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Latest reports
Mutual learning exercise on bridging the gap between science and policy
This Final report summarises the key findings of the Horizon Europe – Policy Support Facility’s Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE) on Bridging the Gap between Science and Policy. Fifteen countries participated in the MLE, exchanging information about national initiatives and approaches used to support and develop evidence-informed policymaking, and to discuss ways to improve national S4P ecosystems. Four key themes – knowledge-sharing, enabling conditions, evaluation and assessment of S4P ecosystems, and trust in S4P – structured the MLE work. This report highlights the key insights generated and recommends areas where action is needed to improve S4P ecosystems and related policies. The report was presented at the SAM 2025 Conference in Vienna.
She Figures 2024
The She Figures publication is the European Commission’s flagship report tracking gender equality in Research and Innovation (R&I) across Europe and beyond. As in previous editions, She Figures 2024 maps the career trajectory of researchers, from higher education to the labour market and into leadership roles. The report highlights persistent gender disparities, particularly in STEM fields like ICT, where women remain significantly underrepresented. These findings echo the Draghi report’s call for a more diverse workforce, as only 9% of inventors are women and 98% of EU research fails to incorporate a gender perspective. Such imbalances threaten Europe’s economic growth and long-term competitiveness.
Trustworthy Public Communications. How communicators can strengthen the future of democracies
This report provides evidence-based insights and recommendations on how public communicators can strengthen the future of democracies by navigating (new) information ecosystems in ways that earn the trust and confidence of citizens. At a time when trust in government is increasingly recognised as important to democracy, the report aims to support institutions in tackling the societal challenges in communication faced around the globe. The report combines state-of-the-art scientific knowledge and insights from experts, new empirical research on the moralisation of policies and values-targeted communication strategies, and input from citizens on this topic to provide practical guidance to policymakers and institutional communications professionals.
Latest factsheets
ERA Conference 2024. European Research Area: Fostering Greater Integration. Advancing Competitiveness
Materials from ERA Conference 2024
Download report link: https://www.inspiring-era.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FINAL_ERAConfereceReport.pdf
Event page:
RESAVER factsheet
This factsheet provides an overview of RESAVER, the pan-European pension fund designed specifically for research organisations and their employees. RESAVER addresses a key challenge for mobile researchers in Europe: the difficulty of maintaining continuous pension contributions when moving between countries. Supported by the European Commission, RESAVER enables employees to remain affiliated with the same supplementary pension scheme throughout their careers, regardless of cross-border mobility within the European Economic Area (EEA). With participation open to all staff in research-performing organisations, RESAVER contributes to making research careers more attractive and sustainable by ensuring long-term pension security. The factsheet outlines the main features of RESAVER, including its structure, governance, and benefits for both employers and employees, and highlights its growing coverage across Europe.
INSPIRING ERA Launches Second Factsheet on Research Careers in the European Research Area
INSPIRING ERA is proud to present its second thematic factsheet, focused on ERA Action 4: Research Careers. This new resource outlines the key concepts and showcases the vast portfolio of policy measures helping support more attractive, sustainable, and inclusive career pathways for researchers.
Fostering strong, dynamic research careers is fundamental to building a resilient and competitive European Research Area. By improving working conditions, career development prospects, and mobility for researchers, ERA Action 4 helps ensure that Europe remains a global leader in research and innovation.
This factsheet is designed to support researchers, research organisations and other stakeholders in implementing impactful reforms and initiatives aligned with the ERA Policy Agenda. We encourage all ERA-related actors to explore, share, and apply this resource as we work together to strengthen the research profession across Europe.
Latest recommendations and guidelines
ERA Conference 2024. European Research Area: Fostering Greater Integration. Advancing Competitiveness
Proposal for a Council Recommendation on the European Research Area Policy Agenda 2025-2027
The proposal results from close collaboration between the Commission, Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and European stakeholders within the ERA Forum. Like the first ERA Policy Agenda 2022-2024, it serves as a three-year roadmap to drive progress in areas such as open science and research assessment reform. Its goal is to transform the Pact for Research and Innovation’s priorities into concrete outcomes that enhance long-term cooperation across the EU. The agenda includes structural policies like open science and research careers, alongside targeted actions addressing challenges such as AI in science and research security. Expected results include a joint AI roadmap, strengthened cooperation on research security, and a European science-for-policy observatory.
