Event Report: ALLEA General Assembly 2026

From 26-29 May 2026, ALLEA organised a series of events as part of its 2026 General Assembly in Warsaw, Poland, in collaboration with long-standing member, the Polish Academy of Sciences.

Read more

Event Report: Supporting the Ukrainian Research Ecosystem through International Exchange and Collaboration

Held alongside the ALLEA General Assembly 2026 in Warsaw, Poland, the satellite event, ‘Supporting the Ukrainian Research Ecosystem through International Exchange and Collaboration’ convened representatives of European academies, Ukrainian research institutions, policymakers, and members of the Ukrainian scientific diaspora to discuss the future of Ukrainian science in the context of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

The event provided a platform to reflect on four years of international support efforts, assess current challenges facing the Ukrainian research ecosystem, and identify concrete measures to strengthen its resilience, recovery, and integration into the European Research Area.

The discussions highlighted the remarkable resilience of Ukrainian science despite the severe disruption caused by the war. Speakers emphasised that Ukrainian researchers and institutions continue to produce scientific knowledge, maintain international partnerships, and contribute to the country’s recovery under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. At the same time, participants stressed that preserving and developing Ukraine’s research capacity is not only a matter of solidarity, but a strategic investment in Europe’s shared scientific future.

From Emergency Support to Ecosystem Building 

A central theme throughout the event was the evolution of support measures since 2022. Participants agreed that while emergency assistance remains necessary, international efforts must increasingly focus on long-term capacity building and institutional development.

The event marked a transition from emergency support measures towards a long-term agenda focused on resilience, recovery, international integration, and the future role of science in Ukraine’s reconstruction. 

Particular attention was given to the European Fund for Displaced Scientists (EFDS), launched by ALLEA and the Breakthrough Prize Foundation in March 2022. Established as one of the earliest academic support initiatives following Russia’s full-scale invasion, the programme supported displaced Ukrainian researchers hosted across Europe and Ukrainian research institutions operating under wartime conditions. Since its launch, the programme has benefited approximately 140 scholars, contributed to more than 300 scientific publications, and facilitated extensive international collaboration.

Survey findings presented during the event demonstrated the programme’s enduring impact. Most respondents reported that EFDS support had been crucial for maintaining their research activities and accessing research infrastructure. The survey also revealed strong evidence of sustained collaboration between grantees, host institutions, and Ukrainian organisations, highlighting the programme’s success in fostering long-term international networks rather than encouraging permanent migration.

The experience of the EFDS programme demonstrates that targeted international support can strengthen “brain circulation”, enabling researchers to remain connected to both Ukrainian and European scientific communities while contributing to the development of both. 

Current Needs and Future Priorities 

Discussions on the current needs of Ukrainian science identified several interconnected priorities. Participants repeatedly highlighted the importance of preserving human capital, particularly among early-career researchers, many of whom face uncertain career prospects due to the war. Strengthening opportunities for research collaboration, mobility, and professional development was seen as essential for retaining talent and supporting the next generation of Ukrainian scientists.

At the institutional level, speakers pointed to the urgent need for investment in research infrastructure, laboratory equipment, and access to international research facilities. The destruction and degradation of scientific infrastructure across Ukraine have created significant barriers to research activity, making coordinated international support indispensable.

The recovery of Ukraine’s research ecosystem will depend not only on rebuilding infrastructure, but on sustaining the people, institutions, and international partnerships that underpin scientific excellence. 

Participants also emphasised that future support should increasingly target researchers and institutions working inside Ukraine. Proposed measures included joint international funding schemes, bilateral cooperation programmes, collaborative research centres, access to specialised facilities abroad, and mechanisms for donating scientific equipment to Ukrainian institutions.

Many of these recommendations were subsequently reflected in the Appeal of the ALLEA General Assembly in Support of Ukrainian Science, adopted by ALLEA Member Academy Delegates on 28 May 2026.

