A Vision & Framework for Research Cultures: Improving the Condition for Researchers, Research Ideas, and the Research Endeavour

A VISION & FRAMEWORK FOR RESEARCH CULTURES 2025 Colophon March 2025 ‘A Vision & Framework for Research Cultures: Improving the Condition for Researchers, Research ideas, and the Research Endeavour’ DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15083979 The report was written and edited by the Science Europe Working Group on Research Culture (comprising 80% of SE Member Organisations) and the Science Europe Office. The Science Europe Governing Board and General Assembly were consulted on an advanced draft. Lead authors: Sean Sapcariu (Luxembourg National Research Fund), Jolanta Šinkūnienė (Research Council of Lithuania), James Morris (Science Europe) Co-authors: Science Europe Working Group on Research Culture (see below) Lead editor: Lidia Borrell-Damián (Science Europe) Editing and design: Alexander Halksworth (Science Europe), Iwan Groeneveld (Science Europe) Science Europe Working Group on Research Culture: Current Members: Katharina Rieck (Austrian Science Fund); Audrey Ségérie (Fund for Scientific Research, Belgium); Dejana Carić (Croatian Science Foundation); Eva Molíková (Czech Science Foundation); Stefan Penders, Ingrid van Tienen (Dutch Research Council); Marten Juurik (Estonian Research Council); Kata-Riina Valosaari (Research Council of Finland); Olivier Boehme (Research Foundation Flanders); Laurence Guyard, Fanny Lachat (French National Research Agency); Tobias Grimm, Sonia Ochsenfeld-Repp (German Research Foundation); Miklós Györffi (Hungarian Research Network); Sigurður Óli Sigurðsson (Icelandic Centre for Research); Oscar Adriani, Giorgio Chiarelli (National Institute for Nuclear Physics, Italy); Anne Cody (Health Research Board, Ireland); Arnis Kokorevičs (Latvian Science Council); Jolanta Šinkūnienė (Research Council of Lithuania); Sean Sapcariu (Luxembourg National Research Fund); Marta Łazarowicz-Kowalik (Foundation for Polish Science); Rosário Costa (Foundation for Science and Technology, Portugal); Lillian M. Baltzrud, Trude Dypvik (Research Council of Norway); Katarzyna Jarecka-Stępień (National Science Centre, Poland); Ioana Spanache (Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding of Romania); Ana Stevanovic (Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia); Lourdes Armesto, Sheila González, Lourdes Ramírez (Spanish State Research Agency); Pilar Gayoso, Irene Sánchez (Institute of Health Carlos III, Spain); Lluis Montoliu (Spanish National Research Council); Petter Tistedt (Swedish Research Council); Lissa Nordin (Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development); Johan Söderlind (Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare); Isabel Bolliger, Michaela Strinzel (Swiss National Science Foundation); Jo O’Leary (UK Research and Innovation); Anna Boyarsko-Khomenko (National Research Foundation of Ukraine); Lidia Borrell-Damián, James Morris (Science Europe). Past Contributing Members: Ewelina Szymańska-Skolimowska (National Science Centre, Poland); Jon Holm (Research Council of Norway); Goran Vranešević (Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency); Carolina Cañibano (Spanish National Research Council); Emma Olsson (Swedish Research Council). © Copyright Science Europe 2025. This work is licensedunder the Creative Commons Attribution4.0 International License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original authors and source are credited, with the exception of logos and any other content marked with a separate copyright notice. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Science Europe : A Vision & Framework for Research Cultures Table of Contents Introduction and Context 4 A Vision for Research Cultures 7 A Framework to Support the Advancement of Research Cultures 10 The Way Forward 12 A VISION & FRAMEWORK FOR RESEARCH CULTURES Improving the Condition for Researchers, Research Ideas, and the Research Endeavour 3 Science Europe : A Vision & Framework for Research Cultures Introduction and Context In 2021, as part of a new strategic orientation, Science Europe adopted ‘contributing to the evolution of research cultures’ as one of its three strategic priorities. At the time, the term ‘research culture’ was not commonly used in many national research systems in Europe and was hence variably understood. This necessitated a scoping exercise to explore the different perceptions of – and perspectives – on research cultures across institutions throughout Europe. Using the 2018 definition from the Royal Society: “Research culture encompasses the behaviours, values, expectations, attitudes and norms of our research communities. It influences researchers’ career paths and determines the way that research is conducted and communicated”, an initial scoping discussion was launched amongst the Science Europe membership in 2021. This resulted in a shared recommendation to