Science Europe (SE) has published its response to the public consultation on the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe framework programmes.
The response, developed in collaboration with the SE Working Group on Horizon Europe (of which UKRO is a member on behalf of UKRI), reflects SE Member Organisations’ opinions and concerns regarding Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. The response is divided into three parts, with the final section dedicated to articulating the following key lessons and messages for the future:
- Budget – The Horizon Europe annual budgets must be at the level planned by the MFF ceilings. The budget must be ring-fenced and any new programme or initiative should be funded with additional money.
- Content of research – A good balance between all forms of research is needed. Horizon Europe should ensure more opportunities for fundamental research and trust that such projects will deliver a substantial impact in the future. More opportunities should be ensured for SSH to achieve the targets of the programme.
The new geopolitical situation, due to the Russian war against Ukraine and evolving relations with non-European countries such as China, raises major challenges that should be tackled jointly. Horizon Europe could contribute to this by funding research on areas affected by these events, on improving the European knowledge related to these situations, and on facilitating the valorisation and use of existing and new knowledge. Reflections on the concept of strategic autonomy should also be continued, as this can be in tension with Open Science and a global approach. - Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence – Reducing the disparity in participation and in R&I capacity across Europe should remain a priority. Joint efforts at the EU and national levels should be made to develop, maintain, or restore R&I capacity, internationalisation, and R&I support capacity throughout Europe.
- Policy developments – The active contribution of the European Commission in the joint effort to reform the Research Assessment is highly valuable. Reflections on how this will influence Horizon Europe and the subsequent Framework Programmes should be launched in the years ahead.
Further information can be found in the full response available online.