The Role of the Scientific Diaspora 

A dedicated session explored the contribution of Ukrainian researchers working abroad to the future development of Ukrainian science. Speakers described the scientific diaspora as a vital resource for fostering international partnerships, transferring expertise, supporting access to funding opportunities, and strengthening links between Ukrainian institutions and global research networks.

The Ukrainian scientific diaspora should be understood not as a loss of talent, but as a strategic asset capable of accelerating international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and future recovery efforts. 

To support these objectives, the event marked the official launch of the EFDS Alumni Network. Building on the relationships established through the fellowship programme, the network will create opportunities for community-building, networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among former grantees and partners. It is intended to serve as a long-term platform for mobilising expertise and maintaining meaningful engagement with Ukrainian science.

Conclusions 

The event demonstrated a strong and enduring commitment among European academies, research organisations, and policymakers to support Ukrainian science. Participants agreed that science and innovation must be recognised as integral components of Ukraine’s recovery and future development.

A resilient, internationally connected, and well-supported research system is not a secondary element of Ukraine’s recovery – it is one of its preconditions.  

The discussions and recommendations emerging from the event reaffirmed the importance of sustained international cooperation and provided a roadmap for strengthening the resilience, recovery, and global integration of Ukraine’s research ecosystem in the years ahead.

 

 

 

ALLEA Issues Appeal for Support of Ukrainian Science

On 28 May 2026, ALLEA Delegates adopted the Appeal of the ALLEA General Assembly in Support of Ukrainian Science, which called for sustained international action to strengthen a resilient, modern, and globally integrated Ukrainian research system, thereby reaffirming the network’s solidarity with the Ukrainian scientific community.

Building on the ten-point Action Plan first adopted in 2022, the Appeal highlights the continued resilience of Ukrainian researchers and institutions despite the immense challenges posed by Russia’s ongoing aggression. It also underscores the vital role that science and research must play in Ukraine’s recovery, resilience, and long-term prosperity.

The Appeal, published on 5  June, calls on leaders, funding organisations, research institutions, ALLEA Member Academies, and the international research community to take concrete actions to strengthen the Ukrainian research ecosystem. The recommended actions include, among others, supporting international collaboration, creating joint centres of excellence, funding research partnerships with Ukrainian researchers/institutions, providing access to research infrastructure, and investing in the next generation of Ukrainian scientists. These recommendations emerged from the multistakeholder discussions that took place during the satellite event of the 2026 ALLEA General Assembly, titled, Supporting the Ukrainian Research Ecosystem through International Exchange and Collaboration.

Panel discussing the most pressing needs of Ukrainian research system; (L to R): Mateusz Białas (Director of PAS Representative Office in Kyiv), Frederik Søndergaard (European Commission DG RTD/International Coalition for Ukraine), Nataliya Vasylyeva (Institute of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics of NASU & EFDS beneficiary institution, Sloviansk)

Adopted four years after the original Action Plan, the Appeal serves as a renewed call for collective action to ensure that Ukrainian science remains a strong and integral part of Europe’s shared intellectual and cultural heritage. It is ALLEA’s latest effort to ensure that international support for Ukrainian science remains steadfast and for the long-term, as an active member of the International Coalition for Science, Research, and Innovation in Ukraine.

Read the full Appeal here.

SAPEA Advanced Materials

The EU Cannot Afford Fragmented Approach to Advanced Materials, Academies Advise European Commission

The Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) has advised the European Commission on how to strengthen Europe’s position in the development and deployment of advanced materials.

The Science Advice for Policy by European Academies (SAPEA), through its working group of renowned scientists nominated by European academies to work on the topic, played a pivotal role in this advice. The experts provided the overview of the current scientific knowledge on the topic — which the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors (GCSA) has used to inform their policy recommendations.

The SAPEA Evidence Review Report and the GCSA Scientific recommendations were submitted on 21 April in Brussels to Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation.

The advice comes in support of the upcoming Advanced Materials Act.

Advanced materials, including superconducting materials for computers, biomaterials for drug delivery, and materials that store or distribute energy more efficiently, are designed to deliver superior performance for specific functionalities. These materials are essential for Europe’s autonomy, competitiveness, and resilience.

As co-chair of the SAPEA working group, Anke Weidenkaff, explains, “Europe leads in computational modelling and first-principles simulation codes, yet lacks the high-quality, specialised datasets needed for AI-driven discovery of more sustainable materials. Additionally, Europe’s fragmented cross-border economic ecosystems weaken its ability to compete with concentrated advanced materials manufacturing hubs elsewhere.”

Based on the evidence provided by SAPEA, the GCSA made a range of policy recommendations to the European Commission for advancing Europe’s advanced materials ecosystem, including:

  • Safety and sustainability from the outset: Progressive criteria and standards should be applied, with increasing requirements as the technology comes closer
    to market.
  • Circular economy and material substitution: Given geopolitical volatility and unreliable supply chains, the EU needs more circular systems that maximise
    recovery and reuse of materials.
  • Digitalisation and FAIR data: The EU should develop common data languages, enforce FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data principles
    across all research, and use AI to connect databases and benefit from existing scientific literature.
  • Standards as enablers: Europe’s strength in standards and regulation can become a competitive advantage, provided standards are designed to enable
    rather than hinder innovation. Clear, applicable standards reduce time to market and build investor confidence.
  • Coordinated ecosystems: Transforming scientific advances into market-ready products requires closing the gap between research and industrial
    manufacturing. The EU must strengthen connections between discovery, scaleup and manufacturing, provide more support to small and medium enterprises,
    and harmonise regulatory approvals across the continent.
  • Support fundamental research: Investment must expand to include education pipelines and address training and skills shortages.

“Investment in fundamental research and human capacity is crucial. Fundamental science requires long-term, predictable funding without expectations of rapid returns,” concluded SAPEA co-chair Olli Ikkala.

The Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) provides independent scientific evidence and policy recommendations to the College of European Commissioners on any subject, including on issues that the European Parliament and the Council consider to be of major importance. The SAM comprises the Science Advice for Policy by European Academies (SAPEA),  a consortium of academy networks that includes over a hundred academies, young academies, and learned societies, including ALLEA, whose role is to review and synthesise evidence and the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors (GCSA), seven eminent scientists whose role is to make policy recommendations.

For the full evidence review report and scientific opinion on Advanced Materials, visit the Scientific Advice Mechanism website.  For more information, contact Justine Moynat.

ALLEA Research Ethics and Integrity Council

ALLEA Research Ethics and Integrity Council Holds Inaugural Meeting in Berlin

On 24 March 2026, the ALLEA Research Ethics and Integrity Council (REIC) held its inaugural meeting at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BBAW) in Berlin. It brought together research ethics and integrity experts from ALLEA Member Academies under the chairpersonship of Dr Maura Hiney (Royal Irish Academy). The meeting marked the formal launch of the Council’s activities, building on the legacy of ALLEA’s Permanent Working Group on Science and Ethics (PWGSE) and its contributions to shaping the European research integrity landscape.

The session was opened by ALLEA’s new Director, Tatjana König, who welcomed Council members. She acknowledged the achievements of the PWGSE, particularly the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (ECoC), now widely recognised as a key reference document for researchers, institutions, funders and policymakers. Council members represent a wide range of disciplines – including philosophy, law, medical ethics, computer science, and the natural sciences – and diverse national contexts, reflecting the interdisciplinary and international nature of research ethics and integrity challenges.

The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity: Towards the Next Revision

A central focus of the meeting was the future development of the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (ECoC). Building on its 2023 revision, the Council initiated discussions on the next update, envisaged for publication in 2028. Members emphasised the importance of maintaining the Code’s core principles while ensuring its continued relevance in a rapidly evolving research environment. Since the 2023 publication, the Code has been translated into 25 European and non-European languages.

