A tool to implement the ERA in the framework programme

The leading universities of science and technology from all over Europe united within CESAER reaffirm their commitment to advancing the European Research Area (ERA) and advocate for a streamlined, institutional approach to its implementation in the current and next framework programmes.

• The position is available here for download and dissemination (PDF).

With this position, we highlight the opportunity to turn the implementation of the ERA from a sometimes fragmented, project-by-project burden into a fully coherent, trust-based enabler of excellent research.

Universities drive open science, gender equality, research integrity and more. They should be empowered to lead ERA implementation institutionally—with dedicated support and fewer duplicative checks.

To achieve this, we recommend:

• leveraging the role of universities in implementing the ERA,
• adopting a trust-based, simplified approach to ERA compliance,
• enhancing the role of legal entity appointed representatives (LEARs), and
• deploying the European Excellence Initiative to support institutional ERA policies.

“A strong and vibrant European Research Area is essential for the future of Europe. Universities of science and technology stand ready to deliver on this ambition, and to maximise their contributions they should be trusted and empowered. By embedding simplification and institutional leadership into the implementation of the ERA, we can take the ERA to the next step towards building a system that truly enables talent, research and innovation to thrive and societies to flourish.”

-- Orla Feely, President of CESAER and President of University College Dublin

" Major simplification could be reached in FP10, both for Research Support Office staff and researchers, if ERA compliance checks would be linked to PIC codes, enhancing the role of LEARs, instead of performing these checks at project level as is the case today. Complementary measures, such as training and support for institutional policy officers, to raise awareness of specific ERA Actions and clarify what is expected from universities, will enable effective implementation."
— Wendy Sonneveld, Senior Policy Adviser European Affairs at Gent University and Co-Chair of CESAER Task Force Sustainable Funding

“As the design of FP10 takes shape, this is the moment to rethink how we implement the ERA. We need to move beyond fragmented processes and embrace a trust-based model that empowers institutions to lead. By doing so, FP10 can become a true catalyst for excellence, impact, and global leadership in research and innovation.”
— Louise Drogoul, Senior Advisor for Innovation and Sustainability at CESAER

This proposal builds on CESAER’s longstanding advocacy for the ERA to act as a trailblazer and for simplification in EU funding programmes and aligns with our contributions to the development of FP10.

By strengthening the role of universities of science and technology and reducing administrative burdens, we can unlock the full potential of ERA to support research, innovation and society.

For more information, contact our Information & Communication Officer Justine Moynat.