The European Research Ministers, meeting in the Competitiveness configuration of the Council of the EU, adopted on 10 June the set of conclusions on research evaluation and the implementation of open science. This is a topic supported by the French Presidency of the EU Council.
For the French Research Minister, Sylvie Retailleau, who chaired the Council, these conclusions address three issues that will make it possible to strengthen the European Research Area and make research careers in Europe more attractive: - a reform of research evaluation systems, in particular by integrating more qualitative elements and the societal impact of research; - strengthening the EU’s editorial capacity (academic publications and scientific communication); - the promotion of multilingualism as a means of disseminating research and research results.
The minister recalled how the Covid-19 pandemic had highlighted the need for rapid access to scientific results and evidence.
The informal lunch that closed the ‘Research’ session of this Competitiveness Council was an opportunity for the ministers to take part in a policy debate dedicated to supporting young researchers in times of crisis.
The ministers exchanged views on existing measures in the Member States and tried to identify measures where there could be enhanced coordination in the EU.
The European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, noted in particular the need to define a European framework for research careers in the context of the European Research Area.
She added that the European Commission was examining the tools to be offered to young researchers.
The Commissioner called for a coherent framework and concrete initiatives to attract young researchers to Europe.
This is an issue that will be forwarded to the Czech Presidency of the EU Council.
Link to the conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/22a (Original version in French by Émilie Vanderhulst)