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We Need Actions Not Words, Defence Industry Tells EU Leaders

We Need Actions Not Words, Defence Industry Tells EU Leaders

Following the shock of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, defence spending and R&D has jumped up the EU's list of priorities, with calls from some quarters for a 'war economy'.

Anonymizing Research Funding Applications Could Reduce ‘Prestige Privilege’

Anonymizing Research Funding Applications Could Reduce ‘Prestige Privilege’

For research funders seeking to minimize bias in their selection process, removing applicants’ institutional affiliations from their submissions could help address a common disparity: disproportionate funding going to those at the most prestigious places. 

University and College Union Strike Ballot over Sheffield Hallam Cuts

University and College Union Strike Ballot over Sheffield Hallam Cuts

University staff are to vote on possible strike action over what a union has called "scandalous" cuts. Members of the University and College Union (UCU) at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) said university management had launched "a wholesale attack on staff and students".

Open Principles Reaffirm Digital Science's Commitment to Open Research

Open Principles Reaffirm Digital Science's Commitment to Open Research

Digital Science has today launched its Open Principles, a new initiative that commits its research information solutions to open science now and into the future.

High-profile Report Urges EU to Create a 'Fifth Freedom' of Research and Innovation

High-profile Report Urges EU to Create a 'Fifth Freedom' of Research and Innovation

The European Union needs a revamped single market that includes a "fifth freedom" dedicated to the free movement of research, innovation, knowledge and education, according to a high-profile policy report by former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta.

Poland Supports Funding of Dual Use Technologies in EU's Next Research Programme

Poland Supports Funding of Dual Use Technologies in EU's Next Research Programme

The Polish government is backing the inclusion of dual-use technologies in the EU's next seven-year research and innovation funding programme, due to start in 2028, saying the tense geopolitical situation makes it vital.

Researchers need ‘open’ bibliographic databases, new declaration says

Researchers need ‘open’ bibliographic databases, new declaration says

Major platforms such as the Web of Science, widely used to generate metrics and evaluate researchers, are proprietary. More than 30 research and funding organizations call for the community to commit to platforms that instead are free for all, more transparent about their methods, and without restrictions about how the data can be used.

New Data Protection and Privacy Laws Have Changed the Regulatory Landscape for Researchers in the Global North

New Data Protection and Privacy Laws Have Changed the Regulatory Landscape for Researchers in the Global North

Last year saw significant changes in data protections laws across Europe, the UK and the USA, which have created a more complex, but GDPR aligned regulatory environment for researchers.

"AI Is a Tool, and Its Values Are Human Values."

"AI Is a Tool, and Its Values Are Human Values."

Deep learning and artificial intelligence pioneer Fei-Fei Li shares her thoughts on how to keep AI centered on human well-being.

Restricting International Research is Largely a European and North American Trend, Global Survey Finds

Restricting International Research is Largely a European and North American Trend, Global Survey Finds

A survey of more than 700 universities worldwide has found that geopolitical tensions have cut global research links in Europe and North America far more dramatically than in other areas of the world.

Understanding the science-policy interface in urban climate governance from a co-production perspective: Insights from the cases of Hamburg and São Paulo

Understanding the science-policy interface in urban climate governance from a co-production perspective: Insights from the cases of Hamburg and São Paulo

Urban governance, the interplay of governmental bodies with other actors shaping decision-making and its implementation, plays a key role for mitigation and adaptation measures in cities. While knowledge co-production is advanced as an instrumental approach to support climate action, a gap between knowledge and implementation persists.

For Poland, the Unfreezing of €137B in EU Funds is an Opportunity for Research, but Money Alone is Not Enough

For Poland, the Unfreezing of €137B in EU Funds is an Opportunity for Research, but Money Alone is Not Enough

The unfreezing of up to €137 billion in EU funds following reforms in Poland is an opportunity to increase investment and confidence in the country's innovation ecosystem, but the money must be backed up by strategic planning, say key stakeholders.

Western Balkans Must Address Innovation Performance to Boost Competitiveness

Western Balkans Must Address Innovation Performance to Boost Competitiveness

The Western Balkan region has the potential to be a significant player in the European economy and can contribute to its competitiveness and innovation performance, but only if policymakers start preparing now, a new report on competitiveness trends in the region shows.

Efforts to Support Palestinian Scientists Struggling with the Realities of War

Efforts to Support Palestinian Scientists Struggling with the Realities of War

New initiatives aim to provide opportunities for scholars and students in Gaza.

Report Highlights Strategies to Accelerate AI in Research

Report Highlights Strategies to Accelerate AI in Research

There is ample policy and strategic action around generative AI and research but scant exchange of knowledge between the world's countries.

Gates Open-access Policy Change 'anticipates' Coalition S Direction

Gates Open-access Policy Change 'anticipates' Coalition S Direction

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has adopted a policy on open-access publishing that the funder group Coalition S says “anticipates” its own planned change of direction.

Will the Gates Foundation's Preprint-Centric Policy Help Open Access?

Will the Gates Foundation's Preprint-Centric Policy Help Open Access?

Revised policy says grant recipients must share manuscripts as preprints - and removes support for article-processing charges.

Why Are Women Cited Less Than Men?

Why Are Women Cited Less Than Men?

Strong evidence suggests that women are not cited less per article than men, but that they accumulate fewer citations over time and at the career level. Cary Wu argues that a focus on research productivity is key to understanding and closing the gender citation gap.

A (Limited) Defence of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge in Public Policy

A (Limited) Defence of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge in Public Policy

Traditional knowledge provides valuable information, particularly regarding local ecological questions, and it is appropriate to investigate how to integrate this knowledge with conventional science. However, claims about the natural world from either system must be held to an objective standard.

Combating Extreme Heat with A National Moonshot

Combating Extreme Heat with A National Moonshot

The White House Climate Policy Office should establish a National Moonshot to Combat Extreme Heat, an all-of-government program to accelerate federal efforts to reduce heat risk.

Australia Revises Export Law That Could Have Hit Global Research Collaboration

Australia Revises Export Law That Could Have Hit Global Research Collaboration

A controversial technology export law has passed the Australian Parliament after being amended to better exempt basic and applied public research, relieving universities who worried it could hit their global research collaborations, including in Europe. The Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2024 passed on 27 March after months of lobbying from universities.

Scientists with East Asian and African Names Get Short Shrift in News Coverage

Scientists with East Asian and African Names Get Short Shrift in News Coverage

Media attention can boost a scientist’s career. However, scientists with East Asian and African names are less likely to be mentioned or quoted in stories that reference their work.