An independent expert group recommends a ‘commando operation’ to urgently cut the bureaucracy that leaves young researchers spending up to 50% of their time on administration, and for more diversified and sustainable funding for France’s largest research organisation

With the likely new government promising to increase R&D funding and ‘depoliticise’ science, researchers are pointing to further reforms they say are needed to increase the standing and quality of the country’s research system

European Commission research suggests awarding grants to early career researchers and involving industry is good for innovation

A retrospective analysis of proposals under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions scheme feeds into the push for more emphasis on qualitative research assessment, but more studies are needed

Two open letters have been sent to Poland’s president and prime minister in an attempt to prevent the National Science Centre - the main basic research funding agency - from closure

The strategy aims to ensure German science excels internationally. It has worked well for the biggest hitters - but many worry universities in former East Germany are being left behind

Scientists have delivered a report to the government pointing to long-standing weaknesses in the structure, management and funding of research in France. Reform is now on the cards

The National Science Centre is calling for its overall budget to be doubled to €673M, saying it is now regularly having to turn down excellent proposals from researchers. The situation ‘has never been so dire’ its director tells Science|Business

As the elite of politics and business convene in Davos to talk about geopolitical rifts, resilience and pandemics, heads of EU research Mariya Gabriel and Maria Leptin make pleas for continued investment in basic science