Brussels, 30/11/2015 (Agence Europe) - Ministers responsible for research in EU member states are expected to adopt a reform on the European Research Area (ERA) advisory body during their meeting in Brussels on Tuesday 1 December.
This reform will limit the number of groups that have an advisory role to 7 or, in other words, a group responsible for each priority set out for the 2015-20 period. These priorities are as follows: - More effective national research systems (ERAC) -: Optimal transnational cooperation and competition (GPC) - Priority 2b: Research infrastructures (ESFRI) -: Open labour market for researchers (ERA “resources and mobility” steering group, SGHRM): Gender equality and mainstreaming in research (Helsinki Group on Gender in Research and Innovation): Optimal circulation, access to and transfer of scientific knowledge (a new group with a broader mandate replacing the former ERAC Working Group on Knowledge Transfer) -: International cooperation (strategic forum for international S&T cooperation, SFIC).
Ministers are also expected to adopt conclusions on the promotion of a culture of responsibility and integrity in research activities, based on the discussions that took place during their informal meeting in Luxembourg last July (see EUROPE 11364). The promotion of equal opportunities in research, as a means of achieving a better balance between men and women, will also be the subject of conclusions.
Finally, ministers will have an opportunity to continue the debate on the way in which the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) can help stimulate research and strengthen the link between higher education and research. The European Commission is expected to present information during this meeting on on the Retirement Savings Vehicle for European Research Institutions (RESAVER) (see EUROPE 11169), the Science4refugees initiative and the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) foresight report. (Original version in French by Jan Kordys)