Commission appoints new member to the Scientific Council of the European Research Council

Today, the European Commission appointed one new member to the governing body of the European Research Council (ERC), the Scientific Council. Torsten Persson, a Swedish economist and distinguished professor at the Institute for International Economic Studies, Stockholm University, is appointed for an initial period of four years and will take office on 1 January 2024.

Furthermore, by the same Commission Decision, the term of office of two sitting members of the ERC Scientific Council, Gerd Gigerenzer and Milena Žic Fuchs is renewed for two years as of 1 January 2024.

The mandate of Professor Eveline Crone, outgoing Scientific Council member and ERC Vice-President responsible for the Social Sciences and Humanities domain, ends on 31 December this year.

Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: 

“I welcome Torsten Persson to the Scientific Council of the European Research Council and congratulate Gerd Gigerenzer and Milena Žic Fuchs for the renewal of their term. I also thank the outgoing Vice-President Eveline Crone for her important contribution to the ERC work. The eminent scientists and scholars on the ERC’s governing body contribute to the Council’s pivotal role in supporting Europe’s excellent frontier research that in turn often spurs innovation.”

Professor Maria Leptin, President of the ERC, said:

"We very much look forward to welcoming the new ERC Scientific Council member and to continue the good work with the two members whose mandates have been renewed. Thanks go to the identification committee that continues to ensure continuity and quality across disciplines of our independent governing body. We are grateful to Eveline Crone, who has shown such great commitment to the ERC and who will be replaced by current member Gerd Gigerenzer as ERC Vice-President.”

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 in the world of science and beyond.

More information

ERC announcement

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EC Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation