Open Letter on the Future FP10 to the College of Commissioners
In light of the ongoing discussions on future EU long-term budget (MFF) and the future Pramework Programme for research and innovation (FP10). The Rector of the University of Bergen, Margareth Hagen shared the following letter with some key concerns.
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On behalf of the University of Bergen (UiB), I write to express our strong commitment to contribute to the future of European research and innovation and to emphasize key priorities for the forthcoming Framework Programme 10 (FP10). As an institution dedicated to excellence in research across all disciplines, we urge the European Commission to consider the following critical points:
- A Standalone Framework Programme for Research and Innovation
To ensure Europe’s leadership in research and innovation (R&I), the EU needs a dedicated and well-funded framework programme to follow Horizon Europe. A strong FP10 is essential to provide predictability, stability and transparency for researchers, innovators and industry. For decades, the EU framework programmes have served as a globally recognized “brand”, offering a coherently structured one-stop shop for R&I funding.
A standalone FP10 must be ambitious in scope and adequately funded to support long-term investments in knowledge and technology. For R&I to fulfil their potential to be drivers of strengthened European competitiveness for resilient, sustainable democratic societies, a balance between long-term vision and short-term impact is essential. A standalone programme for R&I allows a holistic approach, spanning the whole continuum from basic research to innovations for the market and societal implementation.
FP10 must build on the strong foundations already in place: A one-stop shop for R&I, promoting excellence and gathering actors across all sectors. It must be embedded in a strengthened European Research Area, working towards seamless collaboration with Letta’s 5th freedom as a guiding principle.
- Strengthening and Safeguarding the Autonomy of the ERC
The European Research Council (ERC) has been a cornerstone of excellence in European research, enabling breakthrough discoveries across disciplines. We urge the Commission to reinforce the ERC’s position, ensuring it remains both well-funded and autonomous, free from political or strategic interference that could undermine its scientific independence.
- Transparency, User-Friendliness, and Predictability in Funding Instruments
Researchers across Europe will benefit from transparent, accessible, and predictable funding instruments. It is crucial that FP10 maintains familiar funding schemes with well-established names and mechanisms, ensuring clarity and continuity. Long-term research cannot thrive without stability in funding structures, and we emphasize the importance of predictable budget allocations to allow for sustained scientific progress.
- The Importance of Social Sciences and Humanities in the R&I Landscape
While technological advancements are vital, the increasing emphasis on technology-driven research risks sidelining the essential contributions of social sciences and humanities (SSH). These disciplines provide critical insights into human behavior, societal structures, and cultural history and heritage which are key to addressing Europe’s major challenges.
Innovation cannot succeed without societal uptake. SSH research can ensure that new technologies align with human needs, ethical considerations, and that behavioral shifts are efficient and inclusive. SSH-research (for instance: political science, social science, legal research) can also contribute to identifying the need for development of new technological and societal innovations. With growing threats to democracy, e.g. in the form of misinformation and polarization, SSH-research is vital for strengthening democratic institutions and civic engagement.
FP10 must recognize that scientific progress is not just about technology but about people and societies. We urge the Commission to ensure dedicated support for SSH to build societal resilience, foster democratic engagement, and strengthen Europe’s cultural and economic foundation.
- A Strong, Ring-Fenced Budget for FP10
To meet Europe’s research ambitions, FP10 must be supported by a substantial, ring-fenced budget. We stand firmly behind the RESEARCHMATTERS campaign, advocating for an FP10 budget of €200 billion. A well-funded programme will ensure that European research continues to drive innovation, economic growth, and societal progress.
We appreciate the European Commission’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the European Research Area, and we look forward to continued dialogue on how best to shape FP10 to serve the needs of the research community and society at large.
About UiB
UiB is a modern, international research university. We are a classical knowledge- and culture-bearing institution founded on European democratic values, with academic freedom as a guiding principle. Long-term and fundamental research of high international quality and research-based education form the foundation of all our activities.
UiB has participated in the EU Framework Programmes for R&I since their inception and is among the most successful universities in Norway in securing funding across the Programmes’ funding portfolio.
RESEARCH MATTERS
UiB is among the initiators of the European campaign Research Matters. The campaign advocates for increased investment in research and innovation in the EU and all European countries. Read more about the campain here
