Newsletter
With Framework Programme 10 (FP10) on the horizon, Europe’s research landscape faces critical challenges. Experts at the MCAA Annual Conference discussed funding stability, researcher mobility, and the role of the ERC and the MSCA. How can scientists secure long- term support and drive impactful innovation? Discover key insights shaping the next era of European research.
Shaping Europe’s Future
The Future of European Research
Europe’s research and innovation (R&I) landscape is at a turning point. With major economic, political, and technological shifts underway, the upcoming FP10 will be crucial in determining the future of research across the continent.
At the recent Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) Annual Conference, experts gathered to discuss how to strengthen Europe’s research ecosystem, focusing on key challenges such as researcher mobility, funding stability, and scientific excellence. The session was opened by Mostafa Moonir Shawrav, the Executive Director of the MCAA, who raised an important question: “Will there be changes in the Horizon Europe framework?”
The European Research Council and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions roles in FP10
A major topic of discussion was the role of the European Research Council (ERC) and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in FP10. Paweł Rowiński, president of the All European Academies (ALLEA), introduced the debate surrounding the leaked European Commission’s communication on the Competitive Compass for the EU, and concerns about potential risks to the ERC’s autonomy with this new policy tool guiding Europe’s economic strategy in all research areas, including humanities, a field some forget to be an important part of research. Maria Leptin, President of the ERC, emphasised the importance of fundamental research in all areas, stating that the ERC was founded specifically to support curiosity- driven research. She highlighted the need for higher funding security to enable long-term scientific progress.
Manuel Heitor (Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research), who authored a report on the interim evaluation of Horizon Europe (Full report: Align, Act, Accelerate: Research, Technology and Innovation to boost European Competitiveness), stressed that the ERC and the MCAA make Europe a reliable and attractive place for researchers to choose Europe, but investment is necessary. He pointed out that young researchers must voice their needs and advocate for better job opportunities in science. He also called for greater political attention and support for the MSCA, urging its expansion in FP10.
The European Parliament has strongly defended the ERC’s independence, but research funding remains vulnerable to budget cuts. Moniek Tromp (Initiative for Science Europe) cited the strikes in the Netherlands, where more than a €2 billion reduction in research and education recently occurred, as an example of how science funding is under pressure across Europe.
Global Collaboration vs. Research Independence
The session also addressed the impact of US research funding cuts. Paweł was asked whether Europe should use this as an opportunity to attract American researchers. Instead of a competitive approach, he advocated for continued collaboration with US institutions while reinforcing Europe’s research security and infrastructure to maintain independence.
Science Communication and Policy
A key challenge highlighted during the Q&A session was how to ensure long-term political support for research funding. Panellists noted that funding policies cannot be entirely shielded from political decisions, as taxpayers ultimately influence how money is allocated. To secure strong R&I policies, scientists must better communicate the economic and societal benefits of research to the general public – the voters who elect policymakers.
Moniek stressed the need to translate the importance of research to politicians, ensuring they understand its impact on society and the economy. The discussion also highlighted that science is expensive, but its long-term benefits far outweigh short-term costs.
Shaping Europe’s Future
Shaping Europe’s Future
Key Takeaways for Policymakers
Speakers were asked: “If you could give one key recommendation to politicians on how to strengthen European research, what would it be?”
- • Recognise the long-term impact of science on society and the economy.
• Ensure stable funding for fundamental research in FP10 and beyond.
• Reduce bureaucratic obstacles to research and innovation.
• Maintain open science and research security while fostering global collaboration.
Mostafa closed the session by emphasising the need to unify advocacy efforts so that researchers can effectively communicate science’s value to decision-makers and the public. The discussion underscored the urgent need for strategic investment in researcher mobility, talent retention, and fundamental research. As FP10 takes shape, the choices made today will define Europe’s role in global innovation for decades to come.
Juliana Aizawa Porto de Abreu
Orcid
MCAA Newsletter Editorial Board Member
Institut Pasteur du Cambodge
juaizawa@gmail.com