Researchers left out of EU president’s address

Research and education groups have bemoaned the lack of attention paid to them in Jean-Claude Juncker’s annual speech on the future of the EU.

Responding to the state of the union address, which was delivered by the European Commission’s president on 13 September, the European University Association said that Juncker’s ambition for the EU to be a world leader in industry and innovation needed to be underpinned by commitments to research and education.

“Juncker puts much emphasis on a relaunch of European industry and engaging in free global trade. He also mentioned working to counter climate change and managing legal and illegal immigration. Higher education and research were not once mentioned in relation to these priorities,” the EUA said in a statement.