Framework Programme 10: ALLEA Advocates for Widening Scientific Cooperation and Freedom of Research

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In a recent stakeholder consultation, ALLEA, through its Working Group on the European Research Area, submitted guiding principles to the European Commission for the development of the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (currently referred to as ‘Framework Programme 10’), the successor of Horizon Europe, which will begin in 2028. Its stance on Framework Programme 10 (FP10) underscores the importance of global thinking and action, widening participation, and promoting research capacities to address ongoing inequalities – within and beyond the EU.

A central theme in the submitted position is the protection of academic freedom and research integrity, which it views as essential for scientific progress and innovation. ALLEA especially calls for greater support for currently underrepresented researchers (including early- to mid-career researchers and researchers from EU15 countries,) and urges funding schemes to foster creativity and innovation.

The position highlights the significance of existing schemes for widening participation in EU research projects, which encourage collaboration and support less well-resourced institutions. It emphasises the need for excellence to be distributed fairly across the EU and neighbouring nations to advance research continuously and effectively, as well as reduce inequalities in the research ecosystem.

ALLEA further stresses the need for strengthening basic research, as well prioritising long-term institutional funding models over project-based financing, simplification of application and evaluation procedures, and the importance of multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary research.

In conclusion, ALLEA’s position on FP10 emphasises global collaboration, widening participation, research freedom, and simplification, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and diverse approach to European research funding.

The stakeholder consultation was conducted under the umbrella of the European Research and Innovation Area Committee (ERAC) Ad-hoc Task Force on “Guidance for the next Framework Programme for R&I”. This task force will write an opinion, which is due to be adopted by ERAC in June 2024, in order to provide the Commission with timely input for the next Framework Programme.

Webinar: The Keys to High-Quality Science Advice

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SAPEA brings together experts in science advice for an engaging reflection with the audience on finding the keys to high-quality science advice and how to achieve it.

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Building Bridges, Dismantling Barriers: UK Association to Horizon Europe

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A commentary by ALLEA President Antonio Loprieno

Nearly three years after my November 2020 commentary on the UK’s departure from the EU, it remains imperative that scientific collaboration be considered a global endeavour rather than be weaponised and exploited as a mere bargaining chip. We are arguably more reliant on science systems now more than ever, as we face unrelenting waves of so-called polycrises: the looming threat of climate catastrophe, perennial war, and pandemics, just to name a few. Even in the absence of such globalised challenges, scientific collaboration is vital to the betterment of our societies. Research undertaken in the fields of oncology or biomedical engineering, for example, can significantly improve the quality of life across borders, classes, and generations.

As such, I have reaffirmed my commitment to the principle that scientific endeavour does not hold a passport; bounding such crucial ventures contained therein to the results of political negotiation restricts the breadth of its outcomes. ALLEA has continually invited policy actors to recall the impacts of their decisions on science systems, encouraging them to refrain from using research as a pawn in political spats.

It is both my pleasure and relief to see that these views are shared by the European Commission and the UK Government as evidenced in the agreement they reached on the association of the UK to Horizon Europe and Copernicus. This landmark moment marks a turning of the tide – the rupture sparked by Brexit will not be as encompassing as once feared. UK researchers will not be forced to work in isolation, and the EU will of course greatly benefit from their participation in turn, as these two counterparts can now continue or resume their long-standing partnerships with the security of funding.

As President of ALLEA, I applaud this watershed agreement which re-opens pathways for the meaningful scientific collaboration that constitutes a critical societal pillar. As a network that represents more than 50 academies in nearly 40 European countries – including five in the United Kingdom, who were quick to share their optimism at this long-awaited development – ALLEA will continue to defend the sovereignty of a research landscape that is underpinned by an open exchange of thought, expertise and resources. Now that the UK has been welcomed back to the fold, the real work can continue.

Antonio Loprieno

ALLEA President

ALLEA Welcomes Motion for European Parliament Resolution on Freedom of Scientific Research

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European academies are longstanding advocates for academic freedom and institutional autonomy, in the interest of our knowledge societies. ALLEA therefore extends support for a recent motion for a resolution to protect the freedom of scientific research in the European Union more effectively, submitted by MEP Christian Ehler, rapporteur for the European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE).  

The motion contains a request for an act to create a legal framework aimed at protecting the freedom of scientific research in Europe as defined in the Bonn Declaration. The text was drafted in consultation with ALLEA and other European stakeholders who have been involved in the activities of the European Parliament Forum for Academic Freedom. The draft outlines the need to define and regulate obligations for public authorities and research organisations, as well as the rights for individual researchers that the freedom of scientific research provides.  

Developments over the past years such as attacks on the institutional autonomy in some European states have shown that academic freedom must be better protected. ALLEA strives to ensure that the public as well as policy-makers are aware of the importance of safeguarding the autonomy of science through advocacy for effective protection of this right. ALLEA’s interventions against infringements include a range of actions in support of academic institutions and individual researchers under threat (see, for instance, ALLEA’s support for displaced scientists). 

The motion will be presented to the European Parliament in September. Read more about ALLEA’s activities on academic freedom here.