Science Spin 47 July 2011 | Page 6

ESF merger The european Science Foundation and the european heads of Research Councils are at an advanced stage in negotiating a merger. eSF has had a strong influence on blue skies research back onto the Framework agenda, and eUROhORCs is an association of heads of research funding organizations in europe. Both organisations are working to support the vision of a common european Research Area. According to Marja Makarow, Chief Executive of ESF, a combined body would give science in europe a united voice. Getting high UPFRONT www.sciencespin.com SeCOnd-year medical students at NUI Galway in collaboration with Mountaineering Ireland have produced an information leaflet on high-altitude illnesses. The leaflet can be download from LIVE www.highaltitudemedicine.ie LINK Pictured at the launch of the leaflet at the  NUI Galway climbing wall are the 2nd year medical students who produced the leaflet (left-right): Christina Melon,  Oakville, Ontariao, Canada; Simon  Gordon, Sligo Town, Sligo; Kate Dinneen,  Barna, Galway; Dermot Nolan, Broadford,  Co. Clare David Flynn, Ballymote, Sligo;  Hale Loofbourrow, Juneau, Alaska and  (climbing) Shannon Kelly, Camloops,  British Columbia, Canada. Photo by  Andrew Downes. Space dish A 32 metre telecommunications dish, set up in 1984