Professor Paul Boyle elected first President of Science Europe

Professor Paul Boyle, Research Councils UK (RCUK) International Champion and Chief Executive of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has today (21 October) been elected as the first President of Science Europe.

Science Europe is a newly formed organisation that brings together 50 research performing and funding organisations from across Europe. It will promote the collective interests of its member organisations, and streamline the coordination of policies and activities.

Speaking about his new role, Professor Boyle said: “I am honoured to be elected as the first President of Science Europe. International collaboration is critical to finding solutions to the major challenges facing the world today. Science Europe will allow us to work together to address these challenges by providing a strong, single voice for research funding and performing organisations in Europe.”

Science Europe will also accelerate progress on implementing the actions set out in the Roadmap for the realisation of the European Research Area developed by EUROHORCs and the European Science Foundation in 2009.

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Further information

Contact:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592

Notes to editors

1. More information about Science Europe is available here .

2. Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils. We invest annually around £3 billion in research. Our focus is on excellence with impact. We nurture the highest quality research, as judged by international peer review providing the UK with a competitive advantage. Global research requires we sustain a diversity of funding approaches, fostering international collaborations, and providing access to the best facilities and infrastructure, and locating skilled researchers in stimulating environments. Our research achieves impact – the demonstrable contribution to society and the economy made by knowledge and skilled people. To deliver impact, researchers and businesses need to engage and collaborate with the public, business, government and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.

   The seven UK Research Councils are:

   • Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
   • Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
   • Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
   • Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
   • Medical Research Council (MRC);
   • Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
   • Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).