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Science Europe made excellent progress on its research policy priorities in 2024, delivering key outputs in various areas, including science communication, research assessment, open science, the sustainability of research, international collaboration, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

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.

On the third anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine, Science Europe expresses its unwavering support for the National Research Foundation of Ukraine (NRFU) and Ukrainian research community. 

Science Europe, together with CESAER; the European Association of Research and Technology; the European Round Table for Industry; the European University Association, the League of European Research Universities; and The Guild have joined together to call for a robust and dedicated European framework programme for research and innovation. 

This report summarises the key messages and perspectives collected during a two-part workshop exploring the common and different expectations for careers in research by various stakeholder groups.

This report presents a summary of the dialogue sessions and main conclusions of the 2024 High Level Workshop that took place in Budapest on 19 and 20 November. The event was organised by Science Europe in partnership with the Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN) and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA), under the auspices of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

This report provides the responses from a survey among Science Europe Member Organisations on their engagement with and initiatives to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

This statement presents the key conclusions from the 2024 High Level Workshop on 'Strengthening European Cohesion and Competitiveness through Research and Innovation' and a set of priorities for achieving this.

Science Europe responds to the global consultation on the UNESCO Draft Principles on Open Science Monitoring. The principles are a step in the right direction, aligning with the priorities and practices of Science Europe's Member Organisations.