Coimbra Group statement on resignation of ERC President
09 April 2020
The Coimbra Group expresses full support to the ERC’s Scientific Council after the announcement of the resignation of ERC President, Prof. Mauro Ferrari, on 7 April. In a statement published on 8 April, the members of the Scientific Council explain the reasons that led to the unanimous request that Prof. Ferrari resigns from his position, on 27 March.
In the current difficult times where basic research is, once again, demonstrating its key role in solving societal challenges, the successful European instruments must be safeguarded: the ERC with its bottom-up support for excellent fundamental research, is the most effective and important one.
The Coimbra Group applauds the European Commission for its recent initiatives promoting a true European solidarity against COVID-19: openness and solidarity have never been so important and will remain key for ensuring the resilience of Europe and European citizens now and in the future. In this challenge, Education, Research and Innovation will have roles of paramount importance: the Coimbra Group, composed of comprehensive research-led universities with strong civic missions, will continue to promote knowledge, collegiality, scientific integrity and solidarity at the service of society.
9 April 2020
The Coimbra Group Executive Board
Prof. Ludovic Thilly (University of Poitiers), Chair
Prof. Jürgen Barkhoff (Trinity College Dublin)
Prof. Claudia Cavadas (University of Coimbra)
Prof. Daniel Donoghue (Durham University)
Prof. Johnny Laursen (Aarhus University)
Prof. Dorota Malec (Jagiellonian University in Kraków)
Prof. Lenka Rovna (Charles University – Prague)
Prof. Efrem Yildiz Sadak (University of Salamanca)
Prof. Elmer Sterken (University of Groningen)
Prof. Luca Verzichelli (University of Siena)
Download the PDF version of the statementhere.