The October 2026 ERA Policy Highlights bring together key European research and innovation policy developments, providing an overview of new initiatives, strategic guidance, funding opportunities and policy priorities shaping the European Research Area.
Explore the month’s key highlights:
- Responsible AI and AI in Science: Updated European guidance addresses responsible AI use in research, including agentic AI, research integrity, peer review and proposal evaluation. The RAISE AI initiative aims to strengthen researchers’ access to AI models, computing resources, software and training.
- Open Science and Research Integrity: A new European Parliament study examines the implications of generative AI for Open Science and scientific exchange, exploring how emerging technologies are reshaping research practices.
- Knowledge Valorisation and Innovation: A European Court of Auditors report assesses EU support for commercialising research results and calls for stronger impact monitoring. A separate study identifies strengths and gaps in Europe’s technology transfer systems.
- Research Infrastructures and Data Sustainability: The European Commission has allocated €65 million to sustain critical open life-sciences databases and services, supporting the long-term availability of essential research resources.
- Climate Resilience and Research: A new European Commission framework connects scientific evidence, digital infrastructure and innovation with climate adaptation policy, highlighting the role of R&I in strengthening resilience.
- ERA Implementation and Research Funding: New guidance outlines ERA priorities and achievements, while dedicated ERA Country Pages provide insights into national policies and implementation. A Horizon Europe survey also gathers participants’ experiences with lump sum funding to inform simplification efforts.
