A science conference like no other, ESOF 2012 is unique in representing the largest convergence of the Sciences, Humanities and Culture in Europe in 2012. It is Europe’s largest, general science meeting and is held in a leading Europe city every two years. The first meeting was held in Stockholm in 2004, followed by Munich (2006), Barcelona (2008) and Turin (2010).

This interdisciplinary, pan-European meeting, held under the auspices of Euroscience, aims to:

• Showcase the latest advances in science and technology
• Promote a dialogue on the role of science and technology in society and public policy
• Stimulate and provoke public interest, excitement and debate about science and technology.

ESOF incorporates a number of distinct strands of activity:

• A Science programme of seminars, workshops and debates on the latest science and technology
• A Media programme to promote science communication
• A Careers programme for young researchers
• A Science-2-Business programme to link basic research with industrial applications
• An Exhibition to showcase the best of European public and private research
• A Science in the City programme to engage with the general public
• A Social programme to ensure that delegate experience is socially, culturally and intellectually invigorating.

The event is unique in the diversity of delegates who attend: It attracts top researchers from the natural sciences and the social sciences; business leaders; senior EU and government officials; and international scientific media. They come to discuss the best of European science and to address all of the current major global scientific challenges, including Energy, Climate Change, Food and Health.

The Programme will be published at http://esof2012.org/programme/.

Travel grants to attend ESOF2012

Note: the information below is copied from an e-mail received from the ESOF2012 organisers.

ESOF provides young researchers with a unique opportunity to interact with leading scientists from various scientific fields. With up to 1,000 young researchers from across Europe and beyond, ESOF2012 will give them the unique opportunity to expand their networks of international contacts and to establish important links with potential collaborators.

Various organisations, including the Swiss Embassy in Ireland, the Swedish Research Council (VR), the Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation (DASTI) and the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) offer travel grants to help young researchers who wish to attend ESOF2012. See the Euroscience website for more information on the current open calls.

The CALL for Early-Stage Researcher (ESR) travel grants to ESOF2012 is now OPEN.

The Swiss Embassy in Ireland and the Swedish Research Council in collaboration with Euroscience have opened a call for young researchers.

Please be aware of the following criteria:

1. Who can apply?

• All “Early-Stage Researchers (ESR)” as defined by the Marie Curie Actions under the European Commission.
• Open to all nationalities, however, the ESR needs to work in a European country.

2. Application

To submit an application, please follow the link to: http://www.esof.eu/hub/user_session/new

Sign into the ESOF database and click on “Apply for a Scholarship” at the bottom of your profile page. Follow the application procedure.

Special note for Swiss and Switzerland based ESR – If you are a Swiss national or an ESR living and working in Switzerland please select the “ESOF2012 Swiss Early-Stage Researcher” in the online application! Your application will fall under Swiss travel grants.

When submitting the application form for travel grants, you agree to the full acceptance of the rules and to the decision taken by the Selection Committee.

The deadline for applications for travel grants is Thursday 10th May 2012.

3. Selection and decision

The eligibility criteria will be based on the curriculum assessment and the applicant’s motivation statement in attending ESOF2012.

A decision is taken by the Selection Committee, which is appointed by Euroscience or by the respective national organisation.

The Selection Committee will consist of at least one representative from Euroscience, Eurodoc and the MCFA fellowship association.

The decision will be communicated by email and the winners will be announced on the following websites www.esof.eu and www.euroscience.org.

4. Obligations of grantees

1. Grantees must confirm by email to [email protected] that they accept the travel grant.
2. Once ESOF2012 has ended, grantees must fill in the travel grant evaluation form that will be available on the Euroscience pages. The questionnaire will include basic questions about the assessment and development of ESOF2012. It should be submitted before 31st August 2012.
3. Grantees can also be asked to do a photo/video report of their stay.
4. The travel and accommodation expenses concerning the ESOF2012 “European Early-Stage Researchers” will be reimbursed by Euroscience on presentation of receipts up to a maximum total of 800€ each.
5. The travel and accommodation expenses concerning the “ESOF2012 Swiss Early-Stage Researchers” will be reimbursed by the Embassy of Switzerland in Ireland on presentation of receipts up to a maximum total of 800€ each.

5. Information

For any further information, please contact the Euroscience Office at [email protected], or by telephone +33 (0)3 88 24 11 50.