VERITY Protocol – Recommendations for Strengthening Societal Trust in Science
The EU-funded Verity project, rebuilding the relationship between science and society, has published the VERITY Protocol, which provides a comprehensive framework of evidence-informed recommendations designed to enhance societal trust in science, research, and innovation. It serves as a practical guide for Stewards of Trust (SOTs)—organisations, groups, or individuals committed to fostering trust in science—by offering actionable strategies to cultivate trust in science. Developed through extensive research, including literature reviews, social network analysis, qualitative fieldwork, and co-creation workshops, the Protocol identifies six key categories of recommendations: Building Trustworthy Science, Engaging the Public in Scientific Processes, Educating and Raising Awareness, Science Communication, Building Supportive Policy Frameworks, and Collaboration.
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Reports
Mutual learning exercise on bridging the gap between science and policy
This Final report summarises the key findings of the Horizon Europe – Policy Support Facility’s Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE) on Bridging the Gap between Science and Policy. Fifteen countries participated in the MLE, exchanging information about national initiatives and approaches used to support and develop evidence-informed policymaking, and to discuss ways to improve national S4P ecosystems. Four key themes – knowledge-sharing, enabling conditions, evaluation and assessment of S4P ecosystems, and trust in S4P – structured the MLE work. This report highlights the key insights generated and recommends areas where action is needed to improve S4P ecosystems and related policies. The report was presented at the SAM 2025 Conference in Vienna.
She Figures 2024
The She Figures publication is the European Commission’s flagship report tracking gender equality in Research and Innovation (R&I) across Europe and beyond. As in previous editions, She Figures 2024 maps the career trajectory of researchers, from higher education to the labour market and into leadership roles. The report highlights persistent gender disparities, particularly in STEM fields like ICT, where women remain significantly underrepresented. These findings echo the Draghi report’s call for a more diverse workforce, as only 9% of inventors are women and 98% of EU research fails to incorporate a gender perspective. Such imbalances threaten Europe’s economic growth and long-term competitiveness.
Trustworthy Public Communications. How communicators can strengthen the future of democracies
This report provides evidence-based insights and recommendations on how public communicators can strengthen the future of democracies by navigating (new) information ecosystems in ways that earn the trust and confidence of citizens. At a time when trust in government is increasingly recognised as important to democracy, the report aims to support institutions in tackling the societal challenges in communication faced around the globe. The report combines state-of-the-art scientific knowledge and insights from experts, new empirical research on the moralisation of policies and values-targeted communication strategies, and input from citizens on this topic to provide practical guidance to policymakers and institutional communications professionals.
Overview of public engagement in research & innovation
This thematic report provides an introductory overview of Public Engagement in Research and Innovation in Europe, as discussed during the first meeting of the Mutual Learning Exercise on Public Engagement in Research and Innovation. Various policies, frameworks, resources, and projects (mainly EU funded) to promote Public Engagement practices are described. The report aims to inspire and help public actors and policymakers to promote and support public engagement. Published April 2024.
Citizen science initiatives: policy and practice
Final Report of the Mutual Learning Exercise on Citizen Science Initiatives, conducted by the European Commission, to identify and promote good practices, experience and lessons learned. The report presents a summary of the learning and recommendations generated throughout the year-long process3 through the lens of the backcasting approach to strategic planning. The Final Report serves as an inspiration, guide and resource for national policy makers and other key actors in the national science landscape.
ERA Monitoring report 2023
This EU-level report is the first 18- months review of the progress towards the priority areas for joint action in the European Research Area (ERA), as laid down in the Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe, and of the implementation of the ERA Policy Agenda. It is part of the new ERA Monitoring Mechanism (EMM) and will serve as a baseline when assessing future progress at EU-level. Published 2023.
Fostering Knowledge Valorisation through Citizen Engagement
This report provides an analysis of citizen engagement for knowledge valorisation practices, drawing on 60 selected case studies from 37 countries, across the EU and internationally. The report describes the benefits of participatory processes and explores key elements for successful valorisation of knowledge and research results with the engagement of citizens. Based on the evidence, it provides possible action points for research and innovation actors for effective participatory practices for knowledge valorisation. Published 2024.
