ICoRSA March Newsletter

The International Consortium of Research Staff Associations

Author

ICoRSA
March 21, 2025

Big changes, bold actions, and key opportunities for researchers! ICoRSA is growing and welcoming ANPG from Brazil, while the European research community fights to keep FP10 independent. Major events, funding updates, and career-boosting opportunities are on the horizon. From science diplomacy at UNESCO to shaping research careers with SECURE and OPUS, there’s plenty to explore. Stay ahead with the latest insights and get involved!

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A NEW BEGINNING

ICoRSA Welcomes a New Member Association from Brazil! 

We are delighted to welcome the National Association of Postgraduates (ANPG) as a new member of ICoRSA!

ANPG represents postgraduate associations across Brazil and advocates for the rights of postdoctoral researchers, as well as the recognition and sustainability of the Brazilian scientific system.

Learn more about ANPG here: https://www.anpg.org.br 

NEWS IN RESEARCH AND INNOVATION POLICIES

Concerns over the future of FP10: research community pushes for a standalone programme 

As negotiations continue for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which includes Framework Programme 10 (FP10)—Europe’s largest Research and Innovation funding programme—the European Commission is pushing for a "Competitiveness Fund." This super fund would merge all existing funding programmes, including FP10, to boost innovation and increase efficiency. However, the European research community has strongly opposed this, citing concerns over:  

  • Loss of autonomy for FP10 

  • A shift in research priorities towards policy-driven innovation and technology 

  • Lack of a clear implementation plan 

  • Challenges in research outcomes due to the emphasis on increased efficiency and rapid results. 

Christian Ehler’s Advocacy for a Stand-Alone FP10 

Christian Ehler (MEP, EPP, Committee on Industry, Research & Energy) has emerged as a leading advocate for a stand-alone FP10budget. His recent report on Horizon Europe strongly urges that FP10 remains an independent EU programme with a substantially increased budget to meet the 3% GDP spending target and fund at least 75% of excellent research. Read the full report here. The European Parliament unanimously adopted this report. 

Warsaw Declaration & EU Research Ministers' Position 

Ehler’s advocacy also led to the Warsaw Declaration, reinforcing the need for a stand-alone FP10, supported by the EU Research Ministers, who are also engaged in these negotiations. Watch Ehler’s 16-minute press conference, where he criticizes the Commission’s proposal and outlines next steps:https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/webstreaming/press-conference-by-christian-ehler-epp-de-rapporteur-on-implementation-of-horizon-europe-programme_20250311-1630-SPECIAL-PRESSER 

The future of the European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda 2025-2027 

Discussions are currently underway on the future policy of the European Research Area (ERA) for 2025-2027, following a proposal by the European Commission. You can access the proposal here: ERA Policy Proposal. 

The ERA Policy Agenda sets strategic priorities to strengthen and consolidate the research landscape in Europe. It encompasses key areas such as research careers, gender equality, research assessment, and the alignment of funding and policy mechanisms. Under previous ERA policies, two major initiatives were adopted: the European Framework for Research Careers and the European Competence Framework for Research Managers. 

The final proposal is expected to be officially launched in May 2025. 

NEWS ABOUT RESEARCH MANAGEMENT

Training opportunity for Research Managers for the EURESTMA certificate. The programme provides a certificate for 15 ECTS at the University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück. The aim of the programme is to contribute to the professionalization of European Research Management and to establish an active international community of research managers. 

The program follows a blended learning format, including self-study and in-person workshops.  

Applications are accepted between March 01, 2025, and October 15, 2025. 

EVENTS

SECURE Project – webinars & consultation sessions on Research Careers 

ICoRSA is a partner in the SECURE – Sustainable Careers for Researcher Empowerment project, which is hosting a series of webinars and consultation sessions on research careers: SECURE Roadshow Webinars & Consultation Sessions 

Next consultation takes place on March 28th 2025 with a presentation of the Research Career Framework (RCF) and Tenure Track-like (TTL) Models. 