Key areas identified for consideration in the next revision include the implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the ethical dimensions of research in poly-crisis contexts, research security, funding transparency, and the influence of social media on research practices. The group also highlighted the need to maintain the high-level nature of the Code while balancing specificity with flexibility, ensuring that the Code remains applicable across national systems and disciplinary contexts.

Preparatory work on the revision process is now underway, which will be informed by extensive stakeholder consultation planned over the coming year. Digital presentation of the Code to highlight the excellent supplements produced by EU projects on specific ethics and integrity issues will also form part of the Council’s work.

Strengthening Research Ethics and Integrity through European Collaboration

The Council also discussed its contribution to European research policy, particularly in the context of the European Research Area (ERA) and specifically in the ERA Action 18 on Ethics and Integrity. The REIC will support ongoing efforts to promote the dissemination and implementation of the Code, as well as to monitor emerging ethical challenges across Europe.

Two Horizon Europe-funded projects – SIMPLIFY and SAEGE – were presented as key initiatives linked to the Council’s work. SIMPLIFY aims to strengthen the implementation of research ethics and integrity frameworks at institutional level, while SAEGE supports the activities of the European Group on Ethics (EGE) by providing research and evidence synthesis. Both projects offer important opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and alignment with the REIC’s objectives.

Looking Ahead: Priorities and Next Steps

The meeting concluded with an exchange on priorities for the Council’s future work. In addition to the Code revision, members identified a range of topics for further exploration, including academic freedom, citizen science, responsible research in policy contexts, and the ethical implications of commercialisation and dual-use research.

The inaugural meeting demonstrated a strong commitment among members to advancing research ethics and integrity in Europe and to ensuring that the European Code of Conduct remains a robust and forward-looking framework for responsible research.

UK Young Academy

ALLEA Welcomes the UK Young Academy as its 61st Member

ALLEA can now count among its members the UK Young Academy following recent election by current membership. This addition marks the eighth Young Academy within the ALLEA network. Bringing this academy into ALLEA’s network not only supports young academics – it fosters further cooperation between Young and Senior Academies as well.

The UK Young Academy is a UK-wide, interdisciplinary membership organisation of early-career individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the world. Bringing together a diverse membership of researchers, innovators, clinicians, professionals, academics and entrepreneurs, it works to tap into the collective potential and expertise of its membership to tackle important issues in society at local, national and global levels, and provide a voice to the UK’s early-career landscape.

The Young Academy was established in 2022 as a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the seven senior academies across the UK and Ireland: the Academy of Medical Sciences, British Academy, Learned Society of Wales, Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Irish Academy, Royal Society of Edinburgh, and the Royal Society. It currently sits under the operational auspices of the Royal Society. 

ALLEA Joins ERA Action 18 and SIMPLIFY Launch

Last week, ALLEA participated in the official launch of the European Research Area (ERA) Policy Action 18 on Research Ethics and Integrity and a preparatory meeting for the SIMPLIFY project. The event, hosted by the European Commission in Brussels, brought together key stakeholders and Member State representatives committed to strengthening ethical standards and integrity across the European research landscape.

ALLEA is proud to serve as a co-sponsor of ERA Policy Action 18, which focuses on reinforcing ethics and integrity frameworks across the European Research Area. The initiative is structured around four key objectives:

  • Connecting existing European networks and stakeholders in research ethics and integrity to build a sustainable community of practice.

  • Facilitating dialogue, training activities, mutual learning, and the exchange of good practices among research institutions, funders, policymakers, and professional communities.

  • Developing practical guidance, operational tools, and standard operating procedures, including the revision of ALLEA’s European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity.

  • Promoting a shared culture of ethics and integrity throughout the ERA.

