Pact approved by the EU Council is intended as the political guide to creating a single market for research. But targets it sets are non-binding and implementation is left in the hands of national governments

As the latest data underline the extent of the gender gap, leading figures debate what to do about the loss of talent this represents. A declaration backed by member states blames ‘outdated gender norms’ and ‘unfair hierarchies and power structures’

As the Marie Curie programme celebrates its 25th birthday there are calls to use it to redress the brain drain

Building a ‘European Research Area’ is a big ask. An EU conference shows just how tough it really is

In wide-ranging interview, the research commissioner outlines issues standing in the way of the UK and Switzerland taking part in Horizon Europe. There is also an update on the European Research Area and a call for one and all to back the research missions

Europe’s most innovative clusters compete with the best in the world, but other regions are not even ‘also rans’ Now the Commission is making moves to level up and drive ‘innovation cohesion’ across the EU

Slovenian presidency is open to letting research and university associations be involved in the future governance of the European Research Area, but admits further talks are needed to work out best way to do this

No concrete funding is on the table yet, but working group of experts is drafting a joint proposal for future programmes and looking at how they can contribute to reinvigorating the European Research Area.

Universities have mixed feelings about draft plans which give the research community a seat at the table overseeing the implementation of the new single market for research

The Science|Business news service is on a summer break until 24 August, but here are some of our favourite reads of the year on EU R&D policy