ISSCR Statement on Proposed Cuts to Scientific Research in Europe

In response to the proposed €5 billion cut to the Horizon Europe budget, the ISSCR President Christine Mummery released the following statement:

“The cuts proposed by European Union (EU) Council President Charles Michel are shortsighted and would limit Europe’s competitiveness in research and science and curb innovation. Europe’s research enterprise is crucial to respond to future public health threats and to support the continent’s economic recovery. It is not the time to short change investment in promising research that may lead to new therapeutic approaches to treat disease. Investments in basic and applied research must be prioritized in the European Council’s budget negotiations.”

The ISSCR supports increasing funding for foundational and translational biomedical research. In 2018, the ISSCR advocated for €160 billion in funding for Horizon Europe.

Horizon Europe is a 9th framework program for European Union’s scientific and research programs that succeeds the current Horizon 2020. The program seeks to ensure Europe produces world-class science, removes barriers to innovation, and makes it easier for the public and private sectors to work together.