ESF seals deal on COST funding

The European Science Foundation (ESF) has managed to preserve its contract to manage COST, (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) under the Seventh Framework Programme, agreeing a Euro 210 million deal with the European Commission. The value could increase by a further Euro 40 million, depending on a mid-term evaluation in 2010.

The agreement is welcome relief for the ESF, which is facing up to competition from the new kid on the block, the European Research Council. Both organisations have the same remit of improving the quality of research across Europe, and the ERC’s initial moves have seen it staking territory

“The negotiation of this contract and the transition between FP6 and FP7 were two challenging processes. The ESF team’s commitment to COST, with its experience of managing such a complex operation, a constructive and efficient cooperation with the European Commission and with the COST Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) have been essential in allowing the successful completion of this important agreement” said David Weber, ESF’s Director of Administration and Finance.