Belgian Prime Minister Di Rupo praises ERC
Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo has applauded the European Research Council for its landmark role in science and innovation in Europe. The ERC is attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, to bring science into the debate with political and business leaders from around the world.
In a joint press conference at the world-renowned alpine meeting, the Belgian leader stressed the importance of the ERC, which he said “plays a major role in guaranteeing that Europe’s research will be competitive and of great quality”.
He added: “Some European member states have reduced their research funding, under the pretext of austerity. Clearly, that is a mistake.”
At this year’s meeting, the ERC is represented by Sir Tim Hunt, Nobel Laureate and ERC Scientific Council member, and Professor Helga Nowotny, ERC President until the end of 2013, as well as two leading scientists. Under this year’s theme, “The Reshaping of the World: Consequences for Society, Politics and Business”, the ERC will take part in six sessions.
Hunt commented: “Davos is a unique platform that offers a rare opportunity for the ERC to emphasise the importance of curiosity-driven research to an unusually important audience. The one message I’d like to pass on here is the crucial importance of letting scientific creativity and curiosity loose; giving researchers the freedom to explore new avenues and follow their noses beyond conventional wisdom. That’s how real discoveries are made that enrich our understanding of the world, helping both society and the economy. That’s why I see the ERC as central for European growth and development.”
Hunt and Nowotny represent the ERC’s newly appointed president, Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, who is unable to travel this week due to a fractured arm.
