German research and academic organisations propose new funding instrument for EU research networks

The German Research Foundation (DFG), the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) and the German Council of Science and Humanities (WR) have proposed the creation of a new funding instrument “Nexus” for research-excellence networks at EU level.


The three organisations presented a discussion paper on 03/03/2026, entitled "Nexus - Networking Excellence - Enabling Participation - Transforming European Science", in which they proposed strengthening the networking of cutting-edge research within the European Research Area.

Nexus would aim to "strengthen the institutionalised collaboration of Europe's leading universities and research institutions, complementing existing funding instruments", they said.

They stated that the starting point for these considerations was the 2024 report on European competitiveness, prepared by former central banker Mario Draghi, which suggested creating a European Research Council (ERC) for institutions. This new body would provide financial support to institutions and not just to individual research projects, as at the moment. This "ERC for institutions" would be a…