CESAER

Thrilled to have co-led the development of the CESAER report "Reimagining University Rankings: Exploring Strategic Priorities and Alternatives", in partnership with Sophie Ratcliff, whose contributions were instrumental. This workshop report explores the future of commercial rankings, providing recommendations to enhance transparency, equity, and accountability in university ranking systems. It also advocates for the adoption of responsible evaluation frameworks and encourages universities of science and technology to consider endorsing the "More Than Our Rank" initiative, as well as frameworks such as CoARA, DORA, and the Leiden Manifesto. A big thank you to all our contributors: Paul Boselie (Chief of Open Science, Utrecht University), Manuela Höfler (Co-Director of the Open Science Office, University of Zürich), Rüdiger Mutz (Senior Researcher, University of Zurich), and Ludo Waltman (Scientific Director at the Centre for Science and Technology Studies, CWTS, Leiden University). Special thanks to Peter Elspass, Chair of the Task Force Benchmark, Aldo Torrebruno (Politecnico di Milano), and all members of the Task Force Benchmark. My gratitude also goes to my colleagues in the Secretariat, Mattias Björnmalm, PhD, and Justine Moynat, for their invaluable support.

Tomorrow, I will give an invited contribution at the European Commission's Conference on Research Careers. I will share insights from the recent CESAER Research Careers Survey. To support modern and stable research careers in Europe, five dimensions are essential: 1) Unlock stability in researcher careers through sustainable institutional funding. 2) Pursue balanced funding to achieve equilibrium between temporary and non-temporary contracts. 3) Strengthen the evidence base by implementing a ‘Research & Innovation Careers Observatory.’ 4) Modernise outdated legal and employment frameworks. 5) Foster excellent institutional support for (early-career) researchers. Full details of the five dimensions can be found here 👉 (PDF) https://lnkd.in/eM3iJHzv I’m looking forward to the European Commission event tomorrow, and the full CESAER Research Careers Survey is planned for publication in December!

Reimagining university rankings: exploring strategic priorities and alternatives, our report is out! 🆕 Today, the leading universities of science and technology united within CESAER, released a new report titled ‘Reimagining university rankings: exploring strategic priorities and alternatives’. The report builds on the joint workshop of our Board of Directors and Task Force Benchmark which took place on 18 June 2024, kindly hosted by KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. Led by our Task Force Benchmark, this publication provides recommendations to enhance transparency, equity, and accountability in commercial university rankings. It advocates for adopting responsible evaluation frameworks and encourages universities of science and technology to consider endorsing the ’More Than Our Rank’ initiative, as well as frameworks such as CoARA, DORA, and the Leiden Manifesto. The workshop report features contributions from Paul Boselie (Chief of Open Science, Utrecht University), Manuela Höfler (Co-Director of the Open Science Office, University of Zürich), and Rüdiger Mutz (Senior Researcher, University of Zurich), who shared insights into their respective universities' strategic decision not to submit data to commercial rankers. Ludo Waltman (Scientific Director at the Centre for Science and Technology Studies, CWTS, Leiden University) presented the new Open Edition of the CWTS Leiden Ranking. Report is here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eTNNYpkT #coara #universityrankings #benchmark Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment

"We have said, following the Draghi report, that a robust research and innovation system is essential for protecting Europe's welfare, environment, and society. So, it is vital for those of us who care deeply about these matters to be strong advocates, engaging actively at this crucial time for Europe’s future in research and innovation". - Orla Feely, University College Dublin President & CESAER President. "The convergence of political acknowledgement and ongoing developments, such as the European Competitiveness Fund, was a major discussion point, especially in our conversations with Manuel Heitor and invited leaders. Only by working together as a continent can Europe lead globally in science, technology, and innovation" - Mattias Björnmalm, PhD, CESAER Secretary General. Our President and our Secretary General were interviewed by News Tank Academic to reflect on what happened during our CESAER Annual Meetings 2024. Check out the full interview 👉 https://lnkd.in/e_uWhRh6 #researchandinnovation #competitiveness #fp10

Today, Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner-designate for Startups, Research, and Innovation, presented her vision in her hearing at the European Parliament , highlighting the need to prioritise R&I in Europe. I welcome her commitment to propose a European Innovation Act and push Member States to meet the 3% R&I spending target, which is essential for our science and technology universities. Her focus on supporting startups and reducing red tape is commendable, but we must ensure that established research institutions including universities of science and technology also receive adequate support to foster long-term innovation. Additionally, her commitment to promoting women in R&I and advocating for an ambitious budget in the next multi-annual framework programme is a step forward. While some proposals may need more digging and detail, I commend Zaharieva for her dedication to working with all actors including stakeholder organisations. CESAER is prepared to lend its support to ensure a balanced and collaborative future for European research and innovation. I look forward to seeing how her vision unfolds in practice!

