CESAER joined the launch of the 2026 call for expressions of interest for the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships. Member universities are encouraged to explore the opportunity, with an online information session taking place on 1 July and applications open until 25 September 2026.

CESAER and partners today publish a joint statement calling on European leaders negotiating the next Horizon Europe to recognise and reinforce the MSCA as Europe’s proven programme for research careers.

Speaking at the International Science & Policy Symposium 2026 in Hannover, CESAER Secretary General Mattias Björnmalm highlighted how universities can help strengthen Europe’s security and resilience while preserving the conditions that make world-class research, education and innovation possible.

Speaking at the conference 'From Widening to Transformation: European Universities as Engines of Inclusion and Innovation' in Brussels on 17–18 June, CESAER Secretary General Mattias Björnmalm highlighted the need to move beyond participation metrics and focus on lasting institutional transformation, stronger research and innovation capabilities, and a more integrated European Research Area.

On 18 June, CESAER Secretary General Mattias Björnmalm joined fellow European association leaders for an exchange with Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva on the next EU budget, FP10, the European Competitiveness Fund, the ERA Act and strengthening Europe's long-term competitiveness through research and innovation.

CESAER today published a new position proposing seven design principles for the long-term monitoring of European University Alliances and illustrating their application to competitiveness.

Research, education and innovation funding must match Europe’s ambitions

CESAER and partner associations today publish a report from an event that brought together voices from across the research and innovation landscape, united in calling for an ambitious FP10 budget to strengthen Europe’s long-term prosperity and competitiveness.

Europe will only close the innovation gap in advanced technologies relative to other global powers by acting together, argue CESAER President Orla Feely (President of University College Dublin) and CESAER Secretary General Mattias Björnmalm.

A stronger European Innovation Council in FP10 is essential to more effectively connect research-based innovation with Europe’s competitiveness and future scale-up pathways.