Shaping the future of research culture

29 November 2021

How can research remain attractive to current and future talent thus providing the scientific excellence needed to meet global challenges?

The High Level Workshop, co-organised this year on 24 November 2021 in Luxembourg by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research and the National Research Fund (FNR), gave a platform to Science Europe member organisations, national ministries and European institutions to discuss the progress, specific aspects and future development of the European Research Area (ERA).

Building an attractive, inclusive, sustainable and efficient research environment

Research communities and systems face challenges that threaten both the attractiveness and sustainability of the sector. Examples are manifold: career paths are often unstable, the system of rewards and incentives is narrow and inefficient, and there is a lack of diversity in the research environment at large.

In such a context, making European Research Area more attractive for researchers and cutting-edge research is vital. As such, research culture – the values and norms that make up the system – has a role to play as it affects all levels and aspects of research. It shapes the careers of individuals, the outcomes achieved and the attractiveness of the sector.

Looking at the current culture and planning its evolution is necessary to achieve a thriving, sustainable and open science oriented European research ecosystem. With this workshop, the 38 members created together a common understanding and a long-term vision of the research culture of the European Research Area.

Empowering researchers with a thriving research system

Following the High Level Workshop, Science Europe issued a new statement on Research Culture.

Science Europe envisions the research culture in the European Research Area where

• all contributors to research are appropriately recognised for their diverse efforts,
• the overall skills and competencies of researchers are encouraged and supported by adequate training, appropriate infrastructures and responsible management and governance,
• research integrity and high ethical standards are effectively promoted,
• careers in research are attractive and sustainable.

Science Europe‘s main objective is to strengthen collaboration between national research organisations across Europe and to drive European research policy. Its governance board is chaired by FNR’s Chief Executive Marc Schiltz, who was just re-elected as President.

Science Europe is the association representing major public organisations that fund or perform excellent, ground-breaking research in Europe. Their 38 members from 28 European countries bring together national research funding agencies and prominent research performing organisations. Together they spend over €23.9 billion on research each year.

Read more about Marc Schiltz’s election as President of Science Europe.

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