Brussels Statement seeks common international understanding of principles and values around research
An EU-led gathering of global politicians and officials responsible for research and innovation has endorsed a ministerial statement promoting “continuous” international collaboration on R&I.
Delegates at the meeting, hosted on 15 and 16 February by the Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU member state governments, backed the Brussels Statement on principles and values for international R&I cooperation, according to the European Commission.
“The statement…promotes continuous collaboration, recognising that diversity fosters trust among global partners, and emphasises the importance of international collaboration in R&I in addressing global challenges and advancing knowledge,” the Commission said.
It also aims to establish a roadmap to a common international understanding of R&I principles and values, and improve coordination with organisations including the OECD and Unesco, the UN’s education agency.
Iliana Ivanova, the EU’s commissioner for R&I, said: “Scientists and innovators, no matter where in the world they live and work, must be able to reach out to one another and work together across borders and cultural traditions, based on a foundation of mutual trust and understanding. This is what we are working towards: to establish a global ethical compass for R&I with people and values at its heart.”
The statement was developed as part of a multilateral dialogue launched in 2022, following the 2021 adoption by the EU of a global approach to R&I. Eight workshops have been held as part of the dialogue, including on academic freedom; ethics and research integrity; and gender equality and inclusiveness.
Update 23/2 – This article was updated to reflect that the statement, which was unavailable initially, has now been published