Nobel Laureates Urge EU to Reverse Research Funding Cuts

Strategic Insights -

A group of 27 Nobel laureates, including John O'Keefe, May-Britt Moser, and Edvard Ingjald Moser, have written to the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, expressing their dismay over plans to slash EU spending on research and innovation by €2.7 billion. The funding cuts, aimed at boosting EU infrastructure spending, would severely impact programs like the European Research Council, which faces a €220m hit, and the Horizon 2020 pioneering research, space, and innovation budget. The laureates warn that Europe's reputation in high-profile research fields would be severely damaged, and that Europe would send a message that it is not the place to do high-level science.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Commission plans to cut €2.7 billion from EU research and innovation funding to boost infrastructure spending, sparking concern among 27 Nobel laureates.
  • The European Research Council faces a €220m funding cut, while the Horizon 2020 pioneering research, space, and innovation budget would also be severely impacted.
  • The laureates, including Sir Paul Nurse and Sir Andre Geim, warn that Europe's reputation in high-profile research fields would be severely damaged.
  • The cut in scientific research has "unanimous support" from European Commission officials, according to a leaked internal memo.
  • The plan aims to build new power stations, roads, and other major schemes across Europe.
  • The signatories, including John O'Keefe and Edvard Ingjald Moser, point out that continued research and innovation are essential for Europe's long-term economic future.
  • The letter highlights the importance of Horizon 2020 and the European Research Council in generating knowledge that drives economic wellbeing, health improvements, and quality of life.

Statistics:

  • €2.7 billion: the amount intended to be cut from EU research and innovation funding
  • €220m: the funding cut faced by the European Research Council
  • €315 billion: the amount aimed to be spent on EU infrastructure projects
  • 27: the number of Nobel laureates who have signed the letter
  • 28: the number of member states in the European Union
  • 2010: the year Sir Andre Geim was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work on graphene

Sources:

  • Bureau of Investigative Journalism
  • European Commission