2023/2184(INL) Promotion of the freedom of scientific research in the EU
Lead committee dossier:
Progress: Procedure completed
| Role | Committee | Rapporteur | Shadows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | ITRE |
EHLER Christian ( EPP)
|
AGIUS SALIBA Alex ( S&D),
IJABS Ivars ( Renew),
PEKSA Mikuláš ( Verts/ALE),
ILČIĆ Ladislav ( ECR),
MATIAS Marisa ( GUE/NGL)
|
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 47
Legal Basis:
RoP 47Events
2024/01/17
EP - Text adopted by Parliament, single reading
Documents
2024/01/17
EP - Decision by Parliament
Documents
2023/12/05
EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
Details
The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy adopted the report by Christian EHLER (EPP, DE) containing recommendations to the Commission on promotion of the freedom of scientific research in the EU.
As a reminder, the freedom of scientific research, which is an essential element of democracy and one of the constituent parts of academic freedom, is under pressure in the Union and is gradually eroding.
Members reaffirmed the Union's commitment to upholding fundamental rights, including the right to the freedom of scientific research in all scientific disciplines and the arts.
The Committee puts forward the following recommendation to the Commission as to the content of the proposal requested on the promotion of the freedom of scientific research in the EU. It requested that the Commission submit a proposal following the principles and aims set out below to guarantee, protect and promote this freedom at the level of research organisations and of researchers all along their careers.
Defining the freedom of scientific research
The freedom of scientific research must be carefully balanced with other legitimate interests, such as obtaining legitimate competitive advantages and intellectual property protection. Such limitations should not, however, contravene recognised ethical principles and practices, to which researchers have to adhere.
It is recommended that the proposal should build on the definition of the freedom of scientific research, in line with the Bonn Declaration, which stands for openness, exchange, excellence, internationalism, diversity, equality, integrity, curiosity, responsibility and reflexivity and that it is, therefore, a pillar of any democracy.
The freedom of scientific research entails the right for individual researchers to freely define research questions, choose and develop theories, gather empirical material, and employ sound scientific research methods, to maintain scientific integrity, to challenge conventional wisdom, to publish and communicate freely, and to propose new ideas and theories as well as disseminate them freely.
The rights of individual researchers include at least:
- the right to freely access public information, and the right to access private information needed for scientific purposes, which is to be balanced with the rights of information holders and the nature/sensitivity of information;
- the right to keep specific information or data, as well as the source for that information or date confidential in order to abide by ethical and scientific standards, to achieve a scientific or other legitimate objectives;
- the right to publish, share, disseminate and communicate openly, both intramural and extramural, the right to speak freely and critically about work and politics of scientific research institutions and the results and data of their research, without fear of reprisal.
Rights and obligations of scientific research organisations
To guarantee the freedom of scientific research for scientific researchers, scientific research organisations should enjoy effective institutional autonomy. Scientific research organisations should have the freedom to engage in international collaboration.
The definition of institutional autonomy in the proposal should not be static, but rather should allow adaptation to different national, regional and institutional contexts in particular by allowing for emphasis to shift between different aspects of institutional autonomy by incorporating a gradual rather than binary appreciation of the different aspects. Institutional autonomy should come with an obligation for research organisations to provide some form of involvement of scientific researchers in decision-making.
Governmental obligations
Members recommended that governmental bodies in Member States, at all levels of government including Union institutions, agencies and bodies, should have the obligation to respect, protect, promote and ensure the freedom of scientific research, including institutional autonomy.
Respect for the freedom of scientific research means that governmental bodies refrain from arbitrary interferences in and imposing undue restrictions on the freedom of scientific research, as well as refrain from active or complicity participation in violations of the right.
Moreover, ensuring the freedom of scientific research means that governmental bodies have to actively create all the preconditions needed for the exercise all aspects of the freedom, including institutional autonomy. This includes policies for sustainable research careers providing quality jobs at all career stages as well as long term, reliable and stable institutional financing .
