flag Belgium: Federal Level

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Introduction

The essential role of the federal science policy needs to be reinforced in the context of a new knowledge-based economy and in the light of the creation of a European Research and Innovation Area (ERA). The Belgian federal science policy is accomplishing two missions:

  1. An operational mission, through research programmes offering scientific support to the general strategic policy-making, the funding of networks of excellence in fundamental research, space research and federal scientific institutions;
  2. Provide a framework within which the regions and communities must work within, in order to meet national and European research objectives and rules.

In new research initiatives, the Federal Authority focuses only towards finding concrete solutions for problems with a large social impact.

At the international level, the main aim is to encourage Belgian researchers to be actively associated with the internationalisation of research. A substantial part of the federal budget allocated to R&D is dedicated to such international activities.

Key factor for the government is the role of Belgium within the creation of a European Research and Innovation Area (ERA).

Policy

The Council of Ministers determines the priorities of the federal authorities with regard to science policy. The general guidelines of this policy are co-ordinated by the Minister in charge of scientific affairs, currently the Minister for Economic Affairs, Energy, Foreign Trade and Science Policy. It should be noted that other Ministers are also responsible for activities related to research and public utility scientific services in their respective portfolios.

Agencies

The Belgian Federal Science Policy Office (BELSPO) is responsible a.o. for the conception and implementation of research programmes and networks, the management of Belgium’s participation to European and international organizations (ESA ,ESO, ESRF, etc.) and the supervision of the federal scientific establishments. The Belgian Federal Science Policy Office was previously known as the ‘Federal Office for Scientific, Technical and Cultural Affairs’ (OSTC). This name change follows the Copernican reform of Belgium’s federal administration, in 2000.

Funding

Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO): The Belgian State funds research initiatives it requires for the implementation policy in the fields of public health, environment, agriculture, development, co-operation, defence, nuclear energy, economic policy, telecommunications, transport and mobility, social affairs, justice, etc.

Organisations

Universities and Schools of Higher Education
Education is a responsibility of the Communities (Flemish Community, French Community and German-speaking Community).
universities: www.research.be/ListURL/list.asp?KeyID=581&up=617
schools: www.research.be/ListURL/list.asp?KeyID=644&up=617
Public research bodies
Public scientific institutions, research centres (fundamental & applied), including University research centres.
list: www.research.be/ListURL/list.asp?KeyID=611&up=617
Technology & Innovation
(Semi)-public centres for technological research, technology transfer and innovation, including sectorial collective research centres.
list: www.research.be/ListURL/list.asp?KeyID=582&up=617
Spin-off companies
list: www.research.be/ListURL/list.asp?KeyID=10015&up=617
Research Networks
The European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA) is the leading association of research managers and administrators across Europe. EARMA sets the highest standards for research management and administration and has established links with a number of complementary organisations globally.

International Context

As Belgium is full member of the EU, the following is information about the Belgian research policy and initiatives within an European framework:

  • European Union Research Organisations Heads of Research Councils (EuroHORCs) is the association of the heads of public national research and research funding organisations in Europe. EuroHORCs has its headquarters at the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NOW).
  • The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the financial institution of the European Union. Both “bank” and “European institution”, it aids the achievement of the Union’s objectives by funding projects that promote European integration, balanced development, economic and social cohesion and the development of an innovative knowledge-based economy.
  • European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) aims to promote biosciences in Europe. Therefore, the development of strong trans-national approach to molecular biology, the identification of measures that can assist in the training of scientists in this area and the emphasis on scientific criteria for all of its activities were developed. Its actions are funded by contributions from 24 Member States.
  • European Science Foundation (ESF) promotes high quality science at a European level. It acts as a catalyst for the development of science by bringing together leading scientists and funding agencies to debate, plan and implement pan-European initiatives.
  • Official website of the European Commission about EU fundings: grants and loans, programme overview sorted by General Directorate or theme, with detailed information on programmes, beneficiaries lists.
  • The Long-range Research Initiative (LRI) is a research programme that provides scientific information to help protect health and the environment. Launched in 1999, LRI funds independent research into the effects of chemicals on human health and the environment.

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