Research commissioner Iliana Ivanova (sixth from the right) and the European Commission’s expert group led by Portugal’s former science minister Manuel Heitor (fourth from the right) during the publication event of the High-Level Group report on the mid-term review of Horizon Europe on October 16, 2024, in Brussels, Belgium. Photo credits: Bogdan Hoyaux / European Union
Research Commissioner Iliana Ivanova (center) receives the report on the mid-term review of Horizon Europe, prepared by the European Commission’s expert group chaired by Portugal’s former science minister Manuel Heitor (fourth from right). Photo credits: Bogdan Hoyaux / European Union

The independent high level expert group on the interim evaluation of Horizon Europe, led by Portugal’s former science minister Manuel Heitor, has published its report on the mid-term review of Horizon Europe on 16 October 2024. The report provides 12 strategic recommendations on maximising the impact of EU Research and Innovation programmes in the future. 

The report stresses that “clear mutual benefit is to be gained from European collaborations with international partners including those in RD&I-intensive third countries such as Switzerland, newly associated countries in Horizon Europe such as the UK, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea, or emerging partners in the Global South.” (p. 106)

Traditionally “associated” countries such as the UK and Switzerland should continue to play a strong role. Manuel Heitor chair of the high-level group said: “We should give an enormous priority to that cooperation”.

The Stick to Science campaign is grateful to the 15 leading experts for their support for further EU collaboration with the UK and Switzerland.

Read the report here: Align, act, accelerate – Publications Office of the EU (europa.eu)