ICoRSA Newsletter - 8 October 2024

Dear Reader, we bring you fresh and interesting topics for the month of October! Thank you for subscribing and enjoy.

Author

ICoRSA
October 08, 2024

Participate in the ICoRSA International Survey: Your Voice Matters! 

ICoRSA third international survey aims to explore the working conditions and social rights of researchers worldwide. This 2024 survey covers key areas such as demographics, contractual conditions, career expectations, professional development, and participation in governance. 

We invite postdoctoral researchers across all sectors and career stages to share their experiences. Your input is vital in advocating for better working conditions and social rights for researchers. 

Take the Survey and share in your networks

Join ICoRSA RRING Free Researcher Community!

ICoRSA at the World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS) 

Gianna Avellis, Chair of ICoRSA will join the 1st WAYS General Assembly and the Forum on International Organisation Cooperation and Exchange, as honorary guest at the Inauguration Ceremony of WAYS, and the World Young Scientist Summit (WYSS) 2024 Plenary Session, taking place in Wenzhou, China, from November 15th to 16th. 

News about Researchers Associations 

From Canada: CAPS/ACPP 5th National Postdoc Survey 

ICoRSA’s member, the Canadian Association of Postdoctoral Scholars (CAPS/ACPP) has launched its 5th National Postdoc Survey to evaluate the following aspects of the Canadian postdoc experience: i) working conditions; ii) satisfaction; iii) career development; and iv) the impact of COVID-19. The survey targets Canadian postdocs working in Canada, Canadian postdocs abroad, and former postdocs who meet these criteria. 

This study continues the series of previous surveys conducted by the association. You can review the results of past surveys here. 

To participate in the survey

  • To receive a survey link without registering as a CAPS member, fill out this survey registration form: https://lnkd.in/ggMuXVQy 

From Portugal: 2nd edition of NInTec Science Days 2024 (October 28-29, 2024) 

Instituto Superior Técnico's researchers and staff association, NInTec and ICoRSA member association, is excited to announce the 2nd edition of NInTec Science Days, dedicated to sharing knowledge, experiences, and the latest research developments within the Técnico community. This year’s event features a round table discussion on “Evaluation Methods for Researchers and Research Assessment,” featuring a panel of invited speakers and open participation from the audience. 

Everyone in the research community, both inside and outside Instituto Superior Técnico, is welcome to join! 

Learn more about the event and register at: https://nintec.pt/ScienceDays2024/index.html  

From Germany: Max Planck PostdocNet Vision 2024 General Meeting 

The Max Planck PostdocNet Vision 2024 General Meeting will take place from 4–6 November at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences in Göttingen, Germany.  

While the meeting is primarily for Max Planck postdocs, due to popular demand, the following sessions will be open to a broader audience: 

  • November 4, 16:00-17:30: Panel discussion and AI Primer on the ethical use of AI and its impact on the future of research. 

  • November 5, 14:00-15:30: Keynote by Anthony Hyman, followed by a response from Katja Krause. 

To learn more about the event, please visit: https://www.postdocnet.mpg.de/2024-general-meeting  

Marie Curie Alumni Association Report: Empowering Innovation: MCAA's Recommendations for the MSCA in FP10 

Marie Curie Alumni Association released a set of recommendations for the MSCA for the upcoming 10th European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10), as part of the European Commission's call for consultation on the future orientations of the MSCA. 

Read more about the policy paper: 

Marie Curie Alumni Association. (2024). Empowering Innovation: MCAA's Recommendations for the MSCA in FP10. Marie Curie Alumni Association. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13745914 

News in Research and Innovation Policies  

Europe 

European Commission: new college of Commissioners 2024-2029 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has nominated the new Commissioners-designate for the 2024-2029 term. Research, Innovation, and Education have been split into two portfolios. Bulgarian Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva will lead Start-ups, Research, and Innovation, while Education falls under Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice President for People, Skills, and Preparedness. 

Mandates and Responsibilities 

Ekaterina Zaharieva's mandate includes expanding the European Innovation Council, the European Research Council (ERC), and overseeing the European Research Act and European Innovation Act. 

Roxana Mînzatu's responsibilities cover quality jobs, social rights, education, and culture. Her key focus includes consolidating the European Education Area, introducing the European Degree, and supporting the European University Alliances. 

 The separation of Education from Research, especially regarding higher education, has raised concerns among stakeholder organizations, who see it as a missed opportunity for stronger policy coordination. Read more on Science Business.  

Horizon Europe Interim Evaluation Presentation - October 16, 2024 

The independent expert group will its findings on Horizon Europe’s interim evaluation on October 16, 2024. The group responsible for the evaluation of the largest Research and Innovation funding programme is chaired by Professor Manuel Heitor. 

The event will address the impact of the programme and how it can address Europe’s future challenges, improve support to researchers and innovators and maximize its value.  

Preparing the Future EU Policy on Research and Innovation 

The Future of European Competitiveness,” Draghi’s report calls for the EU to boost research and innovation spending 

Mario Draghi's report, The Future of European Competitiveness, calls for increased EU spending on research and innovation to maintain competitiveness with major economies like China and the US. It highlights challenges such as stagnant industrial sectors and the failure to translate innovation into commercialization. The report recommends doubling the budget for the next EU Framework Programme on Research and Innovation to €200 billion over seven years, focusing on fewer, commonly agreed priorities and boosting funding for disruptive innovation. It also suggests reforms in focus, budget allocation, governance, and financial capacity to streamline and enhance the EU's innovation capabilities. To strengthen global research leadership, the report proposes doubling support for fundamental research through the European Research Council (ERC), expanding grant access while maintaining funding levels per project. Further recommendations include creating a competitive “ERC for Institutions” program and establishing an “EU Chair” position to attract top researchers as European officials. Additionally, the EU should introduce a private funding framework to enhance compensation for academic talent and invest in world-class research infrastructures. 

