In a bid to shape the future of scientific collaboration in Europe, a comprehensive report has been released, detailing how the continent can leverage its scientific prowess to foster economic, social, and environmental advancements. This report, titled "Towards an Ambitious FP10," is a collaborative effort by Imperial College London, Wellcome, and the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS).

The forthcoming tenth Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) is set to replace Horizon Europe in 2028. As the EU's next seven-year research initiative, FP10 is anticipated to be instrumental in promoting scientific excellence, technological innovation, and sustainable development across Europe and beyond.

Drawing insights from an Advisory Group of 15 experts, the report offers a series of recommendations concerning the future structure, governance, and objectives of FP10. It delves into aspects such as governance, budget allocation, and the programme's potential to tackle global challenges while enhancing competitiveness. Key highlights include:

• The critical role of science and Framework Programmes in addressing global challenges and aligning with the European Commission’s new priorities.
• The emphasis on excellence and the European Research Council (ERC) as vital components for the programme's success.
• The necessity for FP10 to remain open to global collaboration, particularly in competitive sectors.

The report was unveiled during an event in Brussels, hosted by Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London, alongside Dr. John-Arne Røttingen, CEO of the Wellcome Trust, and chaired by Professor Andrea Renda, Director of Research at CEPS.

Unmatched Scale and Impact

Professor Hugh Brady emphasized the unparalleled scale of the EU’s R&D Framework Programmes, which have historically facilitated multilateral collaboration and provided access to essential knowledge, infrastructure, and networks for scientific and technological breakthroughs. He remarked, "This report introduces innovative ideas for FP10 to be transformative for Europe’s research and innovation landscape and beyond."

Dr. John-Arne Røttingen highlighted the global nature of health challenges, such as mental health issues, infectious diseases, and the health impacts of climate change. He stated, "A unified effort rooted in scientific discoveries is essential to address these challenges. FP10 presents a unique opportunity to establish a bold, equitable, and collaborative framework that will drive progress through research and innovation across Europe and beyond."

EU Framework Programmes have been pivotal in funding numerous collaborations at Imperial College, enabling researchers to partner with colleagues across Europe on critical issues. These collaborations have spanned various fields, including the development of new diagnostic tools for childhood diseases, an AIDS vaccine, and strategies to combat wildfires, as well as advancements in quantum, data, and climate technologies.

The programme also encompasses the European Research Council (ERC), which supports top-tier scientists in conducting cutting-edge research at the forefront of their respective fields.

Recent ERC grant recipients include Dr. Ledesma Amaro from the Bioengineering department, whose project aims to enhance the efficiency of sustainable food and textile colorants and dyes through engineered microorganisms. Additionally, Dr. Sam Asher, an Associate Professor of Economics at the Business School, is utilizing ERC funding to explore the interplay between economic development and cultural change in India.