| Research Infrastructures act as "knowledge industries" for the society and as a source of attraction for world scientists. At European level, the long-term objective is to support an efficient and world-class eco-system of Research Infrastructures, including distributed research infrastructures, based on a network of regional partner facilities". ESFRI, the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures, acts on issues related to the development of those high scientific quality European research infrastructures. ESFRI gives national authorities the opportunity to exchange news and to explore common and integrated initiatives for the best development and use of research infrastructures of European relevance. As such, ESFRI contributes to the implementation of the Lisbon agenda by integrating national policies and thus providing Europe with the most up-to-date research infrastructures. This responds to the need of the scientific community to address the rapidly evolving science frontiers. The EC support activities help to catalyse these efforts and to promote the development of a fabric of research infrastructures of the highest quality and performance in Europe. |