The launch event successfully convened representatives from EU Member States, European organisations, and Horizon Europe projects. Discussions focused on concrete ways to strengthen ethical practices and integrity in research, both at institutional levels and in day-to-day research activities.

SIMPLIFY, a newly funded Horizon Europe project, marks an important step towards a more coordinated, resilient, and evidence-based approach to research ethics and integrity governance in Europe. The project aims to foster alignment across countries and institutions, supporting a shared European pathway in this critical area. ALLEA looks forward to working closely with project partners, including EUREC, ENRIO, ENAI, EARMA, and The Embassy of Good Science, in what promises to be a productive and collaborative initiative.

Through its involvement in both SIMPLIFY and ERA Action 18, ALLEA reaffirms its commitment to advancing responsible research and fostering trust in science across Europe.

Read more on ALLEA’s work in the field of Research Ethics and Integrity here.

Tatjana Konig

ALLEA Welcomes New Director

On 16 March, ALLEA welcomed Tatjana König as the new Director of the Secretariat. Ms König brings extensive leadership experience to ALLEA, having served for many years as Managing Director of the Falling Walls Foundation, an international platform connecting leaders in science, innovation, and society. Following her tenure at Falling Walls, she was a  member of the Executive Board of the Körber-Stiftung, which amongst its many activities annually awards the Körber European Science Prize to honor distinguished scientists conducting research in Europe. At the Foundation, Ms König oversaw the education, science, and communications portfolios, and spearheaded the modernisation of its communications activities.

I am delighted to be appointed Director of ALLEA and to work with all its member academies in jointly strengthening the role of science in society, in ensuring scientific integrity, and defending academic freedom, which is more important than ever. 

– Tatjana König, Director, ALLEA 

Ms König’s wide-ranging expertise in academic settings, politics, complex organisational leadership, stakeholder engagement, and international networks places her in a prime position to lead ALLEA’s diverse strategic interests at the nexus of science and policy, and the secretariat welcomes the chance to work with her, on behalf of ALLEA’s member academies.

Job Opening: A Communications Manager to Showcase ALLEA’s Activities on the European Stage

ALLEA is currently seeking an experienced and versatile Communications Manager (Full-Time) to join our team in Berlin for a duration of two years (with the possibility of extension) as soon as possible.  

ALLEA e.V. is the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities, representing more than 60 academies from 40 EU and non-EU countries. ALLEA e.V. operates at the interface of science, policy and society and acts on behalf of its members to promote science as a global public good, facilitate scientific collaboration across borders and disciplines, improve the conditions for research, provide the best independent and interdisciplinary science advice, and strengthen the role of science in society.  We are currently looking for a full-time Managers to lead ALLEA’s communications activities across Europe. 

Role and responsibilities  

As Communications Manager, you will lead on all ALLEA communications activities and be responsible for developing and implementing a coherent communications strategy to promote ALLEA’s mission and activities to various stakeholders, including the academic community, policymakers, and the public. Reporting to the ALLEA Director, and in close collaboration with other team members, your regular tasks and responsibilities include:  

  • Develop and implement ALLEA’s communications strategy and brand to increase visibility and impact
  • Effectively produce, manage, and coordinate communications measures and activities (e.g., publications, events, websites, social media, newsletters)
  • Create and edit content for websites, brochures, news articles, press releases; manage layout, format, and graphic design of these products
  • Handle media queries, initiate and maintain relationships with relevant journalists and media
  • Organise and manage public events, workshops, webinars, online meetings and conferences to engage with stakeholders and the public
  • Engage in horizon-scanning of relevant public and media debates to identify current and upcoming opportunities for effective communication
  • Collect and analyse data to evaluate and demonstrate the impact of communications activities 
  • Liaise with partners and support colleagues in implementing collaborative and cross-cutting communications initiatives

