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The article discusses the science research done by North and Western Europe. Topics include the research and finance of Germany, the research and development initiative of the European Union, and the researcher strength of various European countries. Great Britain leading in researches in life sciences, and those conducted by universities across Europe are also mentioned. Several charts listing the research detains of the European nations are also given.

The article focuses on gender inequality in the field of science in European countries. In 2007, women scientists in 27 countries of European Union accounted for 38% of active researchers and only 19% of full professors. It is said that the number of women PhD graduates is also increasing, however it does not suggest any self-correction in gender imbalance. It is said that Europe has still not reached its target of having 40% women in decision-making positions in science and research by 2001.

The article cites a U.S. report that states that Asian nations are catching up with Europe and the United States in terms of scientific output. According to the report, in 2004, countries from the Asia Pacific region including China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore and India produced 25 percent of the world's research papers. By comparison, Europe produced 38 percent of the world's scientific papers, and the United States produced 33 percent. Within Asia, China, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan grew the most. In China, some institutions even pay researchers extra for publications in indexed journals, especially ones that carry widely cited articles.

Discusses the formation of a European Research Area. European research commissioner Philippe Busquin and his work in reforming European scientific research; Political structure of Europe which puts its research community at a disadvantage; Necessity of support from the member states; Calls of science members for European Union member states to open their national research programs to non-national research projects.

Reports on the European Science Foundation's (ESF) call on Europe to reinvigorate its commitment to scientific research in order to boost its ability to compete internationally. Launching of position paper on the European Commission's Fifth Framework Program in 1998; Focus on five themes that are considered crucial to social and economic development in Europe.

Considers the prospects for creating a European Research Area (ERA) within which member governments would coordinate their national research policies. European Commissioner for research Philippe Busquin's proposal of the ERA citing the importance of scientific excellence to the European Union's continued economic competitiveness; Goals of the ERA; Similarities between Busquin and his predecessor Ralf Dahrendorf's proposals for a European scientific area. .

The article discusses the formation of the European Research Area (ERA), an entity through which European researchers will be able to exchange ideas. Topics discussed include disparities in standards of research, collaboration between European scientists and increased academic mobility in the scientific community. It is observed that wealthy European national economies progress in research and innovation. Gender gap in grants from the European Research Council is noted.

Focuses on Eurodoc, a European federation of national organizations that represent young researchers in their respective countries. Aim to give a voice to doctor of philosophy degree candidates, postdoctoral fellows and other junior researchers in European policy-making processes and to improve their working conditions; Formation of several workgroups that operate open mailing lists and a discussion forum; Role of Eurodoc in organizing an annual conference.

Focuses on the scientific research program of the European Commission. Flaws of the present Framework research program; Development of the Framework Programme 5; Integration of national and European Commission research efforts.