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Lidia Borrell-Damián Appointed for Second Term as Secretary General
The Governing Board of Science Europe has appointed Dr. Lidia Borrell-Damián to a second term as Secretary General of the association.
Since her first appointment in 2019, she has spearheaded the association's strategic development and implementation of it's initiatives. The renewal will see her continue in the position until 2030.
Science Europe is the association of major research funding and research performing organisations in Europe. Our vision is for the European Research Area to have the optimal conditions to support robust education and research & innovation systems. We define long-term perspectives for European research and champion best-practice approaches that enable high-quality research for knowledge advancement and the needs of society.
We are uniquely placed to lead advancements to the European Research Area and inform global developments through participation in research initiatives where science is a strong and trusted component of sustainable economic, environmental, and societal development.
Reappointment
The Governing Board of Science Europe has re-appointed Dr. Lidia Borrell-Damián for a second six-year term as Secretary General. Since her appointment in 2019, Dr. Borrell-Damián has played a pivotal role in strengthening the voice of public research funding and performing organisations in Europe, encouraging greater collaboration among member organisations, and advancing key policy initiatives.
Under her direction, Science Europe has contributed to shaping the European research landscape, promoting excellence in science through the protection of academic freedom, support for open science policies, and research assessment reform. She will continue to drive Science Europe’s strategic agenda, reinforcing its engagement with European and global partners, and advocating a robust European Research Area that is equipped to drive scientific progress and tackle pressing societal challenges. Science Europe looks forward to her continued leadership as part of its efforts to support research and innovation across Europe.
Reactions
On behalf of the Governing Board of Science Europe, President Mari Sundli Tveit said: “We are delighted that Dr. Borrell-Damián will continue as Secretary General of Science Europe. Since her appointment, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction and strengthening the collective voice of our Member Organisations. As we face new challenges and opportunities, her expertise and dedication will be crucial in driving forward our priorities, to ensure an inclusive and sustainable European research system. I look forward to our on-going collaboration, building on the strong foundation she has helped establish, as we continue to advocate the advancement of research and innovation across Europe.”
Dr. Borrell-Damián expressed her pleasure on her re-appointment: "I am honoured to continue as Secretary General of Science Europe for a second term. I appreciate the confidence the Governing Board has placed in me and look forward to working with them, our Member Organisations, and the staff team to advance our shared priorities. It is a critical moment to define the priorities for research and innovation and we shall continue to promote sound scholarly values, autonomy and excellence in science, foster open and inclusive research environments, and support the contribution of research knowledge to address global challenges."
About Lidia Borrell-Damián
Lidia Borrell-Damián has been the Secretary General of Science Europe, the association representing national public organisations based in countries in the Council of Europe that fund and perform research, since 2019. She holds overall responsibility for the organisation’s strategic development and implementation.
Her areas of experience cover a wide range of Research and Innovation (R&I) policy priorities: EU Framework Programmes; European Research Area; international co-operation; research infrastructures; research ethics and integrity; research assessment processes; university–business co-operation; regional innovation; gender and diversity; Open Science; doctoral education; energy science policy. Concerning international research co-operation, she is engaged in diverse policy fora, including the Global Research Council (GRC), several supra-national bodies (UN; OECD-GSF; CoARA; DORA), and well-established international conferences (STS; FAPM; World Science Forum).
Lidia Borrell-Damián holds a Doctorate in Chemistry (Chemical Engineering: specialty Solar Energy) from the University of Barcelona (1995). She worked at the European University Association (EUA) during 2006–2019, serving the last five years as the Director for R&I. She was Director of Research at Universitat Pompeu Fabra, (Barcelona, Spain, 2003–2005). Formerly, she was a Visiting Scholar at the University of Western Ontario (London, Canada, 1999–2001) and at North Carolina State University (Raleigh, USA, 1997–1998). She was an Assistant Professor at the University of Barcelona from 1990–1998.
