The European Science
Foundation (ESF), the main sponsor of the School, was established
in 1974 to create a common European platform for cross-border
cooperation in all aspects of scientific research.
With its emphasis on a
multidisciplinary and pan-European approach, the Foundation
provides the leadership necessary to open new frontiers in
European science.
Its activities include
providing science policy advice (Science Strategy); stimulating
co-operation between researchers and organisations to explore new
directions (Science Synergy); and the administration of externally
funded programmes (Science Management). These take place in the
following areas: Physical and engineering sciences; Medical
sciences; Life, earth and environmental sciences; Humanities;
Social sciences; Polar; Marine; Space; Radio astronomy
frequencies; Nuclear physics.
Headquartered in Strasbourg
with offices in Brussels, the ESF’s membership comprises 75
national funding agencies, research performing agencies and
academies from 30 European nations.
The Foundation’s
independence allows the ESF to objectively represent the
priorities of all these members.
