European Science Foundation

ESF
FormationJuly 1974 (1974-07)
Legal statusNon-profit association
Location
  • Strasbourg, France
Membership10 (2025)
Staff56
Websitewww.esf.org

The European Science Foundation (ESF) is a non-profit association based in Strasbourg.

Established in 1974 by a group of national research organisations, ESF historically supported pan-European scientific collaboration through networking instruments and programme coordination. Since the 2010s, following changes in European research governance, ESF's role has evolved and it now operates primarily as a facilitator for research assessment, research programme management, hosting of scientific structures and support for EU funded projects on a partnership basis.

In 2025, the association – which operates under the French and Local law in Alsace–Moselle – has 10 members from 8 countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Luxembourg, Romania, Serbia and Türkiye. It has 56 staff members.