UNESCO Global Science Ministerial Dialogue and Multistakeholder High-Level Conference on Science Diplomacy 

UNESCO is hosting the Global Science Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy and the Multistakeholder High-Level Conference on Science Diplomacy, bringing together stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers to discuss a global framework for science diplomacy that addresses the evolving needs of society. 

Objectives of the Dialogue: 

  • Strengthen high-level commitment to science diplomacy as a tool for fostering dialogue and peace. 

  • Explore innovative science diplomacy initiatives through discussions among ministers, scientists, diplomats, and experts, contributing to peacebuilding and human rights protection. 

  • Establish a common framework to advance shared global goals through science diplomacy. 

  • Showcase ongoing initiatives and opportunities in the field of science diplomacy. 

Event Structure: 

  • March 25, 2025 – Multistakeholder High-Level Conference on Science Diplomacy 

  • March 26, 2025 – Global Science Ministerial Conference on Science Diplomacy 

Registration here: UNESCO Science Diplomacy Webinar 

Workshop on Industry and Open Science: Bridging Academia and Industry 

Join the 9 April Online Event Where Researchers Meet Industry Secrets and strategies behind Open Science and Open Innovation driving billion-dollar breakthroughs at AstraZeneca, CERN, and BrainZell. Learn from industry pioneers about real-world applications and best practices. Engage in interactive discussions with leading figures in the field. Explore pathways to stronger cross-sector partnerships. Ideal for researchers, universities, funders, policymakers, and industry experts seeking to maximize research impact and drive innovation. 

Shaping the Future of Research: OPUS Final Conference 

Join us in Paris or online on July 9-10, 2025, for the OPUS Final Conference. This event marks a significant milestone in transforming research assessment by promoting Open Science practices. Key highlights include: Innovative Indicators and Interventions: Explore new metrics and real-world pilot implementations that incentivize Open Science, Generic Researcher Assessment Framework (RAF): Discover an evaluation system for researchers focusing on Open Science contributions, Pilot Program Insights: Hear from research institutions about their experiences in piloting research assessment reforms. 

Ideal for policymakers, researchers, and institutional leaders seeking to shape the future of research assessment. 

The annual event organized by Vitae will focus on the professional development of researchers. It will bring together researchers, academic professionals, and those involved in researcher development to connect, share best practices, and explore the latest trends in the field. 

This hybrid event will take place both online and in person on the following dates and at the following locations: 

Online: Wednesday 10 September and Thursday 11 September 09:30am-15:30pm both days. 

In-person: Monday 22 September and Tuesday 23 September at We The Curious in Bristol. 

CALLS FOR RESEARCH COMMUNITY

Share your insights on Employment, Skills, and Workforce Dynamics for the European Partnership on Social Transformations and Resilience 

The European Partnership on Social Transformations and Resilience is shaping its next Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda and is seeking community input on key trends in employment, skills, and workforce dynamics through this survey. 

Your insights are valuable in: 

  • Reviewing and validating key trends, 

  • Identifying emerging developments, 

  • Assessing their impact on the future of work. 

Deadline: March 31, 2025 

Nominations for activities of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 

The International Science Council (ISC) is inviting nominations for key roles in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Experts can apply through ISC nominations for the following opportunities: 

1. IPCC call for lead authors or review editors for its Seventh Assessment Report (AR7): https://council.science/news/call-authors-review-editors-ipcc-ar7/  

2. IPCC call for experts to serve on the task group on data support for climate change assessments: https://council.science/news/call-ipcc-task-group-data-support-for-climate-change/ 

Deadline for submissions: 10 April 2025  

As a member association of ISC, ICoRSA has the opportunity to submit nominations. Those interested in being nominated must send an email to [email protected] by April 1, 2025. 

Call for nominations of experts for the IPBES second global assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services 

Deadline: 28 March 2025 

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