The European Intergovernmental Research Organisation forum (EIROforum) brings together some of Europe’s largest research organisations: CERN, EMBL, ESA, ESO, ESRF, EUROfusion, European XFEL and ILL. Members combine their resources, facilities, and expertise to support collaboration across disciplines and support European science.
“We feel privileged to join EIROforum, and I would like to thank the EIROforum Directors-General for their confidence in ESS. Being part of this network will be invaluable for our continued progress on the journey to producing world-leading science for the coming decades”, says Helmut Schober, ESS Director-General.
ESS joins eight existing EIROforum members, which together represent extensive expertise in basic research, as well as the management of large, international infrastructures, facilities and research programmes. EIROforum members include some of Europe's leading organisations in the life sciences, particle physics, astronomy, space sciences, neutron science and more. It also includes some of the most advanced providers of scientific services and core facilities, such as beamlines, satellites, neutron sources and X-ray laser facilities. As EIROforum's ninth member, ESS will join these partners in their mission of promoting the quality and impact of European research.
Helmut Schober adds, “ESS has come a long way since construction started on an open green field, back in 2014. Today, we have transitioned from design, construction and installation into a fully-fledged neutron facility: virtually all the technical equipment needed for neutron production is in place, and several instruments are prepared to begin their first scientific experiments. In addition, the path is set for a credible User programme that will underpin neutron science research in Europe and beyond. Our progress is the result of close and lasting collaborations with many European partners, and so we look forward to contributing to the EIROforum mission of strengthening European research.”
Current Chair of EIROforum, EMBL Interim Director General Ewan Birney, “We are delighted to welcome ESS to join EIROforum. Intergovernmental organisations delivering large research infrastructures at scale for the benefit of Europe face similar challenges and opportunities in a changing world. ESS brings shared understanding and experience and we look forward to working alongside them to maximise the benefit of science for Europe and the world.”