Interview with Klement Tockner on the new Austrian Presidency of the EU | Being open to science and society | ERC: European Research Council

"Interview with Klement Tockner, President of the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), on the new Austrian Presidency of the EU, attracting scientific talent and funding basic research.

Austria holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2018. What are your hopes for European science policy development during this period?

The Austrian Presidency occurs during a critical period for research policy, as major negotiations on the successor programme to Horizon 2020 will be taking place. The cornerstones of Horizon Europe, recently presented by Commissioner Carlos Moedas, consider a major increase in the EU research budget. Obviously, from the FWF’s point of view, that is excellent news. The commitment to strengthening excellent research in Europe is fundamental for attracting and supporting the most creative minds and ideas.

At the same time, a similar commitment is required in Austria, as the European and national levels are intertwined. There is clear evidence that only strong national support ensures success at the European level. More than ninety per cent of the ERC Advanced Grantees in Austria have a previous FWF track record. Moreover, the ERC and the FWF portfolios complement each other, and diversity fosters productivity and innovation...."