Today, the European Commission appointed two new members to the governing body of the European Research Council (ERC), the Scientific Council. These appointments are for an initial term of four years. The new members will take office on 1 January 2025, replacing current members whose second term has ended or is about to expire.
The two new ERC Scientific Council members are:
- Professor Tomaž Prosen, University of Ljubljana, whose research focuses on fundamental questions of non-equilibrium statistical and quantum physics, and
- Professor Maarit Karppinen, Aalto University, whose research is related to inorganic materials chemistry.
In addition, the Commission renewed the term of office of three current members for an extended period of two years. They are:
- Professor Liselotte Højgaard
- Professor Dirk Inzé
- Professor Nicola Spaldin
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said:
“The European Research Council is a symbol of scientific excellence, and the expertise and vision of these distinguished scholars will further enhance its mission. By appointing world-class researchers like Professors Prosen and Karppinen, we are reinforcing our commitment to supporting groundbreaking research that drives innovation across Europe. I would also like to thank the outgoing members for their important contribution to the ERC Scientific Council’s work.”
Professor Maria Leptin, President of the ERC, said:
‘We are very happy to be welcoming two new members in the new year and look forward to continuing to work with the members whose mandates have been renewed. The governing body of the ERC is independent and represents the entire scientific community in Europe in all its breadth. The identification committee, tasked with its renewal, has again ensured both quality and continuity. I also warmly thank the outgoing members for their great dedication to an organisation that has raised the level of science in Europe over the past seventeen years.’
Background
The European Research Council (ERC), set up by the European Union in 2007, awards grants through open competitions to projects headed by starting and established researchers, irrespective of their origins, who are working or moving to work in Europe. The sole criterion for selection is scientific excellence. The Scientific Council, the independent governing body of the ERC, defines the ERC’s scientific funding strategy and methodologies. It is composed of 22 members, all eminent scientists and scholars, who represent the scientific community in Europe and are appointed by the European Commission following recommendations by an independent Identification Committee. The ERC President, since 2021 Prof. Maria Leptin, chairs the Scientific Council, ensures its leadership and represents the ERC.
More information
ERC press release
ERC funded projects
Professor Tomaž Prosen webpage
Professor Maarit Karppinen webpage
Press contact:
EC Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation
