ERC places science in ‘the New Global Context’ at WEF

The first day of the 45th World Economic Forum has opened in Switzerland, with European Commissioner Carlos Moedas seeking to emphasise the importance of European research. The four-day event also sees the participation of the European Research Council for the third year running.

On the eve of the meeting held in Davos, Moedas said: “We are here … to discuss how to keep Europe on the map. I am pleased that the ERC is participating in the summit as it shows how important excellent frontier research is, not only for Europe’s competitiveness, but also to tackle a range of global issues, from climate change to social inequality and energy security. Researchers must be inspired to take risks and follow their curiosity to find new solutions to such problems in the long term.”

The ERC will focus its discussions on the importance of cutting-edge research in an increasingly competitive world. ERC President Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon will participate in various events at the conference, along with eleven ERC-funded top researchers. ERC grantees taking part include Nobel laureates Professor Sir Konstantin Novoselov, who will discuss materials of future technologies, and Professor Sir Christopher Pissarides, who will share insights into lowering unemployment in Europe.

Adding his thoughts ahead of the summit, Bourguignon said: “I am thrilled to see so many ERC grantees at Davos who will share their groundbreaking research at the frontiers of knowledge, and their enriching experience as scientists. They are amongst the thousands of top researchers already funded by the ERC across Europe, whose ideas spark innovation and drive progress. By backing some of the best, the ERC has proved to be a key ingredient in keeping Europe competitive in the global arena.”

This year’s event gathers together 2,500 participants and will be centred on the theme of ‘The New Global Context’.