Merging institutions can bring economies of scale, strengthening finances and research - and attracting staff and students. But vested interests often block this route to moving up the league tables 

Wars on Europe’s doorstep, tech espionage and illiberal governments are spurring the EU and national governments to rethink who should take the lead on academic freedom

A council of 12 research leaders will be set up to advise the French president as part of plans to put science ‘at the heart of decision-making’, while the roles of research institutes and universities will be redefined

In the face of competing demands, it is critically important that FP10 is not stretched thin but instead concentrates on what EU research programmes do best

As China fears mount, US, UK and Canadian science agencies discuss collaboration on security. Meanwhile, the US National Science Foundation lays the ground for a new security centre, and Republicans push for tighter controls over foreign research funding

With Canada set to associate to the EU’s research and innovation framework programme, Science|Business data show where collaboration is already strong

Parliament’s push for better protection at an EU level gathers pace as MEP resolution gears up for final vote in plenary 

As part of the AUKUS security pact, Australia wants to make dual use research collaborations with the US and UK seamless. But new legislation to achieve this goal could seriously hinder work with the EU, universities are warning

Review of technology transfer calls for greater clarity on spin-out terms, but clears universities of cashing-in

Some in Switzerland had feared the country might have to wait years to associate. But with the European Commission opening exploratory talks yesterday, there are now hopes for a deal next year