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Factsheets
ERA Conference 2024. European Research Area: Fostering Greater Integration. Advancing Competitiveness
Materials from ERA Conference 2024
Download report link: https://www.inspiring-era.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FINAL_ERAConfereceReport.pdf
Event page:
RESAVER factsheet
This factsheet provides an overview of RESAVER, the pan-European pension fund designed specifically for research organisations and their employees. RESAVER addresses a key challenge for mobile researchers in Europe: the difficulty of maintaining continuous pension contributions when moving between countries. Supported by the European Commission, RESAVER enables employees to remain affiliated with the same supplementary pension scheme throughout their careers, regardless of cross-border mobility within the European Economic Area (EEA). With participation open to all staff in research-performing organisations, RESAVER contributes to making research careers more attractive and sustainable by ensuring long-term pension security. The factsheet outlines the main features of RESAVER, including its structure, governance, and benefits for both employers and employees, and highlights its growing coverage across Europe.
INSPIRING ERA Launches Second Factsheet on Research Careers in the European Research Area
INSPIRING ERA is proud to present its second thematic factsheet, focused on ERA Action 4: Research Careers. This new resource outlines the key concepts and showcases the vast portfolio of policy measures helping support more attractive, sustainable, and inclusive career pathways for researchers.
Fostering strong, dynamic research careers is fundamental to building a resilient and competitive European Research Area. By improving working conditions, career development prospects, and mobility for researchers, ERA Action 4 helps ensure that Europe remains a global leader in research and innovation.
This factsheet is designed to support researchers, research organisations and other stakeholders in implementing impactful reforms and initiatives aligned with the ERA Policy Agenda. We encourage all ERA-related actors to explore, share, and apply this resource as we work together to strengthen the research profession across Europe.
INSPIRING ERA Launches First Factsheet on Bringing Science Closer to Citizens
INSPIRING ERA is pleased to announce the publication of its first thematic factsheet, focused on Bringing Science Closer to Citizens. This factsheet presents goals of Bringing Science Closer to Citizens action, inspiring examples, practical insights and key recommendations for strengthening the connection between science and society. It is designed to support researchers, institutions, and policymakers across Europe in implementing effective public engagement strategies.
Bringing science closer to citizens is essential for increasing trust, transparency, and relevance in research and innovation. By empowering individuals and communities to engage with science, ERA contributes to a more inclusive and democratic research ecosystem. We invite all stakeholders to read, share, and make use of this resource in support of a more connected and impactful European Research Area.
Brochure of Use Cases on EOSC and Open Science
Brochure showcasing recent use cases on European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) and Open Science. The brochure, developed by the EOSC Future project, presents 31 use cases from different countries in Europe on policies and practices to implement EOSC and Open Science at national level with a short description, key facts, and links for further information for each use case. The use cases have been collected from Member States and Associated Countries in the EOSC Steering Board via the Survey on National Contributions to EOSC and follow-on interviews with designated representatives for each use case. Published May 2024.
Factsheet on Attractive Research Careers in the Union
This factsheet presents new European standards and tools designed to make research careers more attractive and sustainable. Improving working conditions for Europe’s two million researchers is a key ERA priority, helping to address societal challenges in health, defence, digital, and green technologies.
At the centre is the proposed European Framework for Research Careers, including a new Charter for Researchers with 20 updated principles covering fair career progression, balanced mobility, improved recruitment, and stronger support for working conditions. The Charter is addressed to researchers, employers, funders, and policymakers alike, making it easier to implement through the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R).
Complementing this, the new ResearchComp website introduces the first EU Competence Framework for Researchers. It allows researchers to self-assess and develop transversal skills for inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary careers, while also helping employers and training providers better understand and support research talent.
Together, these initiatives aim to retain European talent, attract international researchers, and ensure that research careers are both competitive and resilient in the global landscape. The factsheet outlines the main features of the new Charter and ResearchComp, as well as their role in strengthening research careers across Europe.
Factsheet on the European Research Area
This factsheet introduces the European Research Area (ERA), the EU’s single market for research, innovation, and technology. ERA brings together Member States, Associated Countries, and stakeholders to align policies, strengthen cooperation, and enable the free movement of researchers, knowledge, and innovation across borders.