Earlier this year, Enrico Letta’s report proposed adding a “5th Freedom” to the European single market, focusing on enhancing research, innovation, and education. This would complement the existing four freedoms (goods, services, people, and capital) and transform fragmented knowledge into unified growth opportunities. The new freedom aims to create a competitive landscape for research and business while ensuring that innovation benefits the public good. Key elements include: 

  • Creating a European Knowledge Commons, Open Science Framework, and shared computational resources. 

  • Strengthening the European Research Area, promoting researcher mobility through programs like Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), and retaining talent by reducing administrative barriers. 

  • Advancing AI technologies with robust governance and standards. 

  • Fostering the European Education Area and implementing a European Degree. 

Call for action: More support to MSCA 

Despite its importance, Mario Draghi’s report fails to mention the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). The mission letters for the Executive Vice-President for People, Skills, and Preparedness, and the Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation also overlook MSCA. In response, LERU (the League of European Research Universities), supported by Science Europe and other organizations, urges the European Commission, Parliament, and Council to increase the MSCA budget while maintaining its bottom-up research approach, recognizing the program's vital role in supporting researcher mobility and career development. 

Read more about the statement and share it with your network here. 

World news: G20 Research and Innovation (R&I) Ministers agree on open innovation strategy and recommendations for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in science, technology and innovation 

The G20 Research and Innovation (R&I) Ministers' meeting held in Manaus, Brazil, on September 18-19, leaders discussed "Open Innovation for a Just and Sustainable Development." The Ministers endorsed “open innovation strategy and recommendations for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in science, technology and innovation". The strategy was launched by the Research and Innovation Working Group of the G20 developed under the Brazilian presidency of G20 that formalizes the previous Research and Innovation Initiative. he Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) meetings, hosted by Brazil during its G20 Presidency, provided a platform for governments, International Organizations, and experts to discuss the importance of open, fair, diverse, and mutually beneficial international cooperation in research and innovation. 

 
In parallel to the G20, a Women20 Summit 2024 took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from September 30 to October 2, 2024. Gianna Avellis, ICoRSA and ITARSA Chair was represented as a stakeholder with direct contributions to the Women20 Comuniqué that urged G20 leaders to take action on gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. Key areas include fulfilling the 2014 Brisbane commitment to reduce the gender labor gap by 25% by 2025, halving the digital gender gap by 2030, increasing women's participation in STEM, enforcing the Women’s Entrepreneurship code, and investing in care services. The summit also focused on climate justice and ending gender-based violence. 

Important readings  

UNESCO’S The Safety of Scientific Researchers: Data, trends and a typology of threats  

UNESCO’s recent publication addresses the safety of researchers with collection of data on different aspects including sexual harassment  

  • Over one in five scientific researchers working on COVID-19 have faced threats to their safety. 

  • Approximately two in five researchers in climate science have also experienced threats. 

  • One in two women scientists reported experiencing sexual harassment. 

  • Antonio Cubilla, Scientific Advisor to the President of Paraguay, identified four key sources of threats to scientists’ safety: internal to academia, financial, ideological, and administrative. 

Conferences 

18th Associations Round Table Europe by The Union of International Associations (UIA) 

The Union of International Associations (UIA) 18th Associations Round Table Europe will take place on Thursday, 14th, and Friday, 15th November 2024, in Florence, Italy. This event is designed for professionals working in and with international associations. 

Highlights: 

  • Expert presentations on challenges faced by international associations 

  • In-depth workshops for knowledge sharing and discussions 

  • Moderated sessions by the UIA and host teams 

  • Networking breaks, lunches, and a cocktail reception 

  • Four exciting tours of Florence 

Check the full programme and schedule: UIA Round Table Europe 2024 

Calls 

Gender Equality Champions Award 2024 – Applications Open Now! 

The European Commission has been celebrating institutions that excel in implementing Gender Equality Plans (GEP) through the prestigious Gender Equality Champions Award. This award recognizes outstanding achievements in advancing gender equality in universities, higher education institutions, and other research organizations (public or private). Eligible organizations from EU member states or Horizon Europe-associated countries are encouraged to apply in one of three award categories. 

The 2024 call for applications closes on October 16, 2024, 17:00 CET. Applications can be submitted via the funding and tenders portal.  

Winners will be announced in 2025, with each recipient awarded €100,000. Additional information about the award and past winners can be found here.  

UNESCO as part of the global consultation process on Diamond Open Access 

UNESCO’s survey aims to gather feedback to shape a global collaborative framework for Diamond Open Access. The survey results will be shared at the 2nd Global Summit on Diamond Open Access in Cape Town in December 2024, laying the groundwork for further discussions and possible regional consultations.  

CoARA signatory organisations -on multilingualism and gender 

CoARA working group on Multilingualism and language biases in research assessment will map how CoARA members are currently dealing with multilingualism and language and other biases in view of reforming research assessment. The data gathered will also contribute to the development of policy advice, guidelines and good practices.  

All CoARA member organizations are invited to fill in a survey until 14 October 2024: https://vastuullinentiede.fi/en/news/survey-coara-member-organizations-multilingualism-and-gender-research-assessment 

See you next month!