In the lead-up to the European Parliament Elections of 2024, a significant movement is underway. Associations across Europe are rallying to bolster political backing for scientific research, recognizing it as a pivotal force for societal progress and innovation. This initiative seeks to influence policy-making and ensure that science remains a top priority in the legislative agenda for the next five years.
The Role of Science in Shaping Europe’s Future
Science is the bedrock of societal advancement, driving innovation and prosperity. As Europe stands at a crossroads, the need for continued investment in research has never been more apparent. The challenges we face, from climate change to health crises, demand a robust scientific response. Associations are calling on candidates to pledge their support for science, emphasizing its role in enhancing living standards and preparing for future global challenges.
The campaign underscores the importance of scientific research in all disciplines as a public good. It advocates for increased funding for basic research and infrastructure, aiming to bridge the research and innovation performance gap across Europe. The goal is to create research systems based on shared values, transcending political considerations and focusing on quality and impact.
Advocating for Academic Freedom and Collaboration
A central tenet of the movement is the protection and promotion of academic freedom. Associations urge the establishment of common rules to enable and safeguard scientific inquiry. They emphasize the need for universities, funding agencies, and research organizations to guarantee the academic freedom of researchers, teachers, and students. Autonomy in funding decisions, driven solely by scholarly excellence, is also a key demand.
Collaboration is another focal point, with calls to rebalance the relationship between research collaboration and competition. High-quality outcomes are prioritized over quantity, and a broader array of skills and competencies is recognized to attract talented individuals to research careers. The campaign also advocates for equitable access and ethical uses of Artificial Intelligence in research, along with clear legal frameworks for knowledge security.
Fostering Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The movement extends beyond scientific concerns, addressing the need for equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in research. It pushes for EU policies that consider factors such as socio-economic background, sexual orientation, and disability. Programs supporting under-represented researcher groups are proposed, along with the generalization of inclusive language in policy and procedure documents.
