European Science Foundation (ESF)

The Research Council for Biosciences and Environment has a representation on the ESF Standing Committee for Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences (LESC). LESC proposes launching of new programmes and networks within the ESF and influences through its views and statements the ESF’s and thereby European-wide research policy. For its participation in different ESF working groups, programmes and networks, the Research Council appoints its own representative/a representative from its own field.

The Research Council participates in ESF EUROCORES programmes by funding Finnish sub-projects as part of the consortia that have been the most successful in ESF evaluation. The research projects shall include research teams from 3–5 different European countries, and they normally run for three years.

The Research Council participates in ESF Research Networking Programmes (RNPs) by paying their membership dues. RNPs support the networking and contacts between research teams; the actual research work is funded from national sources. In biosciences, the Research Council also participates in a programme administered by the European Medical Research Councils (EMRC), together with the Research Council for Health.

In addition, the Research Council answers for the membership dues of the Marine Board (MB) and Polar Board (EPB). This provides the Research Council the opportunity to contribute to the content and launching of European research collaboration and new programmes from the early stages of planning.