Profile, skills, and experience  

  • Master’s degree in a relevant subject (ideally in e.g., communications studies, journalism, public relations, graphic design, marketing, public policy)
  • At least 4-5 years of experience in communications, preferably in a non-profit and/or academic setting
  • Native-speaker-level proficiency in English, orally and in writing; other foreign languages skills are an asset
  • Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills; experience in science communication is an asset
  • Experience and/or familiarity with relevant software, apps, and CMS especially Adobe InDesign, Canva, and WordPress
  • Proficiency in managing social media profiles (especially LinkedIn)  
  • Experience in organising public events (physical, hybrid, digital)  
  • A quick learner and pro-active team player with a keen eye for detail who appreciates working in an international team and environment 
  • Interest in the areas of expertise of ALLEA (international scientific collaboration, science communications, research policy, science advice, evidence-informed policymaking, etc.) is desirable

What we offer 

  • International working environment as part of a committed and dynamic team
  • Options to work flexibly between our office facilities in the centre of Berlin and remotely
  • Competitive salary depending on qualifications and experience level
  • Employment contract follows regulations of German TV-L collective agreement and includes annual bonus, overtime compensation, and 31 annual leave days (including 24 and 31 December) 
  • Job ticket subsidy (Deutschlandticket) and company pension scheme subsidy (bAV)
  • Training opportunities

How to apply 

Please submit your digital application with a cover letter, CV, an example of a short written text (in English), a sample of a graphic design work, and relevant references or corresponding certificates in one single PDF document (5 MB max.) to recruitment@allea.org as soon as possible and including salary expectations. The deadline for applications is 12 April 2026. Applications will be processed on a rolling basis. 

ALLEA promotes equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities. If you have any questions, please contact: Lydia Götze, ALLEA HR and Administration Officer | recruitment@allea.org | Phone: 030 206 066-500  

Further information on ALLEA’s activities can be found on our Website and on LinkedIn. 

 UPDATE: The application process for this position is now closed. 

 Registrations Open for ALLEA General Assembly 2026 in Warsaw

ALLEA has officially opened registrations for its General Assembly 2026, taking place from 26–29 May in Warsaw, hosted by the Polish Academy of Sciences. Bringing together leading voices from across the European research community, this year’s Assembly comes at a critical moment marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and increasing pressure on scientific institutions and academic freedom.

Under the theme “Towards a Futureproof European Research Area: Boosting Trust, Integrity, and Resilience,” the event will focus on how Europe can strengthen its research systems while safeguarding the core values of scientific independence, collaboration, and integrity.

As Europe navigates a complex landscape of global challenges and prepares for key policy developments such as the anticipated European Research Area (ERA) Act, the Assembly will provide a platform for essential dialogue among academies, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Discussions will explore not only policy solutions but also the role of the research community itself in reinforcing trust in science and sustaining cross-border collaboration.

Public Conference and Programme Highlights

A central highlight of the Assembly will be the ALLEA Public Conference on 27 May, held at the Copernicus Science Centre. The conference will open with a keynote address by Robbert Dijkgraaf, President-Elect of the International Science Council, followed by a high-level panel featuring perspectives from academia, research funders, publishers, and policy representatives.

The programme will also include:

  • A lecture by Professor Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council (ERC) and 2025 ALLEA Madame de Staël Prize Laureate
  • Satellite events organised with CoARA and SAPEA, focusing on research assessment reform and inclusive science advice
  • Collaboration with the European National Young Academies (ENYA), fostering intergenerational dialogue between early-career researchers and senior scholars

All public-facing sessions are open to a broad audience, encouraging wide participation in shaping the future of the European Research Area.

Join the Conversation

With mounting challenges facing science and society, ALLEA invites participants from across Europe and beyond to take part in this timely exchange and contribute to building a more resilient and future-ready research ecosystem.

Registration is now open: https://forms.gle/m4TqrEEmS1KN4BVX6
Full programme and details: https://www.alleageneralassembly.org/

ALLEA looks forward to welcoming participants to Warsaw this May for what promises to be a vital and engaging gathering.