Research Conferences

The ESF Research Conferences Scheme provides the opportunity for leading scientists and younger researchers to meet for discussions on the most recent developments in their fields of research. It acts as a catalyst for creating new synergistic contacts throughout Europe and the rest of the world. It develops principally through the establishment of long-term partnerships between the ESF and national and international organisations, including universities.

ESF’s ambition is to create a clear ‘brand name’ for the conferences and a predictable relation for the scientific community, by linking each venue to a certain disciplinary area.

ESF Research Conferences are open to scientists world-wide, whether from academia or industry. Conferences may be single events, or series, usually with a biennial meeting focusing on specific aspects of the same general topic. Topics are at the forefront of scientific research and interdisciplinary when appropriate.

Conferences generally last for four or five days and up to 150 participants and invited speakers may attend. Chairs select participants from applications received as a result of publicising the Conferences. A conference fee is charged to participants. A certain number of grants - to cover the conference fee and possibly part of the travel expenses - are available for each event. Application forms are to be submitted via the ESF Research Conferences website. Closing date for applications: 3-4 months prior to the Conference. 

The core activities of the Conferences are based on lectures by invited scientists, who are leaders in their respective fields, followed by extensive discussion periods. An informal exchange of ideas, both inside and outside the lecture room is encouraged, and the number of sessions in the daily timetable is limited in order to allow sufficient time for interaction between the participants. In addition to the 5-6 hours per day of lecture room activities, poster sessions, round-table discussions or discussion groups are organised. Either one afternoon or extended lunch periods are usually kept free of lectures in order to allow time for free time activities.

In order to encourage speakers to present their latest results and ideas, which may not yet be fully explored and ripe for publication, no written papers are requested. The publication, as proceedings, of selected papers prepared after the Conferences may be approved by the Chair, subject to the agreement of the speakers concerned.