R&D advocates need to capture imaginations

Universities must pressure member states to reverse funding stance

The build-up to the EU’s next R&D framework has been deluged with references to ambition. Architects behind Horizon Europe have stressed its potential to “shape our future”, and emphasised the grand vision behind some elements, such as its eye-catching themed ‘missions’. But it seems this message failed to reach EU member states, which are reportedly discussing a cut of “at least” €12 billion to the European Commission’s proposed €94.1bn budget.

Research advocates have been quick to decry the prospect of a cut—which comes amid uncertainty over future UK contributions to the EU. Coimbra’s Ludovic Thilly this week slammed it as “opposite to the vision and ambition” proposed by the Commission.