The European Science Foundation (ESF) and the Graphene Flagship consortium enabled nine young researchers to attend the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF). The trip included a visit to the National Graphene Institute, showcasing opportunities for collaboration and networking in graphene research. Young researchers play a crucial role in adv...
The first European Astrobiology Roadmap has been published, outlining five key research topics and recommending a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. The roadmap prioritizes the study of life in the Solar System and beyond, including habitability, origins of organic compounds, and biosignatures.
A new European Marine Board paper highlights the need for major progress in deep-sea research to underpin future management and exploitation of living and non-living deep-sea resources. The report identifies deficiencies in basic knowledge of deep-sea systems, which could hinder ecosystem-based management and limit sustainability.
A pilot study of post-doctorates and doctorate alumni reveals differences in research outputs, satisfaction levels, and employment continuity between permanent and temporary contract holders. The report also discusses the challenges faced by doctorate holders in finding alternative career paths beyond academia.
The European Science Foundation emphasizes the importance of addressing rare, high-impact geohazards that can lead to global disasters. The report aims to develop robust risk management plans and increase general resilience in the face of surprise events.
A new SPB by COST and ESF explores LCS research's role in enhancing essential responses to Europe's broader challenges. Key findings highlight the importance of cultural literacy in shaping European identities and cultures.
The European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC) has released its position statement on the ESA council meeting at ministerial level, commenting on the impact of decisions taken. The ESSC recommends prioritizing scientific return in the Science Programme and reiterates its support for European involvement in the Global Exploration Strategy.
The European Science Foundation proposes a new model of integrated care support for citizens' health through linked social and health care. Key priorities include personalized care delivery, effective use of ICT applications based on user acceptability, and ensuring respect for formal and informal carers.
The European Science Foundation published a report calling for an advanced understanding of the human brain, highlighting five key opportunities for research. The initiative aims to provide a framework for discussion on future research and practice in light of changes in our understanding of the brain.
Recent studies suggest that moderate coffee consumption may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Epidemiological evidence shows a 25% lower risk associated with three to four cups of coffee per day.
Professor Uffe Haagerup received the 14th European Latsis Prize for his pioneering work in operator algebra, a field with significant applications in quantum field theory. The prize recognizes his unique achievements and contributions to mathematics, solidifying his reputation as a leading mathematician.
A new feasibility study suggests a generic framework for researcher professional development across Europe, overcoming deficiencies and promoting mobility. The framework aims to support researchers in their career aspirations and provide a common language for describing skills.
A new report by the European Science Foundation highlights ten key issues in innovation policy, including the need for context-specific policies and better understanding of knowledge transfer. The report calls for a more evidence-based approach to innovation policy, with a focus on public value and risk-sharing models.
The European Science Foundation's Member Organisation Forum has released a report calling for improved interactions between researchers and society. The report highlights the need for better practice in science-society relationships, including transparent processes, proper rewards, and increased experimentation.
A new Marine Board-ESF position paper highlights gaps in monitoring and regulating chemical pollution in Europe's seas. It calls for better coordination, cooperation, and harmonization among existing monitoring efforts to address the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems.
The European Science Foundation's session on life in extreme environments explores adaptation and sustainable exploitation of resources. Researchers will discuss emerging ideas about biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem responses, and mitigation options.
Experts recommend accounting for water scarcity and pollution in international trade rules to mitigate its impact. The UNESCO-IHE Institute's special report aims to integrate water management into global trade agreements, considering new concepts like virtual water and water footprint.
Professor James Vaupel received the prestigious prize for his groundbreaking research on aging, statistics of senescence, and public health longevity. He was recognized for extending human lifespan by two additional years every decade, highlighting no looming limit to human lifespan.
The report highlights the need for Humanities researchers to build and access 'fit-for-purpose' digital Research Infrastructures, addressing issues like funding models, institutional transformations, and coordination. Digital infrastructures offer new ways to explore old questions and develop new ones in Humanities research.
The European Science Foundation's report highlights key findings from a public consultation on the correlation between gender and innovation, emphasizing the importance of addressing leadership gaps and incorporating gender dimensions in research and innovation. The results advocate for increased policy intervention, funding opportunit...
The European Medical Research Councils' White Paper assesses the current status of biomedical research in Europe and its international collaborators. The report highlights five key recommendations to improve the quality of life for Europeans and address global challenges.
The European Science Foundation has endorsed the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity, which sets out principles for self-regulation of the research community. The code aims to promote trust between science, society, and policymakers by establishing a culture of best practice in research integrity.
The European Science Foundation has released the 2011 revised lists of European Research Index for Humanities, showcasing top-tier journals in the field. The index aims to promote research excellence and national importance of humanities research across Europe.
The report highlights the importance of involving GPs in clinical trials and making research findings more accessible to patients. It also emphasizes the need for greater international collaboration and evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to speed up the translation of research into clinical practice.
The European Commission has allocated an additional 30 million euros to COST, increasing the total budget to 240 million euros for the second half of the EU Seventh Framework Programme. This funding boost is a recognition of COST's governance and potential to drive excellence and innovation in Europe.
The European Peer Review Guide identifies five pillars for supporting good practices of peer review, including core principles, quality assurance, process integrity, governance structure, and methodology. The guide aims to minimize variability in peer review outcomes and foster harmonization in international peer review.