Did you know that CESAER has a Flickr page❓ On it, you will find pictures from our latest in-person events, including our September MEP Welcome reception and the CESAER Annual Meetings 2024, kindly hosted by the University of Strathclyde. Check it out 👉 https://lnkd.in/e_BBzsBW #CAM2024 #CESAERAnnualMeetings #Universitiesofscienceandtechnology

A brutal fight lies ahead in securing our future in research. Securing the necessary resources and political support for the next research programme, FP10 will require nothing less than a united, relentless advocacy campaign across Europe. I ask all leaders and key stakeholder organisations in European research and innovation to stand together. You have the influence and credibility to shape this debate, and I urge you to use it. The future of European research and innovation is in our hands, and we must fight for it. Check out the viewpoint by our Envoy on Research Careers Manuel Heitor published in Science|Business today 👉 https://lnkd.in/efgXk-DH #ResearchCareers #FP10 #ResearchFunding

We release today a report on ‘Models of engagement for PhDs with non-academic partners’, which offers recommendations for future-proof engineering education to tackle global challenges. This report, developed under the leadership of our Task Force Innovation, highlights evolving models of engagement between PhD candidates and non-academic partners, such as industry. We focus on how these collaborations can enhance societal engagement, drive innovation, and promote disruptive advancements across Europe. Authored by a team led by Yvonne Kinnaird from the University of Strathclyde, this report explores how partnerships between universities and non-academic entities—especially through "industrial doctorate” programs—can serve as key drivers of innovation. The recommendations outlined in the report provide a strategic roadmap for fostering stronger collaborations between universities, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and EU institutions to advance Europe’s leadership in research and innovation. Key recommendations: 🔵 To university leaders: enhance partnerships with industry to create more industrial doctorate opportunities and improve career pathways for PhD candidates. ⚪ To industry partners: provide greater financial and practical support for industrial doctorate programs and collaborate with universities to tailor research training to industry needs. 🔵 To policymakers: create supportive policies and funding mechanisms to strengthen industrial doctorate programmes and foster innovation across sectors. ⚪ To EU institutions: expand funding for industrial doctorate initiatives through programs like Horizon Europe and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, while streamlining regulations for easier collaboration between academia and industry. Read it on our website ➡ https://lnkd.in/ecwtf4MB #industrialphd #CAM2024 #industry

Yesterday, the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow hosted over one hundred participants for our high-level conference titled “Innovation districts – from deeptech and entrepreneurship to inclusive innovation.” This event, part of the CESAER Annual Meetings 2024, brought together representatives from universities, industry, and government to discuss the role of innovation districts in driving deep tech entrepreneurship, regional development, and societal impact. The conference reaffirmed the pivotal role of innovation districts as platforms that support deep tech entrepreneurship, inclusive growth and societal impact, aligning with both European and global innovation goals. After the conference, we had a lovely dinner in the Barony Hall of the University accompanied by Celtic music. #CAM2024 #CESAERAnnualMeetings

We are very lucky to have Manuel Heitor with us for the rest of the CESAER Annual Meetings at the University of Strathclyde! Manuel will discuss with our Members his group's bold vision for transforming European research and innovation after the publication of their report ‘Align, Act, Accelerate – Research, Technology and Innovation to Boost European Competitiveness’. Check out our reaction to their report with quotes from our Presidency and from our Secretary General 👉https://lnkd.in/ep-nNcbv 📷 On the photo from left to right: Mattias Björnmalm, PhD, Secretary General of CESAER, Jennifer Herek, CESAER Vice-President & Treasurer, Manuel Heitor, CESAER Envoy on Research Careers, Orla Feely, CESAER President, and Tim Bedford, CESAER Vice-President. #FP10 #CAM2024 #CESAERAnnualMeetings