In a globalised research ecosystem, collaboration is key. This collaboration also brings challenges linked to the diversity of scientific and legal environments. Science Europe supports the development of improved mechanisms to support cross-border collaboration and contributes to the development of international dialogue on the topic.
Knowledge and its production are not bound by national borders. In an increasingly complex and interconnected global scientific ecosystem, effective collaboration is key to push the frontiers of knowledge and innovation, maximise its economic and societal impact, and strengthen the attractiveness of Europe as a research and innovation hub.
Science Europe Member Organisations share an ambition to support excellent science and a competitive Europe in the world landscape. They collaborate to allow their research communities to work in the most productive national and international configurations, in order to address research challenges but also to support less research intensive regions.
Science Europe works to foster cross-border collaboration within and beyond Europe while reducing the administrative burden for researchers. To this end, sufficient funding and appropriate tools are needed for researchers that collaborate across borders in diverse scientific and legal environments.
Cross-border collaboration also involves a degree of interoperability. Collaborative schemes must favour common approaches based on mutual trust and understanding between organisations.
Dialogue at global level, including the sharing of data and best practices, is also fundamental for high-quality collaboration among research organisations worldwide.
Science Europe Member Organisations collaborate to design new strategies and develop mechanisms for increased and more effective collaboration within and outside of European borders. In this context, Science Europe supported 12 of its members in the development of Weave, a cross-European initiative to fund and support excellent international research projects.
Elsewhere, Science Europe provides its Member Organisations with a platform to exchange knowledge and practices to continuously improve the tools available for collaboration, and develop solutions to challenges faced by national research communities. It also seeks to promote international cooperation between researchers through the organisation of Sino-European networking workshops on COVID-19.
Science Europe is also an active voice in the international research community. It contributes to the active European involvement in the Global Research Council and participates in discussions designed to find common understanding on topics of specific importance for research and researchers across the world.
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The 2024 High Level Workshop on ERA is co-organised with HUN-REN and MTA, with the support of the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Innovation. It deals with 'Strengthening European cohesion and competitiveness through research and innovation: the science agenda for European progress in a global context'.
The first workshop in Tallinn on 30 October, following the European GRC Regional Meeting, will focus on Africa-Europe co-operation. Selected African and European countries will share existing good practices and opportunities for future co-operation.
Heads of European research organisations will meet at this Regional Meeting of the Global Research Council to discuss European contributions to the 2025 Annual Meeting. Similar meetings take place in the four other GRC regions: Americas, Asia–Pacific, Middle East/North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Science Europe and RCN organised an event on reciprocity in international research collaboration to explore the critical importance of academic freedom, equitable access to scientific information and infrastructures. The conclusions highlight the need for a human-centered approach and the value of diverse knowledge systems.
Science Europe and the Research Council of Norway (RCN) organised an event on reciprocity in multilateral research collaboration during the Science Summit at the 79th UN General Assembly. The objective was to address challenges to equitable and reciprocal global scientific collaboration.
2023 proved to be another landmark year for Science Europe: building on the achievements of the previous year and setting the direction for new approaches in vital areas of research policy.
This Multi-annual Action Plan proposes a series of framework actions to guide the implementation of the Science Europe Strategy Plan 2021–2026 in line with the association's updated vision, mission, values, and strategic priorities. The Action Plan was updated in June 2024.
Interested in research policy on the EU Framework Programmes and on international research collaboration? The Science Europe Office is currently looking for a temporary Policy Officer to come and work with us on these subjects. Deadline for applications: 2 June 2024.
This briefing on the ERA Policy Agenda presents actions and advocacy points from Science Europe on the ERA Actions that it contributes to.
This report presents the discussions and outcomes of the main and satellite events held as part of the 2023 High Level Workshop on the ERA. This edition of the event dealt with international scientific collaboration between Europe, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, based on principles of reciprocity and equity.