This report summarises the outcomes of the 28 February webinar 'Women in Science: Celebrating Inclusion and Shaping the Future of Research'. It highlights possible avenues for research funding and research performing organisations to improve working environments by addressing equality, diversity, and inclusion.

In May, Science Europe responded to a Call for Evidence by the European Commission on a European Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures. The response outlines a number of considerations to be taken towards these infrastructures, which are of fundamental and strategic importance to the ERA.

Science Europe has submitted its response to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on 'A European Strategy for AI in Science', emphasising the need for a forward-looking, values-based strategy that supports innovation and competitiveness in Europe.

The second workshop on FP10 addressed the position of the upcoming Framework Programme for R&I in the Multiannual Financial Framework and its relation to the proposed Competitiveness Fund. The summary highlights concerns about prioritising short-term economic gain over fundamental research and SSHA disciplines.

Science Europe has responded to the European Commission’s public consultation on the next Multiannual Financial Framework. It focuses on establishing a strong and ambitious MFF that strategically aligns national and EU research funding, and includes a ringfenced budget for FP10.

Science Europe proudly presents its statement, 'Working Together for a Strong and Standalone FP10', reaffirming the vital role of a dedicated EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme. Building on shared commitments from the European Parliament, EU research ministers, and the ERC and EIC, we advocate for an ambitious FP10 within the 2027 Multiannual Financial Framework. This programme must prioritise scientific freedom, curiosity-driven research, and a robust, independent R&I ecosystem to secure Europe’s long-term strategic, societal, and competitive future.

Science Europe presents ‘A Vision and Framework for Research Cultures’. It synthesises our recent work across numerous policy topics focussing them on the shared objective of R&I systems to advance knowledge and enable the quality and impact of research.

Science Europe has responded to the European Commission’s call for evidence issued to evaluate public procurement directives, emphasising the opportunity to align them with the EU’s green and innovative economy goals. By incorporating environmental criteria, such as energy savings and circular economy principles, public procurement can become a driver of sustainable practices within research organisations. Our recommendations highlight tangible benefits and call for measures to ensure procurement processes contribute to environmental sustainability, advancing the aims of the European Green Deal.

On International Women's Day, Science Europe reaffirms its commitment to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the European research ecosystem as an essential part of research quality. We aim to promote a research ecosystem where all scholars can realise their potential regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, disabilities, ethnic origin, or social background.

Leaders and senior-level representatives of Science Europe Member Organisations met in Brussels on 18 and 19 February to discuss Science Europe’s priorities for the upcoming 10th EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10). The recommendations in the landmark reports by Enrico Letta, Mario Draghi, and the Expert Group on the Interim Evaluation of Horizon Europe led by Manuel Heitor were taken into account. The event was kindly hosted by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) in Brussels, with the Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva participating in the opening session.

This statement presents the conclusions of these discussions.