Since the early 1950s, a number of powerful research infrastructures and laboratories have been developed and deployed by the European Intergovernmental Research Organisations for the benefit of Europe’s scientists. These organisations have set up a co-ordination and collaboration Council (EIROforum) with their Directors General (or equivalent) as its members.

The eight EIROforum organisations have extensive expertise in the areas of basic research and the management of large, international infrastructures, facilities and research programmes.

It is the mission of EIROforum to combine the resources, facilities and expertise of its member organisations to support European science in reaching its full potential.

EIROforum simplifies and facilitates interactions with the European Commission and other organs of the European Union, national governments, industry, science teachers, students and journalists.

By combining international facilities and human resources, EIROforum exceeds the research potential of the individual organisations, achieving world-class scientific and technological excellence in interdisciplinary fields. EIROforum works closely with industry to foster innovation and to stimulate the transfer of technology.

By cooperating on large-scale outreach activities, EIROforum communicates the importance and fascination of science to a wide audience.

By promoting inspiring science teaching, EIROforum motivates and encourages young people to explore scientific subjects, and shows them that science is a rewarding career.

EIROforum operates on a rotational Presidency starting on 1 July each year. In the period of July 2017 to June 2018, the EIROforum Chair is Prof. Iain W. Mattaj, Director General of EMBL.