ESF was established in 1974 to create a common European platform for cross-border collaborative research cooperation and to act as a coordinating body for Europe’s main research funding and performing organizations. In its 42 years of experience, ESF has supported over 2,000 programmes and networks, gathering more than 300,000 scientists from 186 countries, through funding from 80 Member Organizations in 30 countries.
Now ESF and its new expert services division, Science Connect, still support the conduct of scientific research across Europe, but more as a service provider, rather than a member-owned organization. Via Science Connect ESF has launched a series of services to the scientific and academic communities: peer review, project management, programme evaluation and career tracking, and aims to support the future of a globally competitive European Research Area while maintaining the strong track-record of successful research programmes for its members.
ESF is CASPER project coordinator and has a transversal role in all work packages. Moreover, ESF will be in charge of organizing the final project workshop including European authorities in charge of steering the process towards a possible European certification/award system.