Viewpoint: EU needs to boost investment in research infrastructures

Research infrastructures have been notably absent in the ongoing discussions about the next EU framework research programme FP10. But without strong investments in these large scale and expensive facilities, we risk falling behind on the global stage.

This comes at a time when there is much talk about the need to enhance EU competitiveness and ensure that European research is the lynchpin of innovation and societal progress. It is crucial we acknowledge the central role these infrastructures in play in this.

The need for advanced research infrastructures is increasing within all academic fields. European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen is right in her mission letter to commissioner designate Ekaterina Zaharieva when she requests a long term strategy to boost research infrastructures with the aim of creating a pan-European ecosystem.

The need to have access to shared infrastructures applies across physics, astronomy, health, education, humanities and social sciences research. That underscores why FP10 must prioritise research infrastructures, as drivers of high quality research and innovation.

Research infrastructures is one of nine crucial factors for a successful framework programme the Swedish Research Council has identified in its paper on FP10.

Research infrastructures not only elevate research quality, but also foster the exchange of ideas and methods, pushing the boundaries of the possible. Transnational access is an excellent example of an efficient use of resources, accomplishing what member states cannot do alone.

However, research infrastructures require high capital investment construct, but are also expensive to maintain and operate. Given this, they need to be strategic and well-coordinated across Europe, with strong support from users.

For the EU to meet von der Leyen’s request for a for a long term strategy and a pan-European ecosystem of research infrastructures, a strong  European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures with coordinated processes, including evaluations, landscape analysis and road mapping is essential.  Support and coordination are also needed to give researchers the best tools and to develop research infrastructures so they stay relevant and competitive.

As things stand, framework programme funding is allowed for the design and preparatory phases. Significant funding is also needed to consolidate and operate research infrastructures, and to upgrade existing facilities to meet new research challenges, explore new research areas and address new requirements.

The excellence perspective is central to the development and operation of research infrastructures and must be the primary criterion for allocating access to them.

We believe research infrastructures should continue as an excellence-driven part of Pillar I, since 90% of all use comes from this pillar. However, it is important that users with funding from other parts of the framework programme can get access. In addition, the Commission must clarify the synergies between the research infrastructures sub-programme and other parts of the framework programme to the applicants.

By committing to invest in robust and well-coordinated research infrastructures, with excellence as the guiding principle in FP10, we will enhance Europe’s competitive edge and be better placed to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Katarina Bjelke is director general at the Swedish Research Council, the country’s largest government research funding agency.