Autonomous body set to prevent mediocrity

The EU’s scientific community is waiting expectantly for next year’s inauguration of the European Research Council (ERC), one of the most visible initiatives emerging from the 7th framework programme (FP7) for research.

It is hoped that the new body will provide a central focus for EU science, helping to define overall strategy, while stimulating competition among researchers applying for funds.

The proposal for an autonomous body charged with supporting research across all scientific and technological fields was made last year. A 22-member board composed of top scientists has been set up and the basic structures of the ERC have already been established, albeit in skeleton format. The board will define the rules for funding application procedures and, ultimately, decide who should receive cash.

Funding will be allocated for basic, or frontier, research. Independent scientists working in new areas which are pushing the boundaries of traditional science often have trouble securing funding. "We’re talking about research at the cutting-edge, moving into unknown territory," says Helga Nowotny, vice-chair of ERC. "Before FP7, basic research [was] not officially recognised. This is the first time that EU funding will go to basic research. That’s the most innovative element of FP7 in my opinion."

According to Nowotny, the first year will mainly be devoted to targeting young researchers. €300 million in funding will be handed out to people who have proven their scientific independence early in their career. A second funding stream will later be set up for advanced scientists at different career stages. From 2007-13, a total of €7 billion will be allocated to the ERC.

The move to establish the ERC is largely motivated by the need to cut across fragmented national structures, creating a central body respected for its ability to make independent decisions. "We can’t afford mediocrity in science. If research is to be credible, we need an autonomous research centre providing basic ideas, money and administrative support," says Antonia Mochan, spokesperson for research for the European Commission.

But questions are already being asked about how much independence the council will really be given by the Commission. Fears of interference are not totally unfounded. With the establishment of the ERC, much is being made of the links between basic research and economic growth. But risky research in uncharted territory often fails to yield immediate economic gains.

Nowotny is hopeful, but vigilant. "So far, we have had a good experience with the Commission," she says. "Strategic decisions have been respected. So far, I can assure you, there has been no interference, which makes us positive, but you never know."

The EU’s scientific community is waiting expectantly for next year’s inauguration of the European Research Council (ERC), one of the most visible initiatives emerging from the 7th framework programme (FP7) for research.