Tomorrow's event hosted by the European Parliament – “Investing in Young Researchers, Shaping Europe’s Future” – is the first joint initiative of the Parliament's STOA panel and the European Research Council (ERC). Bringing together ERC grantees, Nobel laureates and high-level personalities from the European Commission and Parliament, it is a chance to engage beyond borders.
The plenary sessions on 31 May will be live-streamed: both the opening at 8.30AM - 9.15AM and the closing at 10.45AM - 11.30AM. The latter will include reporting from six sessions on topical themes: from modern energy solutions, eco-efficient transport and sustainable management of natural resources to digital revolution, health and science policy. Programme
The three EU institutions that were all part of the creation of the ERC in 2007 gave statements on the eve of the event.
European Parliament President Antonio TAJANI commented: "I'm honoured to host a debate on the occasion of this event at the Parliament with participation of inspiring, top-level scientists and my fellow Members of the European Parliament. Over the years the Parliament has become a voice of ambition calling for EU leadership in support of more research funding. The STOA-ERC event is very timely to show what Europe does for research and what research can do for Europe."
Representing the Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Minister of Education and Research of Bulgaria Krassimir VALTCHEV said: "I am proud that a Bulgarian top researcher is among those presenting cutting-edge science to policy-makers at this important event. To be at the forefront globally, we need to back our best researchers in Europe. Continued support to the ERC is therefore paramount in the next EU programme 'Horizon Europe'. The ERC has already raised the level of science across Europe significantly, including in the EU-13 member states, and serves as an example that has inspired changes in the approach to research in many countries. Having the ERC as the best label for supporting our bright minds in Europe, we all need to do more to enhance the skills of the future generation of scientists and invest in quality education and training."
European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Carlos Moedas said: "From artificial intelligence to sustainable energy and health challenges such as Parkinson's disease, fundamental research is vital for the future prosperity and well-being of European citizens. For over a decade, the European Research Council has proved to be a successful model for nurturing the best brains and ideas in Europe, triggering major breakthroughs. This joint event, bringing together policy-makers and researchers, is extremely timely as we lay the foundations for a reinforced focus on frontier research in the framework of the EU's future budget and R&I programme."
The event will showcase what Europe does for research through powerful testimonies and authoritative feedback provided by mainly young ERC grantees. Furthermore, this dialogue will consider how initiatives as the ERC, part of the EU's Horizon 2020 programme, can help shape the future of Europe.
Biographies of researchers speaking at the event
Press pack on the ERC
Follow the event on Twitter: #ERCSTOA
Practical information for journalists
Journalists who already hold a permanent media accreditation with the EP will be able to access the event. For those not holding a permanent media accreditation, requests to attend the conference can be sent to media.accreditation@europarl.europa.eu. Video and photo journalists should get a special accreditation to be allowed to use their cameras during the conference.
