opinion articles

Send us a link

Subscribe to our newsletter

Fix the University-Shaped Hole in the EU’s Grand Plan

Fix the University-Shaped Hole in the EU’s Grand Plan

Implementing the Competitiveness Compass needs a partnership between policymakers and higher education, says Thomas Jørgensen

Losing Academic Freedom Is Too High a Price

Losing Academic Freedom Is Too High a Price

Without academic freedom, institutions of higher education risk becoming mere factories of conformity, serving up ideas that meet the demands of political or industry agendas, rather than serving a greater public good.

Commission Pushes to Water Down Gender Mainstreaming in Horizon Europe

Commission Pushes to Water Down Gender Mainstreaming in Horizon Europe

The European Commission wants to water down gender mainstreaming requirements in Horizon Europe despite facing resistance from member states and research stakeholders. The changes proposed by the Commission are set to come into effect in 2025, with member states invited to endorse the revamped rules in a vote on the whole Horizon Europe work programme for the year.

How Europe Aims to Woo US Scientists and Protect Academic Freedom

How Europe Aims to Woo US Scientists and Protect Academic Freedom

The European Union's new research chief Ekaterina Zaharieva speaks to Nature about attracting disaffected US scientists and cutting grant bureaucracy.

Administration is weakening U.S. research capacity and endangering Americans, nation’s leading scientists warn

Administration is weakening U.S. research capacity and endangering Americans, nation’s leading scientists warn

About 1,900 scientists warn that actions being taken by the Trump administration will slow scientific advances and harm Americans

In the USA, Universities Are Under Attack on Multiple Fronts

In the USA, Universities Are Under Attack on Multiple Fronts

There is a sense of crisis across US universities, brought on by an onslaught of hostile actions from the Trump administration. Alistair Jarvis reflects on a trip to America There is a sense of crisis across US universities, brought on by an onslaught of hostile actions from the Trump administration. Alistair Jarvis reflects on a trip to America.

Abuse at Top German Science Institution

Abuse at Top German Science Institution

The Max Planck Society is Germany's preeminent research organization, boasting 31 Nobel laureates. But insufficient oversight leaves international scientists exposed to abuse and the whims of the institutes' directors.

EU Urged Not to Forget About Defence R&D

EU Urged Not to Forget About Defence R&D

Experts are urging policymakers not to forget about research and development when they set about boosting Europe's defence capabilities. As yet, the political activity following the US decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine has found little place for R&D. 

European Big Science Has the Potential to Drive Social and Economic Transformation

European Big Science Has the Potential to Drive Social and Economic Transformation

Investment in Big Science projects, such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, are often seen as purely scientific ventures. A more co-ordinated approach to Big Science across the UK and European Union could produce significant benefits.