RSS Feeds

Earth Science

Space Science

Life Science

Fields of Scientific Study

Nanotechnology

Cancer

Definitions of The Fields of Scientific Study

A unified status for researchers needed in Europe

March 02, 2004

At the three day Early Stage Researcher Mobility conference (www.mariecurie.org/esrm2004/) which took place (February 25-27, 2004) in Lisbon, close to 180 participants, including young researchers, policy makers and senior officials from EU, US and Japanese institutions, representing 42 different nationalities debated issues related to geographic mobility in Europe at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

One of the major obstacles to more competitive research in Europe is the sustained culture of inbreeding, in contrast to the open competition that rears excellence in the United States of America. The national academic markets in the EU should increase transparency in recruitment and promotion policies, adequately recognizing the importance of a mobility experience; an intrinsic component of the European Commission's Marie Curie Actions as well as other international and national initiatives.

The introduction of a unified status for European researchers is urgent to raise their professional recognition, in view of the fundamental role research plays in the knowledge-based society. The rich cultural diversity of Europe enhances but also hinders mobility, accentuating administrative hurdles encountered by Early Stage Researchers (ESR). A clear definition of the research career would make it possible to gather statistical data for scientific studies and encourage regulation on their employment rights (health care, pensions, maternity leave, childcare centers, etc.). Mobile researchers suffer from not being adequately integrated in the host institution and country.

Funding mechanisms for basic research are needed in Europe for the accomplishment of the Lisbon Declaration (http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/era/3pct/index_en.html). The younger generation is often indifferent towards research due to the lack of attractive research career perspectives. EC funding is targeted, of limited duration and does not empower them sufficiently. The academic track is narrow and elitists and does not reward international experience or non-academic research. The creation of a European Research Council is a beacon for ESR. It gives them hope that the EC and EU member states will review their R&D funding policies and priority setting to better fit the exciting internationalization and multidisciplinary characteristics that they find appealing, while enhancing their participation in the policy process to assure an effective European Research Area.

In Stockholm (August 25-28) during the Euroscience Open Forum (www.esof2004.org) the debates at the ESRM conference will stimulate a follow-up session on mobility of ESR and three others on: the situation of researchers in CEEC, mobility beyond Europe and return and reintegration of researchers, organised by the Marie Curie Fellowship Association.

Organizers of the ESRM2004:
EUROSCIENCE: www.euroscience.org
Marie Curie Fellowship Association: www.mariecurie.org
EURODOC: www.eurodoc.net
PI-Net: www.postgrad.org

European Science Foundation (ESF)

Science Research Departments

	Scientific Explorer's Mind Blowing Science Kit for Young Scientists by Scientific Explorer Mind blowing experiments to delight and educate young scientists! Erupt a color changing volcano. Mix up magic ooze with a mind of its own. Play with sand that never gets wet. Mix safe chemicals and watch colors change before your eyes. You'll amaze yourself and your friends as you explore the science behind these truly remarkable reactions.
	The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book: Boil Ice, Float Water, Measure Gravity-Challenge the World Around You! (Everything Kids Series) by Tom Robinson (Author) Science has never been so easy - or so much fun! With The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book, all you need to do is gather a few household items and you can recreate dozens of mind-blowing, kid-tested science experiments. High school science teach Tom Robinson shows you how to expand your scientific horizons - from biology to chemistry to physics to outer space. You'll discover answers to questions like: Is it possible to blow up a balloon without actually blowing into it? What is inside coins? Can a magnet ever be "turned off"? Do toilets always flush in the same direction? Can a swimming pool be cleaned with just the breath of one person? Get ready to enter the laboratory and learn how to conduct cool experiments, understand scientific terms...
	Scientific Explorer's Disgusting Science - A Kit for Studying the Science of Revolting Things by Scientific Explorer Grow your own friendly germs and fuzzy molds. Mix up a batch of coagulating fake blood. Even make a stinky intestine. learn the science behind unmentionable bodily functions while doing some truly NASTY Experiments. Ages 8+
	The Science Book: Everything You Need to Know About the World and How It Works (National Geographic) by National Geographic (Author), Marshall Brain (Foreword) A delight for the casual reader, yet so complete and wide-ranging that science buffs and students will welcome it, The Science Book encapsulates centuries of scientific thought in one richly illustrated volume. Natural phenomena, revolutionary inventions, and the most up-to-date investigations are explained in detailed text, and 2,000 vivid illustrationsincluding 3-D graphics and pictogramsmake the information even more accessible and amazing to discover. The Science Book offers both a general overview of topics for the browsing reader and more specific information for those seeking deeper insight into a particular subject. Six major sections, ranging from the universe and planet Earth to biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, encompass everything from microscopic life...
	Scientific Explorer's The Magic Science Wizard's Kit by Scientific Explorer Cast real smoke from your fingertips, make a wizard wand, and whip up color-changing potions in your test tube laboratory. Also included are laminated cards with wizard facts, an instruction booklet with 11 activities, lab equipment, and mysterious wizard powders that will mix together to mystify you!
	Scientific Explorer's Tasty Science Chemistry in the Kitchen Kit by Scientific Explorer Who knew science could taste so good? With this kit, you’ll whip up cupcakes, cookies, candy, and more—all in the name of science! Learn what makes cakes rise, candy crystallize, and more real chemistry happen in the kitchen. Tasty Science is packed with ingredients, recipes, activity cards, a test tube laboratory, and lots more to explore the science of taste.
	The Complete Book of Science, Grades 5-6 by School Specialty Publishing (Author) The Complete Book of Science for grades 5 to 6 teaches children important science skills! Children complete a variety of exercises that help them develop a number of skills in this 352 page workbook. Including a complete answer key this workbook features a user-friendly format perfect for browsing, research, and review. Over 4 million in print! The best-selling Complete Book series offers a full complement of instruction, activities, and information about a single topic or subject area. Containing over 30 titles and encompassing preschool to grade 8 this series helps children succeed in every subject area! ...
	Magic School Bus Journey into the Human Body Science Kit by Young Scientist Club The Magic School Bus and Ms. Frizzle take Young Scientists on a wild ride into the human body with these breathtaking experiments. Young Scientists bend bones, make joints, map taste buds, expand lungs, build a stethoscope, measure lung capacities and heart rates, perform the iodine starch test, spin glitter, simulate synovial fluid, create a human body poster, and much, much more! This exciting kit includes a life-size poster with eight sheets of body part stickers. So put on your seat belts, students, and get ready to discover The Human Body!
	Scientific Explorer's Glow in the Dark Fun Lab Science Kit by Scientific Explorer You will love setting up your own Glow in the Dark Fun Lab. Create a light wand, make your own glow stick, and even generate a human-powered light.
	What Is the World Made Of? All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 2) by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld (Author), Paul Meisel (Author) Did you ever walk through a wall? Drink a glass of blocks? Have you ever played with a lemonade doll, or put on milk for socks? This latest addition to the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series introduces the youngest readers to an important science concept: the differences between solids, liquids, and gases. Any child who wants to know why he can't walk through a wall will enjoy Kathleen Zoehfeld's simple text and Paul Meisel's playful illustrations.