Since its origins in the 1970s, ERA has evolved into a central political framework, enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty and relaunched in 2021 with the Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe. The Pact sets out shared values and principles for research and innovation, while the ERA Policy Agenda 2022–2024 translates them into 20 concrete actions ranging from open science to gender equality and green and digital transitions.
Governance of ERA is coordinated through the European Commission, the Council of the EU, and dedicated stakeholder bodies such as the ERA Forum. Implementation is continuously monitored to ensure evidence-informed policymaking and measurable impact.
By fostering cooperation, boosting investment in research and innovation, and improving access to excellence across Europe, ERA strengthens Europe’s global competitiveness while addressing pressing societal challenges. The factsheet highlights ERA’s milestones, governance structure, and policy priorities, providing an overview of how ERA supports a stronger, more connected research and innovation ecosystem.
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Recommendations and Guidelines
ERA Conference 2024. European Research Area: Fostering Greater Integration. Advancing Competitiveness
Materials from ERA Conference 2024
Download report link: https://www.inspiring-era.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FINAL_ERAConfereceReport.pdf
Event page:
Proposal for a Council Recommendation on the European Research Area Policy Agenda 2025-2027
The proposal results from close collaboration between the Commission, Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and European stakeholders within the ERA Forum. Like the first ERA Policy Agenda 2022-2024, it serves as a three-year roadmap to drive progress in areas such as open science and research assessment reform. Its goal is to transform the Pact for Research and Innovation’s priorities into concrete outcomes that enhance long-term cooperation across the EU. The agenda includes structural policies like open science and research careers, alongside targeted actions addressing challenges such as AI in science and research security. Expected results include a joint AI roadmap, strengthened cooperation on research security, and a European science-for-policy observatory.
VERITY Protocol – Recommendations for Strengthening Societal Trust in Science
The EU-funded Verity project, rebuilding the relationship between science and society, has published the VERITY Protocol, which provides a comprehensive framework of evidence-informed recommendations designed to enhance societal trust in science, research, and innovation. It serves as a practical guide for Stewards of Trust (SOTs)—organisations, groups, or individuals committed to fostering trust in science—by offering actionable strategies to cultivate trust in science. Developed through extensive research, including literature reviews, social network analysis, qualitative fieldwork, and co-creation workshops, the Protocol identifies six key categories of recommendations: Building Trustworthy Science, Engaging the Public in Scientific Processes, Educating and Raising Awareness, Science Communication, Building Supportive Policy Frameworks, and Collaboration.
Advancing Inclusive Gender Equality: A Vision for Framework Programme 10
The ERA Forum Sub-group on ‘Inclusive Gender Equality in the ERA’ concludes the ERA Policy Agenda 2022 – 2024 with a position paper presenting its vision for advancing inclusive gender equality in Framework Programme 10 (FP10) and beyond. This pivotal document lays the foundation for the next phase of European research and innovation, envisioning a future built on collaboration, sustainability, and inclusivity. The paper first reviews the recent advances and success in gender equality policy, including the eligibility criterion of Gender Equality Plans and integration of the gender dimension as a default requirement in Horizon Europe. It then offers nine key recommendations across three areas to secure and sustain the progress made through existing policy. Published December 2024.
Revised Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures to foster open science, innovation, and research security
The revised Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures is a key outcome of the ERA Policy Agenda (2022–2024). The Charter sets out non-regulatory principles and guidelines to help research infrastructures design fair, transparent, and effective access policies that put users at the centre.
The updated Charter promotes open science and the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), ensuring that data and results are widely available, reproducible, and beneficial across disciplines. It also addresses research security and strategic autonomy, aligning with Europe’s global research strategy and safeguarding the integrity of infrastructures.
Recognising the evolving role of research infrastructures, the Charter expands access to new user groups, including industry and SMEs, while highlighting the need for resilience during crises such as pandemics. By combining openness, security, inclusiveness, and resilience, the revised Charter strengthens the role of research infrastructures in supporting discovery, innovation, and Europe’s long-term competitiveness. The factsheet outlines its main principles and illustrates how it contributes to a stronger and more connected European Research Area.
