Woman in lab clothes wearing protective mask conducting tests in laboratory setting © gevende

Our priorities

EU Framework Programmes

The EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation is the main EU funding instrument for research and innovation. Science Europe is currently fully engaged in promoting its members’ key interests and expertise in the ongoing discussions over the next Framework Programme, Horizon Europe.

Map of Europe made of dots of light, with brighter dots over main cities and wires interconnecting them

Research Assessment

Research assessment lies at the core of the activities of every Science Europe member. The tools and processes that are used, such as peer review, ought to select the best researchers and projects in a fair and transparent manner. Research assessment must reward all excellent scientific contributions and promote good research practices, reproducibility, and integrity.

Large stack of files with multicoloured paperclips attached on a wooden desk, stack aligned to the left of the picture

Open Access

Science Europe supports Open Access, the principle and practice of providing free online access to scholarly publications. The association has established its very own set of common principles that will facilitate a smooth transition from subscription to Open Access. Science Europe has also been instrumental in developing and promoting Plan S.

Overhead shot of blurred pile of academic articles

Research Data

Access to and sharing of research data are central pillars of Open Science and are fully supported by Science Europe Member Organisations. Science Europe is committed to supporting data sharing by contributing to the definition and use of consistent data-sharing policies and practices, such as research data management (RDM) and data management plans (DMPs).

Man with laptop in hand examining complex piece of machinery

Cross-border Collaboration

Increased cross-border collaboration contributes to scientific excellence. It allows research communities to work together and strengthens less research-intensive regions. To facilitate collaboration and reduce the administrative burden, Science Europe assists its members in setting up new mechanisms.

Overhead aerial shot of several stacks of multi-coloured containers stored on a dock

Research Infrastructures

Research Infrastructures (RIs) are facilities, resources, and services that are used by the research communities to conduct research. The majority of funding for RI construction and operation is granted at national level, hence a coordinated development of future policies and funding schemes is crucial to improve efficiency.

Profiled woman showing man with his back turned a large, industrial conveyor belt

Other activities

Lab worker with latex gloves handling and testing a batch of petri dishes filled with dark blue substance

Protection of Animals in Research

Scientific research using animals allows for crucial scientific progress as it leads to greater understanding and permits us to fight diseases. Science Europe supports the implementation of the 3Rs: the replacement, reduction, and refinement of the use of animals for scientific purposes to ensure the best possible animal welfare.

Several shelves filled with academic publications with catalgoue tags on spines

Copyright

European copyright needed to be modernised and harmonised to support researchers’ use of cutting-edge technologies, such as Text and Data Mining (TDM). During its recent legislative campaign, Science Europe advocated a broad TDM exception to foster collaborative research and international collaboration.

Rows of empty seats from a parliament hemicycle with headphones on desks and electronic voting equipment fitted

Data-related Legislation

Researchers need legal certainty on data usage. Legislation such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Directive on the Re-use of Public Sector Information (PSI Directive), and the Regulation on the Free Flow of non-personal data needs to reflect the practices and needs of research.

Old-style library filled with people sat at desks poring over books

Academic Freedom

Academic freedom and institutional autonomy are fundamental to society and research excellence. Governments must deliver on their commitments to protecting them and refrain from interfering in funding decisions.

Two women and a man in the midst of animated discussion in a library: woman in focus in the centre gesturing while other two figures look at her

Gender and Diversity

Gender equality and diversity are essential components of scientific quality. Science Europe works to promote a research ecosystem where all scholars can realise their potential regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, religion, disabilities, ethnic origin, or social background.

Research Integrity and Ethics

Responsible and evidence-based research and ethical research behaviour are indispensable to ensure the reliability of research results, as well as public trust in research.