The Association of ERC Grantees endorses the recent open letter, initiated by the Initiative for Science in Europe (ISE), to President Ursula von der Leyen, advocating for a dedicated Commissioner for Research and Innovation in the next College of Commissioners. The letter was signed by 19 Nobel Laureates and endorsed by the Paweł Rowiński (President of Allea – All European Academies), Rodrigo Ferrão de Paiva Martins (President of the European Academy of Sciences), Wim van Saarloos (President of the European Academies Science Advisory Council), Marja Makarow (President of Academia Europea), Scott Bremer (Chair of the Young Academy Europe), as well as Kurt Deketelaere (Secretary General of the League of European Research Universities).
This letter emphasizes the need for a well-funded portfolio dedicated to research and innovation, aligned with President von der Leyen's Political Guideline 2024-2029, which prioritizes the central role of science and technology in Europe’s economy.
The Association of ERC Grantees joins these distinguished signatories in urging the European Commission to recognize the vital importance of research and innovation for Europe's future.