Proposal for a decision
Annex I – part 4 – point 2 a (new)
2 a. CITIZENS IN SCIENCE Research and innovation (R&I) systems are currently undergoing far-reaching changes to this modus operandi. At the same time, there is recognition that co- design and co-creation with citizens, stakeholders and end-users needs to be promoted in all policy instruments, including Horizon Europe. Responsible Research and innovation concept has been proved a good frame to push forward the different agendas that help Europe to make a better science, aligned with the needs and expectation of our society. The involvement of societal actors and the integration of societal concerns needs to be more systematic and sustainable, e.g. through institutional changes in R&I organisations that have lasting effects beyond the lifetime of project funding. Likewise, R&I organisations need to facilitate the production and uptake of scientific knowledge by society. In this context, the programme “Citizens and science” is called to support the implementation of Responsible Research and Innovation in Horizon Europe and beyond, looking for lasting institutional change able to embrace open science. Moreover, it also has the role to research and pilot new knowledge and methodologies to ensure a better relationship between citizens and science in the long term. Broad Lines – Responsible Research and Innovation as the umbrella where individuals institutions, regions and countries develops ways to become more open and responsive to society; – Citizen science, including engagement of citizens in the co-design of research and innovation agenda settings and policy, in the co-creation of scientific content and innovation through transdisciplinary activities; – All types of formal, non-formal and informal science education, incorporating STEM, research and entrepreneur skills into education systems from an early stage, and especially in a changing world where critical thinking and scientific knowledge will allow to fight against, among others, fake news, pseudo science and populism in the long term, while augmenting trust in science; – Supporting gender equality in scientific careers and in decision making, as well as the integration of the gender dimension in research and innovation content; – Ethics and integrity, to further develop a coherent EU framework in adherence with the highest ethics standards and the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity; – Providing researchers with attractive career environments, skills and competences needed in the modern knowledge economy1a. – Linking the ERA and the European Higher Education Area by supporting the modernisation of universities and other research and innovation organisations, through recognition and reward mechanisms to spur actions at national level, as well as incentives promoting the adoption of open science practices, entrepreneurship (and links to innovation ecosystems), trans-disciplinarity, citizen engagement, international and inter- sectoral mobility, gender equality plans and comprehensive approaches to institutional changes. In that context, also complementing the Erasmus programme support for the European Universities initiative, in particular its research dimension, as part of developing new joint and integrated long term and sustainable strategies on education, research and innovation based on trans-disciplinary and cross-sectoral approaches to make the knowledge triangle a reality, providing impetus to economic growth. _________________ 1a Including notably the European Charter for researchers, the code of conduct for the recruitment of researchers, EURAXESS and RESAVER Pension Fund.