19 November 2009

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On 19 November 2009 the EIROforum DG Assembly took place at the EMBL headquarters in Heidelberg and assembled the Directors of the seven intergovernmental research organisations that comprise EIROforum.

The meeting was held at EMBL because it is the institute's turn as EIROforum chair until 10 July. The directors meet twice a year to discuss EIROforum business, and this get-together was especially important as it coincides with the preparation of the renewal of the partnership's Statement of Intent with the European Commission which outlines the joint activities and plans for the ongoing collaboration.

Other issues discussed were the partners' needs in relation to the new EU framework programme, FP8, which will succeed FP7 in 2013. One of the ways in which EIROforum is most effective is as a combined voice in interactions with the EC and other organs of the European Union. Also discussed was the future of the EIROforum-funded journal for science teachers, Science in School, which is produced at EMBL.