Latest Science|Business news & analysis

Welcome to the weekly Science|Business roundup of the most significant news in R&D policy and funding, tailored for our LinkedIn audience.?

In this week’s main R&D policy news:?

After weeks of haggling among political groups, the European Parliament has finally approved a new team of commissioners, to be led by returning European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. We have an overview of who will do what in the new Commission.??

In international collaboration news, EU needs diaspora researchers and science attachés involved in diplomacy. Experts say shifting geopolitics and an undermining of trust in science call for a fresh approach to science diplomacy.?

In Hungary, the proposed privatisation of research centres raises fears for Horizon Europe eligibility. MEP and academics say reforms are a power grab, like those that led to universities being barred from EU funds.?

In industry news, the aviation sector bets on hydrogen to decarbonise. Industry sees hydrogen as the route to sustainable air travel, but there is a long haul before it becomes a realistic alternative?

In funding news:??

This week, David Matthews investigates the potential for portfolio funding in research. Inspired by the finance world’s model of spreading the risk of investments, this experimental approach could support a more diverse spread of research projects. It’s being trialled by the European Innovation Council.?

In health news, Martin Greenacre looks at recommendations by EU scientific advisers that would enable interdisciplinary ‘One Health’ research in Europe. This will require major institutional and cultural change, they say.??

In the Ecosystem column, Ian Mundell explores how the proposed EU ban on ‘forever chemicals’ that provide intrinsic properties such as waterproofing and oil resistance to thousands of products, is creating opportunities for start-ups to develop non-toxic alternatives.?

In the Funding Radar, we have details of the latest funding calls in food-related research.?

Back to Horizon Europe, and the Data Corner analyses how industry is winning big in Horizon Europe’s Cluster 4 for digital, industry and space projects. ?

Meanwhile, in Insider’s View, we hear about the revamped Horizon Results Booster, a free-of-charge service that helps grant holders move the outputs of EU-funded research towards the market.?

Last, we’re sharing one more excerpt from the new edition of our in depth report, Horizon Europe: the Essential Guide. This time, it’s a handy explainer on which non-EU countries are in and out of the research programme.?

Policy Bulletin

Ursula von der Leyen prioritises research as MEPs approve new Commission

Closing the innovation gap with the US and China is her first ambition – but speech is light on new details. Click here to read more

As new Commission takes the reins, what can we expect for R&D?

Von der Leyen wants science to be ‘at the heart’ of the EU economy. Here’s a look at the commissioners who will drive that ambition. Click here to read more

EU needs diaspora researchers and science attachés involved in diplomacy

Shifting geopolitics and an undermining of trust in science call for a fresh approach to science diplomacy, experts say. Click here to read more

Privatisation of Hungarian research centres raises fears for Horizon Europe eligibility

MEP and academics say reforms are a power grab, like those that led to universities being barred from EU funds. Click here to read more

Aviation industry bets on hydrogen to decarbonise

Industry sees hydrogen as the route to sustainable air travel, but there is a long haul before it becomes a realistic alternative. Click here to read more

Funding Newswire

Commission is testing a radical portfolio approach to research funding

Taken from the finance world, the idea is to support a more diverse spread of research projects, giving money to unorthodox ideas. Click here to read more

EU scientific advisers call for research shakeup to support One Health

Restructuring is needed to enable interdisciplinary research that links the health of humans, animals and ecosystems. Click here to read more

Funding Radar: This week’s round up of food research-related calls

Here’s a list of funding opportunities in the EU, UK, Africa, Singapore, Israel, and the US. Click here to read more

ERA4Health launches €18.7M call for EU clinical studies

The Horizon Europe partnership opens its first call for multi-country trials, as it looks for new funding partners for its next phase. Click here to read more

The Ecosystem: start-ups make moves to displace ‘forever chemicals’

The mooted EU ban on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyls opens the door for companies to develop replacements and create new markets. Click here to read more

Horizon Europe goes global: who’s in, who’s out, and why?

A primer on which countries are part of the EU programme—and who’s sitting it out—from the new edition of Horizon Europe: The Essential Guide. Click here to read more

Most money from the Digital, Industry and Space cluster goes to companies

Unusually, Cluster 4 is dominated by the private sector, which receives 43% of funding and represents 68% of participants. Click here to read more

The Horizon Results Booster is being revamped. Here’s what will change

Free-of-charge service helping Horizon Europe projects better exploit results and maximise impact is getting a €14M upgrade. Click here to read more

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