begin collaboration by determining common values. Following a year-long discussion between member organisations, a set of shared values was published to serve as a reference to advance the policies and practices implemented by research funding and performing organisations in Europe and as a foundation for collaboration on international and systemic actions. Over the past three years, with these shared values as a basis, Science Europe has conducted a series of projects and actions to contribute to the evolution of research cultures on a topic-by-topic basis (see Figure 1). Reflecting on the plethora of work done in recent years on research cultures, it is timely to knit together these topic-based discussions and advances, identifying synergies and potential conflicts to ensure that individual and collective actions contribute coherently to the evolution of research cultures across Europe and beyond, in support of excellent and impactful research. At this point of reflection, Science Europe presents a vision for research cultures to guide future actions of its members and other stakeholders. This vision is complemented by a supporting framework that builds on the knowledge and insight gathered from Science Europe’s previous activities. Together, these provide a number of considerations that should be taken into account to ensure that future actions to improve research cultures are effective, efficient, and inclusive.. Finally, this document presents several commitments by Science Europe to support actions that aim to realise the vision presented. CARE AND COLLEGIALITY OPENNESS AND TRANSPARENCY EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COLLABORATION AUTONOMY/ FREEDOM INTEGRITY AND ETHICS Values lie at the centre of the research system and therefore underlie rigorous research processes and activities, outputs and outcomes, research management, and governance. 4 Science Europe : A Vision & Framework for Research Cultures Figure 1 – An overview of the diverse actions Science Europe has conducted in 2021–2024 as part of its work towards the strategic priority of ‘contributing to the evolution of research cultures’. CONTRIBUTING TO THE EVOLUTION OF RESEARCH CULTURES 5 Science Europe : A Vision & Framework for Research Cultures CHAPTER ONE A VISION FOR RESEARCH CULTURES 6 A Vision for Research Cultures Building upon the work done by Science Europe and others on the topic of research cultures, Science Europe proposes a vision that supports knowledge advancement and the quality and impact of research, for the benefit of all. The evolution of research cultures is a dynamic process, contingent upon many factors, and requiring actions that are in many cases interdependent. Cultural change takes time; this vision provides an outlook towards 2040, reflecting the need to direct action for a sustained period of time to achieve. It sets out a concrete list of goals that will require both individual and collective action to achieve. In reaching this vision, we will ensure that the research sector is a cornerstone of – and a valued and trusted component within – our societies. In the coming decades, we aim for research cultures where: Careers in research are attractive, sustainable, and well-supported both publicly and privately. There is space for many different roles and research career trajectories, and the sector welcomes people with a variety of different backgrounds, skills, and competencies. All research professionals are supported in their personal and professional development across these varied career tracks. They are recognised and rewarded for all types of contributions. Individuals are evaluated based on competencies and skills in addition to outputs. Interor multisectoral careers are valorised by a diverse array of public and private organisations and investments. ¥Key Values: Autonomy & Freedom; Care & Collegiality; Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion Research systems are diverse and inclusive. They lead to a broad range of research ideas, as well as a diverse array of contributions. The demographics of people working in the research profession at all career stages reflects the diversity present in our societies. This diversity pervades across research ideas, activities, outputs, and impact. The value of all experiences and competencies pertinent to research are considered in hiring, promotion, and other evaluations; a broader range of experiences and competencies is fostered in training and professional development as well. Research professionals are empowered and protected by their organisations to act against any discrimination or unfair treatment in the work environment. While knowledge advancement is still the main output of research, all valuable contributions to research are recognised adequately. ¥Key Values: Openness & Transparency; Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion Research is embedded in society and seen as a shared endeavour where