On the face of it you might think this a very Friday afternoon sort of article.  But, as a discussion of how European foundations operate in a research funding context, it is is extremely interesting. 

The news peg for it is that plans are afoot by the European Commission to present a regulation for a European Foundation Statute by the end of 2011.  Very simply the Statute would make it easier for foundations and charities to operate across the EU including raising funds.  The idea has been in the works for some time and there is a public consultation open until February 28th.  See the European Foundation Centre website for more information – they also have a very active research forum.

I am not that keen on the European Commission’s pitch that this would enable charities to fill the gaps left by cuts in public expenditure on research by EU Governments (remember that argument from the spending review?).  Nonetheless the idea of enabling charities to generate greater funds is to be supported.

You may be interested to know that AMRC has been successful in getting an ESRC internship this Spring to look at NGO activities in support of medical research across the UK – as a comparative study but also to help direct our efforts to build cross-border alliances.  Currently our strongest links are with equivalent organisations in the US, Canada and Eire.  I am certain we could play an important role in marshalling voices across Europe in the same way as happens among disease-specific patient communities.  And Genetic Alliance UK is well-known for its work in this arena.

Towards a European AMRC, that’s what I say.