European Science Foundation Grant for Research Proposals

Deadline: 15 September
Open to: researchers in Molecular Biology, Physics/Biophysics, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities
Grant: EUR 40.000

The European Science Foundation invites researchers to submit proposals for research conferences to take place in 2013. The call covers Molecular Biology, Physics/Biophysics, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities. Successful proposals will be organised within the framework of the ESF Research Conferences Scheme and will be awarded a conference grant of up to EUR 40.000.

Scheme Objectives

The ESF Research Conferences Scheme brings together researchers from different nationalities, backgrounds and disciplines, and at different career stages to jointly discuss the latest developments in new and emerging fields of research. ESF Research Conferences promote free discussion and exchange of information, and aim to create long-term networks between participants. Participation is open to researchers from academia, industry, society and politics worldwide.

Conference Format

The conferences last 4-5 days and take place at predefined venues across Europe. Attendance is limited to a maximum of 150 participants (including invited speakers). Young and early-stage researchers are encouraged to attend and to present a short talk or a poster; some of them will receive financial support.

Funding Criteria and Assessment Process

Proposals must be interdisciplinary and demonstrate a high relevance to the scientific community in terms of novelty, originality and timeliness. Proposals are evaluated through international peer review and selected by review panels composed of members of the ESF Scientific Committees and scientists nominated by the Partner Organisations. The international peer review takes place between October and December 2011. The review panel meetings take place in early 2012. Decisions are communicated at the end of March 2012.

Award

Successful proponents will be responsible for the scientific programme and quality of the conference as well as the allocation of grants. All administrative and logistical aspects of the conference organisation will be handled by the ESF Conferences Unit. The selected proposals will be awarded a grant of up to EUR 40.000, to be used for the support of invited speakers and young and early stage researchers.