ERC Conference in Budapest - Promoting Excellence in Research in Europe

20 June 2011
11.00 - 20.30
Budapest, Hundary
ERC
Cover image of ERC Conference in Budapest - Promoting Excellence in Research in Europe

At the occasion of the Hungarian Presidency of the European Union, the European Research Council (ERC) organised jointly with the Hungarian Academy of Sciences a conference on “Promoting Excellence in Research in Europe”. The event, which took place in Budapest on the 20th of June 2011, aimed to raise awareness about the ERC’s funding opportunities and the ERC’s role within the broader European Research Area.

The spotlight was on top researchers who have been successful in obtaining highly competitive ERC grants to develop their projects. The event, which was open to the press, also looked at the ERC’s role in terms of innovation and at “blue sky” research funding in Central Europe.

A selection of ERC grant holders gave their testimonials. The conference was opened by Hungarian Minister of State for Strategic Affairs Zoltán Cséfalvay, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Máire Geoghegan-Quinn (by video-message), President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences József Pálinkás. High level representatives from the European Parliament and the Hungarian Parliament also spoke. From the ERC’s side, President Prof. Helga Nowotny gave a key-note speech. Scientific Council members Prof. Norbert Kroó and Prof. Jens Rostrup-Nielsen, and ERC Executive Agency Director Pablo Amor, also participated.

The participation is free of charge.

Programme

08:15

Registration

 

Chair (morning sessions): Norbert Kroó, Member of the ERC Scientific Council
09:00

Welcome address
József Pálinkás, President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences

09:10

The European research Council from a national standpoint
Tibor Navracsics, Deputy Prime Minister, President of the Hungarian National Council of Research, Innovation and Science Policy

09:25

The role of the European Research Council in the Innovation Union, the Europe 2020 Flagship Initiative (video message)
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science

09:35

The European Parliament's vision of the European Research Council
László Surján, Member of the European Parliament

09:50

Keynote speech: Strategy, challenges and prospects for the European Research Council 
Helga Nowotny, President of the European Research Council

10:20

Coffee break  and Press Conference with:

  • Helga Nowotny, European Research Council President
  • József Pálinkás, President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences
  • László Surján, Member of the European Parliament 

11:15

ERC Starting Grant holders share their experience 
Moderator: Pablo Amor, Director ad interim, ERC Executive Agency

Panel discussion with:

  • Daniela Grunow, ERC Starting Grantee 2010
  • Konstantin Novoselov, ERC Starting Grantee 2007
  • Csaba Pál, ERC Starting Grantee 2007 

12:30

Lunch 

 

Chair (afternoon sessions): Pablo Amor, Director ad interim, ERC Executive Agency

14:00

ERC Advanced Grant holders share their experience
Moderator: Teresa Lago, Member of the ERC Scientific Council

Panel discussion:

  • Kirsten Hastrup, ERC Advanced Grantee 2008
  • Eva Kondorosi, ERC Advanced Grantee 2010
  • Mel Slater, ERC Advanced Grantee 2008

15:00

Coffee break

15:30-18:00

PARALLEL WORKSHOPS: 
WORKSHOP 1: How can the ERC contribute to the Innovation Union?

Moderator: Jens Rostrup-Nielsen, Member of the ERC Scientific Council

Presentations followed by a panel discussion with:

  • Michael Baßler, ERC Starting Grantee 2010
  • Felice Cervone, ERC Advanced Grantee 2008
  • Davide Iannuzzi, ERC Starting Grantee 2007
  • Leopold Demiddeleer, President of the Board, European Industrial Research Management Association (EIRMA)
  • Alexander von Gabain, Elected Chairman of the Governing Board, European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) 

WORKSHOP 2: Funding excellence in blue sky research in Central Europe

Moderator: William Cannell, Advisor, Directorate General for Research & Innovation, European Commission

Panel discussion with representatives of national research funding organisations:

  • Petr Matějů, President, Czech Science Foundation
  • László P. Kollár, President, Hungarian Scientific Research Fund (OTKA)
  • Michał Karoński, President of the Scientific Council, National Science Center, Poland

18:00

Closing speeches

 

Zoltán Cséfalvay, Minister of State for Strategic Affairs, Hungarian Ministry for National Economy, Hungary

18:30

Closing cocktail