on an evaluation of the scientific quality of each programme and its importance for the scientific community.

Research Conferences
In this programme, the ESF organizes and funds research conferences in cooperation with international partner organisations. This conference programme provides leading scientists as well as junior researchers with a forum to discuss current developments in their respective fields of research. The conferences last four to five days and are attended by as many as 150 participants. Funding applications can be submitted for the costs of participation (three to four months prior to the conference).

Exploratory Workshops
Exploratory Workshops enable researchers from Europe to exchange know-how and to intensify transnational and interdisciplinary cooperation in high-priority fields of research. These workshops last one to three days and are mainly designed to promote small groups of researchers (approximately 30 participants) in the process of developing new research projects and preparing joint project applications. Each year, the ESF funds approximately 50 Exploratory Workshops from all scientific disciplines with a maximum sum of EUR 15,000 per workshop. Once a year (in March), the ESF publishes a call for new workshop proposals.

Forward Looks
Forward Looks are a strategic instrument developed by the ESF to give researchers as well as decision-makers from ESF member organisations and the EU an opportunity to develop medium to long-term perspectives on future fields of research. The topics for these events are largely proposed by ESF member organisations. In the course of Forward Looks, which are held three to five times per year, conferences lasting two to three days are organised, and reports and action plans are published.

Member Organisations Fora
Member Organisations Fora are a platform for joint strategic activities of the ESF and its member organisations. The topics addressed include peer review processes, research careers, policies and procedures to improve access to publicly funded research data, etc.

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