Nobel Laureates and European Academy Presidents call for a dedicated Commissioner for R&I

"We ask you to create a well-funded portfolio dedicated to research and innovation, and to nominate a strong supporter of research as the next Commissioner for research and innovation", write 19 Nobel Laureates in an open letter endorsed by five European Academy Presidents and addressed to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, on 02/09/2024.

The scientists say that they "appreciate the ambitions outlined in the Political Guidelines 2024-2029 to 'put research and innovation, science and technology, at the centre of our economy'.

This central role for research and innovation in the European Prosperity Plan should also be reflected politically in the next Commission."

"Europe’s future depends on the quality of its research. But the fact is that, currently, Europe is not keeping up with its main competitors in research funding. Any competitive edge in the form of world-class researchers and universities will soon be lost without a clear focus on enhancing European research and securing a leading position for Europe in research and technology", declare the scientists…