all domains/forms of knowledge production are valued, and everyone can play a role. The public understands the value of research and the scientific method. Public engagement is deeply embedded across the research life cycle, and society participates as a valued collaborator wherever meaningful and possible. In the same vein, the public are engaged in – and trusting of – research systems as the primary source of knowledge and its uses. New tools and technologies (such as artificial intelligence) are used responsibly, whilst threats are proactively mitigated. This will allow co-creation, creativity, and collaboration across all levels of the research process. ¥Key Values: Collaboration; Openness & Transparency The research sector acts as a role model, setting examples of transparent, effective, fair, and sustainable policies and practices. The global research system leads the way, offering not only pioneering solutions, but also models for their implementation and impact. As a norm, research contributions are shared globally in a FAIR way using sustainable infrastructure, platforms, and tools, thus facilitating research progress and transparency, promoting equal opportunities, and fostering trust in science. Further, it supports the responsible and transparent application of knowledge security and open strategic autonomy in research. Research is climate-friendly and sustainable. ¥Key Values: Care & Collegiality; Collaboration; Openness & Transparency 7 Science Europe : A Vision & Framework for Research Cultures All research is done at the highest levels of integrity and ethics, ensuring that research processes are trustworthy, and outputs most effectively contribute to knowledge advancement. Research integrity and ethics are of central importance when conceiving and implementing research activities, ensuring that the derived results, outputs, and communications are rigorous and trustworthy, regardless of whether they break paradigms or contribute to furthering consensus. Incentives and recognition structures are focussed on enabling integrity and ethics as a priority. ¥Key Values: Integrity & Ethics; Care & Collegiality; Collaboration; Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion; Openness & Transparency Research professionals and institutions have full academic freedom and autonomy to pursue their ideas, supported by adequate funding, infrastructure, and support mechanisms. National and international research spending targets are ambitiously set and met, and institutions and individuals have the freedom and autonomy to advance knowledge across all research domains in a way deemed most suitable. Decision makers and national ministries value and defend this academic freedom and understand its vital role in knowledge advancement and innovation. Research professionals and institutions use the trust and autonomy bestowed upon them appropriately in their standing towards society. ¥Key Values: Autonomy & Freedom; Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion The research system is collaborative and supportive, where everyone involved values each other for what they bring to the system. Research professionals work in environments conducive to their needs. Diverse and collaborative teams that aim to advance knowledge and solve the many societal challenges are supported effectively. Single-/multi-/inter-/trans-disciplinary approaches are supported and enabled equally. More experienced research professionals support and provide guidance and mentorship to early-career research professionals, empowering them to actively shape the future of the research cultures together. Junior research professionals are exposed to and value diverse knowledge and experiences. All research professionals contribute to conditions for shared growth and development. ¥Key Values: Collaboration; Care & Collegiality; Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion Discussions on research cultures are considered an integral aspect of group, institutional, and international research endeavours. Research ecosystems reflect, in all aspects, the shared values they are built upon. People working across all research-related roles are driven and fulfilled, well-supported, and proud to contribute to the sector. The processes that support healthy research cultures are effective, and responsive to an ever-shifting landscape. Management and governance structures enable the development and implementation of policies and practices that are innovative, structured, and supportive of the sector. Research is focussed on a globally shared mission: to advance knowledge for the betterment of society and the world around us. ¥Key Values: Autonomy & Freedom; Integrity & Ethics; Care & Collegiality; Collaboration; Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion; Openness & Transparency 8 Science Europe : A Vision & Framework for Research Cultures CHAPTER TWO A FRAMEWORK TO SUPPORT THE ADVANCEMENT OF RESEARCH CULTURES 9