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Trio of Reports Say the EU is Betting Too Heavily on Generative AI

Trio of Reports Say the EU is Betting Too Heavily on Generative AI

Three new reports have criticised the EU's artificial intelligence strategy, including its plan to spend €20 billion on enormous supercomputers known as gigafactories to train and run large language models (LLMs), the form of AI that powers chatbots like ChatGPT. 

New US Plan for 'AI in Science' Could Change How Research is Done, for Better or Worse

New US Plan for 'AI in Science' Could Change How Research is Done, for Better or Worse

A new Trump administration plan to expand the use of artificial intelligence in US science could boost research productivity. But, it also highlights a need for more global cooperation in AI development.

EU Plans €51M Choose Europe Call for Research Careers in 2027

EU Plans €51M Choose Europe Call for Research Careers in 2027

The European Commission plans to launch a €51.25 million call in 2027 as part of the Choose Europe initiative, which is intended to make the continent a more attractive place to pursue a career in research.

Viewpoint: FP10 Proposal Risks Weakening Europe's Innovation Capacity

Viewpoint: FP10 Proposal Risks Weakening Europe's Innovation Capacity

Europe faces major societal challenges, from climate change and digitalisation to health and security. At the same time, global competition is intensifying, with the US and China leading the way in breakthrough technologies such as AI and quantum technology. For the EU to remain competitive the next EU Framework Programme for research and innovation (FP10) must strengthen, not sideline, the link between research and innovation.

Industrial Policy Can Benefit from Research, but Should Not Dictate Priorities, Ehler Says

Industrial Policy Can Benefit from Research, but Should Not Dictate Priorities, Ehler Says

Innovation is Europe's main competitive advantage, but industrial policy must not dictate research priorities, said Christian Ehler following his confirmation as lead rapporteur for the tenth EU research Framework Programme (FP10) and co-rapporteur for the new European Competitiveness Fund (ECF).

'Web of Incentives' in Research Funding Limit Academic Freedom

'Web of Incentives' in Research Funding Limit Academic Freedom

An indirect "creeping reduction of freedom" is taking place in academia, according to Maria Leptin, president of the European Research Council (ERC), Europe's main funder of fundamental research. This threat is distinct from government "oppression" of universities and scientists in populist regimes such as the US and Hungary. 

Council Signs off on Swiss Re-association to Horizon Europe

Council Signs off on Swiss Re-association to Horizon Europe

The Council of the EU has signed off a deal allowing Switzerland to re-associate to the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, taking a further step towards ending years of limbo for Swiss researchers. 

Ukraine Mulls Plan for Rebuilding Its Science Sector

Ukraine Mulls Plan for Rebuilding Its Science Sector

Ukraine and the European Commission are working on a "working mechanism" for an international coalition of countries and international organisations willing to help the war-torn country to rebuild its science sector, says Denys Kurbatov, Ukraine's deputy minister for education and science.

MEPs Put Europe's Innovation Gap on FP10 Agenda

MEPs Put Europe's Innovation Gap on FP10 Agenda

Members of the European Parliament's industry and research committee have defended the need for a Widening programme in Horizon Europe after 2027, but also noted that member states should take more responsibility for lagging national R&D expenditures and make better use of EU structural funds. 

Establish an 'ERC for Labs', Says Economics Nobel Prize Winner

Establish an 'ERC for Labs', Says Economics Nobel Prize Winner

The EU should establish a European Research Council (ERC) equivalent to give long-term support to research labs, one of the winners of this year's Nobel Prize for economics has argued.French economist Philippe Aghion was awarded the prize on October 13 for his work that argues economic growth relies on "creative destruction", with new more innovative firms pushing out old ones.

Scientists Urged to Demand Independent Governance in Horizon Europe

Scientists Urged to Demand Independent Governance in Horizon Europe

The chair of an expert group charged with advising the European Commission on the next Framework Programme for research and innovation has called for a campaign of "scientific activism" to implement independent governance models across the programme.

Research Ministers Confident of Role in Horizon Europe Negotiations

Research Ministers Confident of Role in Horizon Europe Negotiations

EU research ministers do not expect to have a reduced role during negotiations on the future Horizon Europe programme, despite Council plans to assign parts of it to finance ministers via the ad hoc working party on the next multiannual EU budget.

Amid Gaza War, Debate Intensifies: is It Wrong to Collaborate with Israeli Universities?

Amid Gaza War, Debate Intensifies: is It Wrong to Collaborate with Israeli Universities?

For European academia, there's perhaps no more burning and divisive question than whether to continue collaborating with Israel. 

Single Rulebook for EU Research Funding Risks 'Death' by Inflexibility, Warns ERC President

Single Rulebook for EU Research Funding Risks 'Death' by Inflexibility, Warns ERC President

A European Commission plan to standardise administrative processes for EU research funding could spell "death," the president of the European Research Council (ERC) has warned. Maria Leptin said that different EU research bodies had different aims and so need flexibility. Standardising their contracts, for example, could put them in a straitjacket.