Documents
2023/11/28
EP - Vote in committee
2023/09/26
EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2023/08/25
EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2023/07/12
EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2023/03/30
EP - EHLER Christian (EPP) appointed as rapporteur in ITRE
Documents
- Text adopted by Parliament, single reading: T9-0022/2024
- Decision by Parliament: T9-0022/2024
- Committee report tabled for plenary: A9-0393/2023
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE753.646
- Committee draft report: PE751.835
- Committee draft report: PE751.835
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE753.646
- Text adopted by Parliament, single reading: T9-0022/2024
Activities
- Christian EHLER
Plenary Speeches (1)
Votes
Promotion of the freedom of scientific research in the EU – A9-0393/2023 – Christian Ehler – After § 14 – Am 1 #
2024/01/17 Outcome: -: 446, +: 155, 0: 31
ID
NI
The Left
PPEA9-0393/2023 – Christian Ehler – Annex I, after point 23 – Am 2 #
2024/01/17 Outcome: -: 463, +: 147, 0: 23
A9-0393/2023 – Christian Ehler – Motion for a resolution (text as a whole) #
2024/01/17 Outcome: +: 461, 0: 140, -: 34
| Amendments | Dossier |
| 118 |
2023/2184(INL)
2023/09/27
ITRE
118 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 a (new) – having regard to Commission Communication of 18 May 2021 on the 'Global Approach to Research and Innovation. Europe's strategy for international cooperation in a changing world',
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) Aa. whereas in one EU Member State, Hungary, structural de facto violations of academic freedom are taking place;
Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 14 14. Respect for the freedom of scientific research means that governmental bodies refrain from arbitrary interferences in and imposing undue restrictions on the freedom of scientific research, as well as refrain from active or complicity participation in violations of the right. Public authorities have the responsibility to investigate alleged violations and to hold perpetrators of violations accountable.
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 14 14. Respect for the freedom of scientific research means that governmental bodies refrain from arbitrary interferences in and imposing undue restrictions on the freedom
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 15 15. Protecting the freedom of scientific research means that governmental bodies have an obligation to take active measures to protect against third parties, in particular private and multinational lobbies, which unduly interfering with any dimension of the freedom, integrity and independence of scientific research.
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 15 15. Protecting the freedom of scientific research, as essential for scientific integrity, means that governmental bodies have an obligation to take active measures to protect against third parties unduly interfering with any dimension of the freedom of scientific research.
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 16 16. Ensuring the freedom of scientific research means that governmental bodies
Amendment 105 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 16 16. Ensuring the freedom, integrity and independence of scientific research means that governmental bodies have to actively create all the preconditions needed for the exercise all aspects of the freedom. This includes policies for sustainable research careers.
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 17 17. Promoting the freedom of scientific research means that governmental bodies have to engage actively with third parties to advocate for the respect, protection and ensuring of the freedom of scientific research, including non-EU researches whose freedom of scientific research is under threat in third countries by making EU a “safe haven” for their freedom, integrity and institutional autonomy.
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 17 17. Promoting the freedom of scientific research means that governmental bodies have to engage actively with third parties to advocate for the respect, protection and ensuring of the freedom of scientific research, and potentially to disengage from cooperation with third parties not abiding by the same set of principles and values.
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 17 17. Promoting the freedom, integrity and independence of scientific research means that governmental bodies have to engage actively with third parties to advocate for the respect, protection and ensuring of the freedom, integrity and independence of scientific research.
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 18 18. The legislative proposal should reflect that the freedom of scientific research has to be considered as a negative (free from interference) as well as a positive (ensure that enabling framework conditions exist) freedom.
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A b (new) Ab. whereas working conditions for those in the science sector, whether researchers or technical research support staff, have declined with the deterioration of job security that particularly affects research fellows;
Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 18 – point i (new) i) The legislative proposal should envisage a solidarity mechanism to address breaches of freedom of scientific research in close cooperation with EU Member States and associated countries.
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 18 – point ii (new) ii) The legislative proposal should include the creation of a monitoring system for reporting breaches of scientific research once identified.
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 18 a (new) 18a. The legislative proposal should reflect that the current research assessment and evaluation system needs a reform to guarantee the right of freedom of scientific research.
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 18 b (new) 18b. Freedom of scientific research will only truly be accomplished if there is transparency of funding. Science has a responsibility towards society to ensure clarity, transparency and making public when sharing and communicating research findings about the financing which made the research possible.
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 19 19. The legislative proposal has to recognise that
Amendment 115 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 19 19. The legislative proposal has to recognise that there are cases where scientific research and education overlap, such as in the work of a university professor or in the management of a department of a university. Given the legal basis of the proposal, as well as the very limited competences of the Union to legislate on education, the proposal should aim to protect the freedom
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 20 20. The proposed act should be legally binding across the Union. The proposal should aim to create a legal framework which offers sufficient flexibility to balance the rights and obligations on a case-by-case basis and can be applied throughout the Union despite the vast diversity in the national and regional scientific research systems. It should create a starting point for the development of legal minimum standards for the freedom of scientific research through case-law from European courts, including the Court of Justice of the European Union. The proposal should acknowledge and respect that the Treaties, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, as well as national constitutions and subsequent national laws may define the boundaries and parameters of this freedom to align with societal values and priorities.
