Goals of the conference

Theoretical background
The conference will discuss relevant aspects of the theory of science, starting from a historical overview. It is generally agreed that basic research drives economic and societal progress, yet the processes through which science evolves into knowledge need further discussion. As an example, the descriptive accuracy of the linear and dynamic model needs careful examination. In addition to efforts to understand the status quo, the conference will offer opportunities to address the expectations for the impact of basic research. Existing rules and mechanisms will be challenged. What part does chance play in scientific investigation? And can serendipity be systematically exploited? What influences can and should the expectations of industry and society exert on the search for knowledge?

Implications
Anyone seeking to benchmark the effectiveness of research funding will encounter a wide variety of established models. Cases of best practice will be presented in terms of maximization of the social and economic impact of basic research. New approaches are growing in importance, aimed at the productive use of the divide between science and society. As an example, researchers from different disciplines are forming new teams working at the interfaces between traditional structures. The funding schemes, both project-based and institutional, that make such work possible will be illustrated by success stories and the principles behind them will be discussed. The conference will also investigate how to allocate the responsibility for research funding among the different levels of local, regional and national government and the European Union (EU) for maximum impact.

Impact evaluation
A further section of the programme will be devoted to the question of whether there are any scientifically sound methods for evaluating basic research impact and, if so, what tools should be used. The aim will be to develop indicators and methods of evaluation for use in assessing research funding models. Practical examples and cases will be presented.