On Tuesday 6 October, the first European Research Area Board (ERAB) handed over to the European Commission its report, "Preparing Europe for a New  Renaissance - A Strategic View of the European Research Area", which outlines how the European Research Area (ERA) needs to develop by 2030. "Its  recommendations, some of which have already found their way into President  Barroso’s political guidelines for the next Commission, will stimulate new discussions on how to address the challenges facing European research and usher in a new ’Renaissance’," said Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Potocnik. In its report, ERAB identifies six main areas for action:

• the creation of a united ERA;
• resolution of our Grand Challenges (climate change, energy supply, ageing societies, etc.);
• the interaction of  science  and society;
• the collaboration of public and private sectors in open innovation;
• the encouragement of excellence;
• and the promotion of  cohesion.

ERAB also highlights the need for an independent voice of research ultimately linked into the political process, and, inter alia, giving independent advice. This recommendation was recently echoed by the
Commission President, who announced the creation of the new post of Chief  Scientific Officer. ERAB also stresses the need to restore trust between  science and society, with a new social contract based on the "3 Rs": "Rigour in decision making, political or scientific; Respect for our fellow man, scientist and environment and Responsibility for our own actions as scientist and citizens". The report sets milestones by which to measure progress in the years ahead. ERAB is a high-level advisory group set up by the Commission to advise on bringing about the ERA.

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