Zaharieva shares ideas for simplifying the next EU research programme, from randomisation to rejigging templates and shortening time to grant
Research Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva speaking on September 16 during the Commission's Research & Innovation days. Photo credits: Ekaterina Zaharieva / LinkedIn
The European Commission is considering introducing randomisation, or lottery funding, in the next Horizon Europe programme after observing national funders pilot the approach.
Under this model, proposals that meet a quality threshold are entered into a lottery, with winners chosen at random rather than purely through peer review. The aim is to give equally strong projects a fairer chance in competitive calls while reducing bias.
Speaking on September 16 at a community debate on simplifying Horizon Europe, research Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva said that the idea has so far received only positive feedback, although the plans remain at an early stage. “We are exploring, not that we are going to do it in the next two years,” she said.
Zaharieva believes lottery funding could help address frustration with the current system, where funding decisions often come down to…
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