Subscribe to our newsletter

Send us a link

Leaked Commission Memo Lays out Plan for European Competitiveness Fund

Leaked Commission Memo Lays out Plan for European Competitiveness Fund

EU Commissioners have discussed the possibility of bundling the next Framework Programme for research and innovation with other funding instruments under the European Competitiveness Fund, according to a leaked briefing note presented by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at a preparatory meeting on the EU's multiannual budget.

What Have the EU's Research Framework Programmes Actually Invented?

What Have the EU's Research Framework Programmes Actually Invented?

Last year, when visiting Germany's Sprind innovation agency, I was asked a question that had me stumped: do the EU's research Framework Programmes, the current one being Horizon Europe, actually "work"? 

Swiss University Class Analyzes Eurovision Song Contest

Swiss University Class Analyzes Eurovision Song Contest

At the University of Bern in Switzerland, students can participate in a seminar about the Eurovision Song Contest. While the contest is officially apolitical, the lecturer says the ESC reflects the political conflicts of our time.

Research May Be Increasingly Incremental - But Studies Making Lasting Paradigm Shifts Are On The Rise

Research May Be Increasingly Incremental - But Studies Making Lasting Paradigm Shifts Are On The Rise

New metric identifying “persistently disruptive” papers offers a “bright spot” amid signs of declining innovation.

I Told AI to Make Me a Protein. Here's What It Came Up with

I Told AI to Make Me a Protein. Here's What It Came Up with

A new crop of artificial-intelligence models allows users to create, manipulate and learn about biology using ordinary language.

'Self-standing' FP10 Will Be 'Tightly Connected' to European Competitiveness Fund, Von Der Leyen Says

'Self-standing' FP10 Will Be 'Tightly Connected' to European Competitiveness Fund, Von Der Leyen Says

The next Framework Programme for research and innovation is set to remain independent but would still contribute to the European Competitiveness Fund, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said during a speech on May 20.

Trump’s science adviser defends funding cuts as a chance to ‘revitalize’ U.S. science

Trump’s science adviser defends funding cuts as a chance to ‘revitalize’ U.S. science

Michael Kratsios says DEI has led to a loss of public trust in universities

Science Minister Outlines Plans for 10-Year R&D Funding

Science Minister Outlines Plans for 10-Year R&D Funding

Long-term budgets will “provide certainty” and “unlock vital business investment”, says Patrick Vallance.

NSF’s Grant Cuts Fall Heaviest on Scientists from Underrepresented Groups

NSF’s Grant Cuts Fall Heaviest on Scientists from Underrepresented Groups

Projects to broaden participation were cut disproportionately—and were often led by Black scientists, women, and those with disabilities.

The Chilling Effect of DEI Crackdowns in Scientific Publishing

The Chilling Effect of DEI Crackdowns in Scientific Publishing

Trump's executive orders are affecting how federally funded journals operate. Some researchers have raised alarms.

How Much Research Talent Could Europe Grab from the US?

How Much Research Talent Could Europe Grab from the US?

Up to a fifth of researchers in top US universities have previously studied in Europe; they might be persuaded to return.

Stop expecting researchers to fix research

Stop expecting researchers to fix research

Systemic problems require institutional solutions—and ideas from industry—say Marcus Munafò and Neil Jacobs.

The NSF Is Being Dismantled - With Broad Implications For The American Economy

The NSF Is Being Dismantled - With Broad Implications For The American Economy

The economic consequences of cuts to the National Science Foundation and restricting scientific inquiry on this scale could be far-reaching.

Science Requires Ethical Oversight - Without Federal Dollars, Society's Health and Safety Are at Risk

Science Requires Ethical Oversight - Without Federal Dollars, Society's Health and Safety Are at Risk

There are several steps between research on seemingly esoteric subjects and breakthrough medical treatments. Ethical oversight at every stage ensures science and society ultimately benefit.

The Expertise Gap: Swiss Academia Needs More Competencies in Asia Studies

The Expertise Gap: Swiss Academia Needs More Competencies in Asia Studies

Switzerland must invest more in Asia studies. This is key for it to remain globally competitive, argue Simona Grano and Lionel Fatton.

Budget First, Impact Later: Academic Community Reacts to Horizon Europe Analysis

Budget First, Impact Later: Academic Community Reacts to Horizon Europe Analysis

The academic community has pushed back against conclusions drawn from an interim evaluation of Horizon Europe, published on April 30. Where the European Commission sees evidence of sound investment, with every euro spent so far yielding up to €11 in GDP gains by 2045, university groups find the unfunded 70% of excellent research proposals as sign of limited ambition.

Dual-use Innovation, a Strategic Choice for Europe

Dual-use Innovation, a Strategic Choice for Europe

For decades, Europe's innovation ecosystem has operated under a self-imposed constraint: a firewall between civilian and defence research. This was born of understandable post-war caution. But in today's world, it has become a strategic liability.