Amendment 117 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 20 20. The proposed act should be legally binding across the Union. The proposal should aim to create a legal framework
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I a (new) Obligations of scientific researchers of public bodies Independence should be one of the crucial values for scientific researchers of public bodies.In this regard, the proposal should introduce standards of transparency in order to protect the principles of freedom and integrity and guarantee the independence of the scientific work carried out by researchers in order to avoid conflicts of interest that could guide their ends or characterise their results, without hampering the principle of scientific excellence. The obligations of scientific researchers should include at least: a) the detailed presentation of the Curriculum vitae; b) the publication of a Declaration of Interest formally committing each scientific researcher to avoid any current direct, indirect or potential link likely to impair his or her ability to act impartially.Where necessary, in the case of activities already carried out for public or private bodies operating in the same field as the research project, the Declaration of Interest should indicate the area in which the activity was carried out, clarify the exact interest and role of the relevant body or organisation for each, specifying their role within that body or organisation.The Statement shall also include information that is relevant for calculating the impact of each interest in the financial sphere; c) the publication of an annual declaration of interest updating the position of each researcher or confirming his/her status; d) a prohibition – once the research project has been completed and for the next five years – to accept positions or positions in public or private companies or institutions in the sector in which they have carried out their work, with appropriate penalties for infringements; The Commission should oversee the obligations of scientific researchers through the introduction of a supervisory mechanism in order to protect the compliance of these operations – through ex-ante screening to assess the effective suitability of the scientific researcher in relation to potential conflicts of interest - to identify any shortcomings and to ensure that action is taken in good time for them, without hampering the principle of scientific excellence.
Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A b (new) Ab. whereas restrictions to academic freedom result in negative impacts for the EU economy, stifling innovation, slowing scientific progress, and reducing Europe's global competitiveness;
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A c (new) Ac. whereas erosion of the academic freedom contributes to brain drain of top researchers, self-censorship among academics, less critical analysis on social and political issues, less interdisciplinary collaboration, less public discourse and debate;
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A c (new) Ac. whereas the labour rights in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers must be enforced;
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas the Bonn Declaration includes a definition of
Amendment 16 #
C. whereas the Bonn Declaration on Freedom of Scientific Research includes a definition of the freedom of scientific research as well as a recognition of the responsibilities for both governments and research organisations to promote the freedom of scientific research;
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas defending the freedom of scientific research ensures that scientific research serves the public interest and contributes to development and improved living conditions for people;
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas the Bonn Declaration lacks implementation instruments at European level;
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. Whereas the Bonn Declaration includes in the definition of freedom of scientific research the right to critical debate, the protection of plurality of voices, the ‘right to freely define questions, choose and develop theories, collect empirical material and use sound academic research methods to challenge recognised knowledge and advance new ideas’; the “right to share, disseminate and publish its results openly, including through training and teaching”; “the freedom of researchers to express their views without being penalised by the system in which they work or by government or government censorship or discrimination”;
Amendment 2 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 8 a (new) – having regard to European Food Safety Authority's Policy on independence,
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D b (new) Db. Whereas protecting the freedom of research necessarily implies the need to safeguard the integrity and responsibility of researchers and ethical limits to research, through the inclusion of transparent, fair and excellence based procedures for academic progress and the competitive allocation of funding, including by creating rules, incentives and reward mechanisms that promote the independence, integrity and transparency of research, as well as providing support and guidance for researchers’ professional development;
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas specific Union legislative acts
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F a (new) Fa. Whereas any restriction on the freedom of scientific research must be compatible with its nature and its possible impact, with careful assessment of any risks, while respecting the rule of law procedures, and whereas the exercise of scientists’ freedom of scientific research must take into account the rights of the community, in particular fundamental human rights;
Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F b (new) Fb. Whereas European Parliament Resolution 2022/2076 calls for further investment in research and development activities geared towards achieving public interest objectives (Article 296) and ‘calls on the Commission to use industrial, intellectual property and pharmaceutical strategies to encourage public funding for research and development projects in order to comply with the principle of open science and to close the persistent gap in research and production of medicines through partnerships, technology transfer and the creation of open research centres’ (Article 590);
Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F c (new) Fc. Whereas, according to the widely prevailing opinion in the international scientific community following numerous peer review studies proving it, the COVID-19 pandemic probably originated from a laboratory leak of the Sars-Cov2 virus, of a synthetic nature, obtained through functional research, which clearly demonstrates the enormous danger posed by this type of research, from war/military purposes, which has already been banned in several countries precisely because of the unacceptable risks to public health in the event of accidents;
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph -1 (new) -1. Reaffirms the Union's commitment to upholding fundamental rights, including the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, academic freedom as well as the freedom of scientific research and the arts as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; believes free and open science in all branches of research is essential to protect our European democratic values;
Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 Amendment 27 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Acknowledges the fundamental importance of
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Acknowledges the fundamental importance of freedom of scientific research in promoting innovation, societal progress, and
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Acknowledges the fundamental importance of freedom, integrity and independence of scientific research in promoting innovation, progress, and wellbeing in the Union;
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 17 a (new) – having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 12 July 2023 on the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future (2022/2076(INI)),
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Acknowledges that there can be no real freedom of scientific and intellectual production and creation while precariousness in the sector persists; defends the labour rights of researchers and scientific workers, enhancement of their careers, stable job contracts and access to social security with guaranteed sickness, maternity, unemployment and retirement protection;
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Recognises, in line with the Bonn Declaration, that freedom of scientific research stands for openness, exchange, excellence, internationalism, diversity, equality, integrity, curiosity, responsibility and reflexivity. It is therefore a pillar of any democracy;
Amendment 32 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Estimates that freedom of scientific research must come with the responsibility to respect highest ethical standards and integrity in scientific research, and with the obligation to perform scientific research on the basis of Open Science;
Amendment 33 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Emphasises the decisive role of a properly designed and well implemented enabling framework to effectively protect and promote freedom of scientific research throughout the Union, taking into utmost account of available public support to facilitate production, sharing and spreading of knowledge, as a public good for our society, and to avoid any risk of interference or undermining of independence of scientific research by third parties promoting private interests or interests incompatible with our European values;
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Advocates putting an end to statutes and systems based on research grants, such as the Research Grant Statute in Portugal, which allow workers to be made indiscriminately dependent on research grants, a situation that is not compatible with promoting scientific work; calls for scientific workers to be guaranteed the right to a stable employment contract and access to social security;
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Takes note of the definition of the freedom of scientific research under point 2 of Annex II of the proposal for a Council Recommendation on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe;
Amendment 36 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 c (new) 1c. Insists on the relevance of open knowledge to ensure the freedom of scientific research; calls for efficient and transparent creation of knowledge without artificial barriers hindering the access to information and its dissemination; estimates that sharing results of scientific research for non- commercial purposes must be protected by European law and actively promoted; stresses that publicly funded scientific results shall be published in open-access academic journals and the results shall be accessible for everyone in an easily accessible way;
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 c (new) 1c. Notes that it is also higher education institutions' management bodies that set those institutions' scientific research priorities; acknowledges that the increasing degradation of democracy in academia is also a factor in the attack on academic and research freedom;
Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 d (new) 1d. Suggests the introduction of European funding for development of free open source digital tools to help researchers access, use and disseminate all the relevant information needed for their work across the Union;
Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Is concerned about the recent backsliding of this fundamental right in the Union, which is essential for political freedom and social participation and threatens to undermine the development of a functioning and competitive European Research Area (ERA);
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 17 a (new) – having regard to the recommendations of Strategic Forum for International S&T Cooperation,
Amendment 40 #
2. Is concerned about the recent backsliding of th
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Notes that the Commission's communication of 30 September 2020, entitles ‘A new ERA for Research Innovation' confirms that the completion of the ERA requires the full respect of the freedom of scientific research, which includes, but is not limited to, non- interference in research agendas, institutional autonomy, and adequate funding;
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4.
