The aim is to build networks across the EU, but universities in eastern Europe say structural problems make it harder for them to get involved - and some fear it promotes brain drain

MEP Christian Ehler says he’s discussed creating a legal framework with the Commission president as Parliament prepares a formal call for action. The Commission rejects the claim it is failing in its legal responsibility to protect scientific freedom

UK companies can now get grants of up to €2.5M from the EIC Accelerator programme but are still excluded from its equity fund - and investments of up to €15M

Member states confirm former EU auditor as new commissioner for research, innovation and education, replacing Mariya Gabriel

Brussels should aim to increase the dependence of other powers on the EU, not just reduce its own dependencies. This means investing to stay ahead where it dominates key parts of supply chains

EU’s €26B education programme is to be evaluated next year. As ever, there are calls for less bureaucracy, while students want more involvement in decision-making

You wouldn’t have a football world cup without the best teams, and equally you shouldn’t have a research programme without the best scientists, says Maria Leptin on the UK’s return to the fold

The Commission looks to extend the Arise funding scheme for early career researchers in Africa, as France’s Research Institute for Development leads talks on a new research alliance

Some university leaders are encouraged by UK joining, while one now feels ‘alone in Europe’. Meanwhile, in the latest severing of links, the Commission has shut the Swiss out of a university translation network

Member states due to officially confirm Iliana Ivanova as new commissioner for research, innovation and education next week