Leading academics defend EU research missions and say productivity growth should not be the direct goal of European investment in research and innovation

New plan on the way for Commission’s green culture initiative after member states say no to sixth research Mission

Member states aren’t convinced that giving the project Mission status is the best way to ‘green’ neighbourhoods and bring Europe’s architectural and cultural heritage into the net-zero era

To deliver on their ambitious climate and health promises, the objective-driven research projects require a change in policymaking culture across Europe, says Wolfgang Polt, who is spearheading efforts to promote transnational cooperation in support of the Missions

With the research budget already overstretched, any more funding for the Missions cannot be at the expense of other parts of Horizon Europe, critics say

Two years in, a leaked document shows the Commission has ruled its novel Mission approach to research funding is working. It wants policymakers to back the launch of a sixth programme on Bauhaus

Challenge-driven programmes in cancer, climate change and smart cities are not working out as planned. To be successful they need to pull in outside funding, says new EU research head Marc Lemaître. A progress report is due out next week

Researchers invited to submit visions for AI robots, quantum computers and new food production systems

President of the Spanish National Research Council, Rosa Menéndez, explains how new cross-disciplinary platforms are bringing together diverse research teams to promote creativity and generate innovation

Nobel prize-winning scientist Harald zur Hausen steps down as chair, citing personal reasons. He is replaced by Walter Ricciardi. Bettina Ryll, founder of a patients’ group that has transformed access to novel skin cancer treatments, joins the board