ERC brings science to Summer Davos debate
The European Research Council has kicked off its participation in this year’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, China.
The year’s so-called ‘Summer Davos’ is centred around the theme of ‘Charting a New Course for Growth’ and sees the involvement of ERC President Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon and Vice-President Professor Núria Sebastiàn Gallés. Furthermore, 18 pioneering ERC grantees will share information regarding cutting-edge research.
Speaking at the beginning of the three-day conference, Bourguignon said: “ERC grantees invited this year will outline the latest developments in a variety of scientific areas. The event is a wonderful opportunity for leading researchers to meet and discuss science much beyond their traditional communities.
“Breakthroughs should not be prevented to happen because of borders. Scientists with talent know it and look for ways to co-operate. China and the EU have recently agreed to make it easier for Chinese scientists to join ERC research teams in Europe in an effort to stimulate scientific exchange.”
ERC speakers will participate in eight conference sessions. Bourguignon will be a panellist in a session on the factors enabling long-term innovation, whilst Gallés will explain how the notion of being human is redefined by new research findings. Meanwhile, four ERC grant winners will address the question of the energy sources of tomorrow in a special ERC session.
Adding his thoughts, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas, who is one of the co-chairs of this year’s conference, commented: “I am also proud that ERC grantees are so well represented among the excellent young scientists attending. This shows that the ERC funds the right people and by giving them freedom to take risks and follow their passion, helps to unleash innovation.”
More than 1,500 participants from over 90 countries will attend the conference which runs from 9-11 September 2015.
