Science Europe: Anu Noorma, Director General of the Estonian Research Council, Co-opted to the Governing Board

Science Europe is pleased to announce the co-option of Anu Noorma, Director General of the Estonian Research Council, to the Governing Board.

Anu Noorma

“I am delighted to have been accepted as a member of the Science Europe Governing Board, and I hope to actively contribute to the important discussions on FP10 and international”

Anu Noorma, Director General of the Estonian Research Council

This following the resignation due to changes in Serbian leadership of Milica Đurić-Jovičić, former Acting Head of the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia. The co-option process, outlined in the Science Europe statutes, ensures the Governing Board remains fully operational and representative between elections.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Milica for her dedicated service and invaluable contributions to the Governing Board. Her commitment and hard work have been greatly appreciated.

Following the proposal by the Governing Board and approval by the General Assembly, Anu Noorma was selected based on the criteria noted in the annotated agenda, as with a profile similar to that of Milica: a female Head of Organisation from Eastern Europe.

As the senior body of Science Europe, the Governing Board plays a vital role in defining, guiding, and monitoring the strategic direction of the organisation. Comprising at least nine Heads of Science Europe’s Member Organisations, the Board includes a President, two Vice-Presidents, and seven ordinary members, all elected for two-year terms. By welcoming Anu Noorma, the Board reinforces its leadership and strategic oversight while maintaining its commitment to representing diverse and active voices from our Member Organisations.

A Voice of Leadership and Collaboration

Anu Noorma is the Director General of the Estonian Research Council, where she oversees the strategic development of Estonia’s research funding system and promotes the integration of Estonian science into European and global research frameworks. With a career rooted in both academic leadership and science policy, she has held prominent positions, including as a professor of applied physics and director of the Tartu Observatory. Anu is known for her expertise in research governance, her commitment to advancing the role of science in society, and her active participation in international collaborations aimed at strengthening the European research ecosystem.

“I am delighted to welcome Anu Noorma to the Science Europe Governing Board. Her extensive experience and leadership as Director General of the Estonian Research Council will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission to define long-term perspectives for European research and champion best-practice approaches. We look forward to working closely with her to achieve the organisation’s strategic priorities and advance our shared vision of nurturing the conditions to ensure excellent, groundbreaking research across Europe.”

Mari Sundli Tveit, President of Science Europe