New head at European Science Foundation

Professor Marja Makarow stepped into her role as Chief Executive of the European Science Foundation (ESF), the first woman to take the top post in the organisation's 34-year history.

“I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to be able to concentrate completely on the promotion of research and its impact for society,” says Marakow. She believes the ESF is now more relevant than ever, with an essential role in complementing the work of national funding bodies, the organisations and academies that carry out research and the Framework Programmes of the EU.

 In particular, Makarow is keen to transform the fragmented nature of European science. “Speaking for all scientific disciplines, ESF is in a unique position to take centre stage in influencing the science policy agenda in Europe,” she says.

Makarow succeeded John Marks who has resumed his previous post as the Director of Science and Strategy and Deputy Chief Executive. Marks became the Chief Executive after Bertil Andersson left to become the Rector of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, in April 2007.

Over the past decade, Makarow, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and former Vice-Rector for Research of the University of Helsinki, has served in various positions in a number of national and intergovernmental research funding and research bodies. She is a member of Finland’s National Advisory Council for Science and Technology Policy.