No EU plans to set up support scheme for at-risk researchers

Calls for support for researchers suffering persecution are not yet bearing fruit

The European Commission has no plans as yet to launch a dedicated fellowship scheme to support researchers suffering or at risk from persecution, Research Professional News understands, despite an EU-funded project calling for such action.

InspireEurope, a research project funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 R&D programme, proposed the establishment of a support scheme for at-risk researchers in an initial report published on 29 October. The report said EU support “has an added value, as it enables and encourages cross-border exchange of information and good practice, collaboration and coordination…and pooling and sharing of resources”.