What's going on?

Science Europe signs the Open Letter of the European STI Councils and Advisory Bodies on the participation of Switzerland under Horizon Europe

On 19 May the Science Europe General Assembly accepted the application of two new research organisations to the association: research performing organisation the Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH) from Hungary and the dual research funding and performing organisation the Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII) from Spain.

CESAER, the European University Association (EUA), and Science Europe call on all publishers to fully respect researchers’ rights and to end the use of restrictions and embargoes.

The Science Europe Practical Guide to the International Alignment of Research Data Management (RDM Guide) has seen an important uptake, being referenced and used by a large number of stakeholders within and beyond European borders.

Science Europe, COAR, CoreTrustSeal, the European University Association, and the World Data System issue this Joint Position Statement to highlight the community’s concerns over the 'Data Repository: Selection Criteria that Matter' recommendations and request that the authors of these criteria respond with specific actions.

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) is a crucial actor in the Portuguese research and Innovation landscape, therefore playing an important role in the implementation of the Portuguese priorities during the Presidency period. Lidia Borrell-Damian, Secretary General of Science Europe, interviewed Professor Helena Pereira, President of FCT to discuss the presidency, ERA, and the work of FCT.

Science Europe's Statement on the Participation of Associated Countries in Horizon Europe’s Pillar II

Science Europe and cOAlition S are pleased to announce the publication of an in-depth report and recommendations arising from a study of community-driven Open Access (OA) journals that are free for readers and authors, usually referred to as 'OA diamond journals'.

For International Women's Day 2021 we asked the women members of our Governing Board about their own experiences as women leaders and discussed what is or can be done to improve gender equality in research.

Twelve Science Europe members launch Weave, a cross-European initiative to fund and support excellent international research projects. It is the first time that such a large number of funders develop an initiative to facilitate structured bilateral and trilateral scientific cooperation.

The outbreak of coronavirus in early 2020 shifted the organisation and hosting of the foreseen Global Research Council (GRC) meetings to 2021. Additionally, a series of virtual GRC regional seminars on COVID-19 was programmed for autumn and winter. The seminar for the European region was co-hosted by Science Europe and the German Research Foundation (DFG) on 14 January 2021.

One of the core purposes of research is the quest for and creation of new knowledge. Quality of the research performed is key to fulfilling this purpose effectively. It is also essential for any potential societal or economic applications that may result from research: both curiosity-driven and challenge-oriented.

2021 will see a busy start for Science Europe’s priority area ‘Research Data’ with two online events organised in the first few weeks of the year. Both events are milestone of Science Europe’s work plan and with these activities Science Europe reinforces its commitment to Open Science, an important area for research and innovation.

Thank you for the support you have shown towards Science Europe in 2020. It has been an unprecedented year for all of us where the spotlight shone brighter than ever on the importance of research and collaboration.

On behalf of the Science Europe Office, best wishes for the Holiday Season and for the New Year. We look forward to working together in 2021.

The international research community rallies together to defend Swedish–Iranian researcher Dr Ahmadreza Djalali.

Between 23 and 27 November, Global Research Council (GRC), UK Research and Innovation, Research England,  and the National Research Foundation (South Africa) jointly hosted a conference addressing the concept of responsible research assessment. The meeting focussed on research assessment criteria and processes, the evaluation of assessment processes, and the influence that both have on the research system as a whole.

The 2020 edition of the annual High Level Workshop on ERA explored how research and innovation can contribute to the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and to societal resilience, in the context of an evolving research culture.

The Global Research Council (GRC) is convening a conference on Responsible Research Assessment to promote global discussion on how research organisations can drive a positive research culture through research assessment criteria and processes. The event, organised by UKRI, Research England, the National Research Foundation (South Africa), and the GRC will be held remotely on November 23–27.

Together with LERU, EUA, EARTO, and the Vice-Presidents of the European Research Council (ERC), we join MEP Christian Ehler from the EEP Group in his call to match the Green & Digital goals with a budget fit for this age.

Science Europe welcomes the adoption of the Bonn Declaration on ‘Freedom of Scientific Research’ at today’s Ministerial Conference on the European Research Area (ERA) in Bonn.

An Ambitious Plan Calls for Inclusiveness and Collaboration

Science Europe welcomes the European Commission’s ambitions for digital and green transformation as highlighted by President von der Leyen today.

Science Europe encourages EU Member States and Associated Countries to keep leading European and global projects to tackle the medical, social, and economic challenges brought on by COVID-19. Science Europe members can contribute with their expertise and experience to build the necessary collaborative approaches within Europe and across the world.