All posts by EuroScientist

More women scientists should make it in news

With more women in key positions in the media, there is a greater chance of increasing the portrayal of women scientists in the media. Women depicted as role models would help encourage more women in research. It may also help ensure that women increasingly reach position of leadership in research, following in the steps of prominent women scientists portrayed in the news. Read more [...]

Multidisciplinarity yields economies of scale at the new EU structural biology hub

In Europe, complex fields of research such as structural biology are implementing the only solution available to large fields of research as a means to ensure their survival in such financially constrained times. They are integrating the infrastructure of expertise, technology platforms and education to further the frontiers of science. Read more [...]

Science meets poetry 3

What mysterious forces bring Science and Poetry together? Why did William Hamilton, Tycho Brahe and Marie Curie all write verse? How is it that Omar Khayyam wrote a treatise on algebra and why was Percy Bysshe Shelley fascinated by chemistry? To the contrary, why did Mary Shelley dream up the tale of Frankenstein? Poets from all over Europe gather at each EuroScience Open Forum ESOF to consider the complex relationship between Science and Poetry Read more [...]

EC appoints Science and Technology Advisory Council

The European Commission has set up a science advisory body that will report directly to its president, José Manuel Barroso. The Science and Technology Advisory Council will identify areas where research and innovation can contribute to Europe's growth—with a particular focus on benefits and risks of science and technology advances and how to communicate these. Read more [...]

Commercial awareness for PhDs and Postdocs: why should you care?

When employers were asked about the type of skills they thought researchers would have only about a quarter of respondents said they thought researchers would have high levels of commercial awareness. This compared to closer to 100% who thought researchers had a high level of skill in data analysis (phew!). So why should this matter? Well, because employers in many sectors of industry value commercial awareness. Read more [...]

The GM debate in Europe: stalled for good?

This article peers into the history of technology that brought genetically modified organisms before looking into current European attitudes towards GMO food products. It looks at the various stakeholders responses over the years, which have led to the current status quo over approval of new GMO varieties in Europe. And now, the debate appears to be stalled, as the GM products currently in the pipeline are progressing through the system at a snail's pace . Read more [...]

Why academics need to know about internationalisation of industrial R&D

A new EC report, The role and internationalisation strategies of multinational , scrutinises the nature of industrial innovation in Europe. Today, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, automotive, IT hardware, electronics and electrical equipment are the most internationalised industries. The report is published as part of European Commission DG Enterprise and Industry’s global review of innovation policies. The lessons from this report may have implications for academic research that is likely to result in technology transfer of research into innovative solution Read more [...]

EU-US trade talks: technical standards no longer a trade barrier?

Science often plays a crucial role in commerce, through technical product standards, often used as trade barriers. These non-tariff barriers are imposed by importing countries around the world to restrict the entry of certain goods into their markets, officially, as a means to protect consumers and the environment, among other objectives, but, more often than not, as a means to protect internal trade. This could one day be no longer the case, as forthcoming EU-US trade talks aim at reaching global standards, making science an instrument to promote greater trade and consumer protection. And not acting as a barrier. Read more [...]

Science lobby set for verdict on Horizon 2020

The scientists’ group Euroscience, the European Research Council and the League of European Research Universities have renewed efforts in the face of funding fears. Scientists and university groups have launched a late push against cuts to the Commission’s plans for Horizon 2020, ahead of a meeting of EU leaders that could seal the next seven-year budget for research. They have made fresh pleas urging decision makers to secure a budget of at least €80 billion for Horizon 2020. Read more [...]