The Historical Archives of the European Union announces 423 newly available files in the holdings of the European Science Foundation (ESF). These records pertain to activities in the areas of medical research; the promotion of a European-level social science research agenda; and scientific collaboration and networking across the European Union and member organisations.
Group of the European Medical Research Councils
Created in 1971, the Group of the European Medical Research Councils (EMRC) predates the ESF and later became a permanent committee within the Foundation. Its mission is to promote innovative medical research and its clinical application, while providing strategic advice on policy, ethics, and research management. EMRC membership extended beyond ESF affiliated countries, with representatives from the WHO, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), and delegations from Finland and Iceland.
The newly inventoried EMRC files include:
- Standing Committee meeting materials (minutes, background documents, reports)
- Documentation on scientific programmes and activities, such as:
o European Training Programme in Brain and Behavior Research
o Research on mental illness and mental health policy
o Liaison Committee on Recombinant DNA Research, focusing on legislation and bioethics
o The Environment and Health Programme, supporting Europe-wide research in environmental health
o The Human Reproduction Programme, exploring socio-demographic aspects and partnerships with pharmaceutical industry
These records provide unique insights into the evolution of medical and biomedical research cooperation in Europe.
Files from the ESF’s Standing Committee for the Social Sciences
The ESF’s Standing Committee for the Social Sciences was created to advance European-level social science research by connecting researchers, defining research goals, and promoting work on European-wide transformations through international research projects.
The newly available files in this ESF sub-series document the Committee’s relations with other institutions and bodies, including:
- The European Commission through Framework Programmes and COST initiatives
- The European Parliament via its Committee on Energy, Research and Technology (CERT) and the Scientific and Technological Options Assessment (STOA) body
- The Council of Europe and other international agencies
The files comprise correspondence, meeting minutes, notes, and working documents, shedding light on the Committee’s contribution to shaping research agendas and facilitating international collaboration in the European social science research area.
European Research Conferences Programme (EURESCO)
Launched in 1990, the European Research Conferences Programme (EURESCO) was a flagship ESF initiative promoting high-level scientific exchange across disciplines in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. The programme organised scientific meetings on cutting-edge topics, fostering dialogue among leading experts and encouraging the participation of early-career researchers.
The recently inventoried EURESCO files inform readers about the ESF’s research priorities and shed light on the variety of projects supported by the ESF. They also illustrate the development of joint research programmes and collaboration in the European area to further scientific knowledge—yet another dimension of European integration.
About the European Science Foundation archives at the HAEU
Founded in 1974, the ESF is a pan-European platform for cooperation in scientific research, bringing together national funding agencies, research organisations, and learned societies. Its mission has been to coordinate research efforts, foster collaboration, and promote scientific excellence across Europe.
The ESF archival holdings at the HAEU in Florence document the Foundation’s activities since 1974, providing a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of integrated European research strategies and networks.