A new roadmap launched by the CAREX project outlines priorities for future research into life in extreme environments, including deserts, polar regions, and deep sea. The report aims to facilitate international collaboration and advance our understanding of life's adaptations to harsh conditions.
Marine biotechnology has the potential to address critical future challenges such as sustainable food and energy, new drugs and health treatments, and industrial materials. The European Science Foundation predicts that with the right actions taken now, Europe could become a global leader in marine biotech by 2020.
The European Science Foundation forecasts the need for powerful new accelerator facilities to tackle fundamental questions in nuclear physics, focusing on energy, health, and environmental problems. This will enhance skills in advanced techniques transferred to industries, ensuring access to expertise in low-carbon energy, medical diag...
Polar research is fragmented in Europe, requiring mainstreaming into the European Research Area to address global scientific questions and climate change impacts. The European Polar Board urges a broad strategy for investment in research activities for long-term European benefit.
The European Science Foundation recommends creating a CERN-like Institute for Mathematics to bridge the gap between math research and industry, promoting collaboration and innovation. This would enable small and medium enterprises to access expertise and funds, driving economic growth and job creation.
Declining sperm counts and testosterone levels are contributing to reduced fertility rates worldwide. At least one in five young men in Europe have subfertile semen quality, while testicular cancer and developmental abnormalities also rise. Poor sperm quality is linked to poorer IVF success rates.
The European Science Foundation's TECHBREAK initiative aims to identify key enabling technologies that can benefit the space sector. By combining expertise from both space and non-space sectors, TECHBREAK seeks to accelerate scientific progress and innovation.
Professor Ilkka Hanski is awarded the European Latsis Prize for his pioneering work in metapopulation biology, shedding light on mechanisms maintaining biodiversity and informing conservation. His research on the Glanville fritillary butterfly has become a model system to study general questions.
The European Science Foundation recommends creating a virtual research institute to focus on RNA research and its applications in treating diseases. The institute would promote superior training of young scientists and deliver dedicated education programs for RNA research.
More than 100 marine scientists advocate for an integrated European network of long-term marine observatories to provide reliable data for sustainable use of seas. The network aims to reduce uncertainty about sea-level rise and its impact on coastal defences, saving millions annually.
The new code addresses good practice and bad conduct in science, offering a basis for trust and integrity across Europe. Researchers will have a common set of standards to self-regulate the research community, preventing misconduct that can endanger reputations.
The Cree people's centuries-old method of rotating hunting territories and killing only adult animals ensured stable moose populations. Modern authorities' reliance on aerial surveys and statistics led to a severe decline in Zone 17's population, but the traditional approach was initially disregarded.
Researchers found that the Big Freeze was triggered by a sudden freshwater pulse from Lake Agassiz in North America, which diluted the North Atlantic conveyor belt and led to rapid temperature drops. The climate took centuries to recover.
Researchers uncover 25 marine shell beads from Morocco and Algeria dating back 70,000-85,000 years, suggesting early humans wore and traded symbolic jewelry. The discovery confirms the oldest form of personal ornaments, adding to similar finds in Africa, Israel, and South Africa.
Researchers have found similarities between brain activity during lucid dreaming and psychosis, suggesting dream therapy could be useful in treating psychiatric conditions. Dissociation, a state of losing conscious control, is common in both lucid dreaming and certain psychiatric disorders.
Leading European scientific institutions are linking up their polar research through a new framework agreement, aiming to improve international teams and collaborative efforts. This will facilitate the launch of joint funding calls, share scientific data, and host scientists in each other's research stations.
A new approach based on mathematical theory of elliptic curves has emerged as a leading candidate for more efficient cryptography. Elliptic curve cryptography provides the same level of security as 1024-bit keys for RSA with smaller key sizes, making it computationally more efficient.
The study found that there is no single answer to integration models, as trends vary across domains and countries. For instance, French second-generation migrants are more likely to attend university but drop out, while German children of Turkish parents face educational disadvantages but have a fair chance at skilled jobs.
Recent discoveries in neuroscience reveal that mirror neurons fire when performing or observing tasks, playing a crucial role in learning motor skills, language acquisition, and social cognition. The ESF workshop highlighted the importance of mirror-based action and emotion understanding in mind-reading abilities.
The conference highlighted the importance of international cooperation to address global challenges like climate change. Successful collaborations, such as the EPICA project, demonstrated the benefits of large-scale research partnerships.
The EUROCORES HumVIB program investigates the impact of country-specific factors on individual values, attitudes, and behavior across Europe. The program aims to understand how cultural, social, political, and economic contexts shape human behavior, with potential implications for policy-making and bridging the gender gap.
The European Science Foundation's EUROCORES programme enhances European leadership in international marine coring expeditions. The project investigates ocean dynamics, sediment fluxes, and hydrothermal processes to reconstruct sea-level changes and environmental shifts.
The EUROCORES programme TOPO-EUROPE explores Europe's changing topography, combining solid Earth and climate scientists to understand past, present, and future changes. The project aims to refine sea level estimations and inform geological surveys on geothermal energy, seismic hazards, and slope instabilities.
A recent survey shows that nearly a quarter of second-generation Turkish and Moroccan immigrants in the Netherlands drop out of school, while others excel in higher education. The survey attributes the discrepancies to factors such as low parental educational levels, inadequate diversity in schools, and language capacity.