Viewpoint

Empowering women in research is not enough to close the gender gap. It’s time to “fix the institutions” say Androulla Vassiliou, Commissioner for Education and Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, Commissioner for R&D, in a Q&A with Science|Business

If Europe’s regional policy is to contribute to smart and sustainable growth, regional funds must be allocated to research, innovation, ICT and the low carbon economy, says Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Regional Policy

Global university rankings are proliferating, as are the methodologies and indicators they use. Meanwhile, their influence on policy makers is growing. Universities need to be aware of the potential uses and misuses of these league tables says a new report from the EUA

She herself is a perfect role model and now Europe’s chief Scientist Anne Glover is spearheading a drive to attract more people into science. First, we need to change the image of scientists, she says

Technology transfer in Germany is ripe for reform. A grace period for filing patents would help – and industry collaboration needs an overhaul, says Jörg Steinbach, President of the Technical University of Berlin

The problems with technology transfer arise because it is entrusted to universities and research funding bodies. The act of preparing research for commercialisation requires commercial skills, and should be handled by independent commercial bodies

The UK government does not have a coherent strategy to support the commercialisation of research and is failing to secure the full economic benefits of its world-class science base, warn MPs

With more and more services available over the Web, those without access are at an increasing disadvantage. An EU-funded programme is plotting a route across this digital divide, helping SMEs develop products and empowering older people

Complex and inconsistent clinical trial regulations are causing delays and raising costs for academic clinicians conducting international studies. Governments need to harmonise trial approval processes, says the OECD

Europe’s attempt to unify rules on clinical trials in the 2001 Directive is widely acknowledged to be a disaster. After years of debate, the Commission’s proposals for reform are getting a favourable reception, but it is critical the new regulation takes account of emerging technologies