The European Federation of National Academies of Sciences and Humanities (ALLEA) and the European Science Foundation (ESF) invite the next generation of leading scholars (early career researchers) to participate in a three-day new horizonsworkshop in Vienna, Austria, from 8 -10 June 2009.

The 2009 I symposium will be held under the title: “From Learned Societies to Knowledge-Based Society: Towards a European Young Academy?” A distinguished group of 21 young scholars will debate challenges and opportunities for science and scholarship in Europe, and the contributions a “European Young Academy” could make to the relationship of science and society. Issues to be reflected on include, but are not limited to:
- how to improve environments to enhance scholarship across areas of specialisation;
- which formats are useful for non-topic related / cross-disciplinary scientific networking that might encourage new developments in their own disciplines;
- how to safeguard a full portfolio of disciplinary and cultural knowledge in academic research environments;
- what new forms of instilling a passion for a career in research in younger generations;
- what is the nexus between societal relevance of science and personal responsibility?
By way of introduction, three senior academicians will present and interpret national and international examples of relevant strategic activities involving early career scholars. Discussions will be animated by keynotes of three other senior colleagues. During thematically defined break-out sessions and more broadly conceived plenary sessions, participants will work towards a document that will provide input for discussions on the terms of reference for the “European Young Academy”.

Selection criteria and process
- Formal eligibility
- Scientific track record; scientific potential (solid grounding in disciplinary work)
- Originality of prospective thinking as expressed in the “statement” and in publications

Timeline for application and selection:
1 December 2008 Call published and circulated
15 January 2009 Deadline for submission of online application:
http://www2.esf.org/WD110AWP/WD110Awp.exe/CONNECT/Humanities_Spring?id=182
By 25 February 2009 Short-listing of suitable candidates
By 4 March 2009 Telephone interviews (if necessary)
By 15 March 2009 Notification of successful applicants
By 22 March 2009 Acceptance letter to be sent by selected applicants to ESF

The ESF/ALLEA award will cover travel costs, meals, accommodation for the event.

More information: http://www.allea.org/pdf/Call_HumSpring_2009_I_EYA_final.pdf