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Is deeply concerned that the Commission, despite its strong words in the ERA Communication, is failing to use its legal authority to protect th
Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Reaffirms the Union's commitment to upholding fundamental rights, including the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, academic freedom as well as the freedom of scientific research and the arts as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Is deeply concerned about the fact that freedom of research and teaching is increasingly being placed under moral and political reservation by non-scientific ideological limits instead of limits of the applicable law;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Urges the Commission to take all necessary steps to protect and promote the freedom, integrity and independence of scientific research in the Union, including using its legal authority to prevent any further backsliding with regard to this fundamental right
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Urges the Commission to take all necessary steps to protect and promote the freedom of scientific research in the Union, including using its legal authority to prevent any further backsliding with regard
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Urges the Commission to take all necessary steps to protect and promote the freedom of scientific research in the Union and to ensure that research ethics and integrity are not compromised, including using its legal authority to prevent any further backsliding with regard to this fundamental right;
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Urges the Commission to take all
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Calls on the Member States to fully respect and uphold the freedom of scientific research, and to ensure that any measures taken in the name of public interest do not unduly restrict the freedom of scientific research. Considers it of vital importance to publicly support all scientists who face attacks on their academic freedom, in order to defend and strengthen the conditions for free research and teaching at universities;
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas the freedom of scientific research is an essential element of democracy and is one of the constituent parts of academic freedom and is under pressure in the Union2 ; _________________ 2 STOA study: State of play of academic
Amendment 50 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Calls on the Member States to fully respect and uphold the freedom of scientific research, and to ensure that any measures taken in the name of public interest (such as national security, public safety, and public health) do not unduly restrict the freedom of scientific research;
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Calls on the Member States to fully respect and uphold the freedom, integrity and independence of scientific research, and to ensure that any measures taken in the name of public interest do not unduly restrict the
Amendment 52 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Calls on the Member States to fully respect and uphold the freedom of scientific research, and to ensure that any measures taken in the name of p
Amendment 53 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Stresses that the completion of the ERA requires the
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Expresses its concern with regard to the Commission's failure to use its legal authority to protect the freedom, integrity and independence of scientific research is a serious abdication of its responsibility, and calls on the Commission to take immediate action to remedy that situation, through the actions outlined in this proposal;
Amendment 56 #
9. Expresses its concern with regard to the Commission's failure to use its legal authority under the EU Treaties to protect the freedom of scientific research as one of the fundamental rights of EU citizens is a serious abdication of its responsibility, and calls on the Commission to take immediate action to remedy that situation;
Amendment 57 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Expresses its concern with regard to the Commission's failure to use its legal authority to protect the freedom of scientific research is a serious abdication of its responsibility to uphold the Rule of Law in the Union, and calls on the Commission to take immediate action to remedy that situation;
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Calls on the European Council to support the protection and promotion of the
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Calls for recognition of the need to mobilise additional public funds in order to finance independent scientific research, avoiding private interference that could drive its ends or influence its methods or results;
Amendment 6 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas the freedom of scientific research is one of the constituent parts of academic freedom and is under pressure in the Union and is gradually eroding 2 ; _________________ 2 STOA study: State of play of academic
Amendment 60 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to promote public awareness of the importance of freedom of scientific research through education, public outreach, and support for science journalism;
Amendment 61 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Requests that the Commission submit, on the basis of Article 182(5), in conjunction with the Article 179(1), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, a proposal for an act on the freedom of scientific research, following the principles and aims set out in the Annex hereto to guarantee, protect and promote this freedom at the level of research organisations and of researchers all along their careers;
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Requests that the Commission submit, on the basis of Article 182(5), in conjunction with the Article 179(1), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, a proposal for an act on the freedom, integrity and independence of scientific research, following the principles and aims set out in the Annex hereto;
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Welcomes the UK's readmission to the EU's Horizon research programme. Regrets however that the EU is still making Switzerland's full association to Horizon Europe dependent on progress in the institutional negotiations. Is worried about the Commissions strategy to use research cooperation as a means of political pressure, thereby not only harming European research as a whole, but also risking its own credibility of having created a non-political and free scientific research region;
Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 1 1. The freedom of scientific research is a constituent part of academic freedom and scientific integrity in Europe, while also having an independent value, as exemplified by the specific reference in Article 13 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 2 2. The freedom of scientific research provides rights - obligations for who working within public bodies - to individual scientific researchers, rights and obligations for scientific research organisations, and
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 3 3. The proposal should build on the definition of the freedom of scientific research as set out in the Bonn Declaration, which includes in the definition of freedom of scientific research the right to critical debate, the protection of plurality of voices, the "right to freely define questions, choose and develop theories, collect empirical material and use sound academic research methods to challenge recognised knowledge and advance new ideas"; the “right to share, disseminate and publish its results openly, including through training and teaching”; “the freedom of researchers to express their views without being penalised by the system in which they work or by government or government censorship or discrimination”.
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 3 3. The proposal should build on the definition of the freedom of scientific
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 4 4. Scientific researchers should be defined broadly in line with the Council Recommendation on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe1a. It should not extend to researchers performing research in circumstances where the freedom of scientific research can clearly not apply
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 4 4. Scientific researchers should be defined broadly in line with the Council Recommendation on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe. It should not extend to researchers performing research in circumstances where the freedom of scientific research can clearly not apply, such as scientific research for a private
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas the freedom of scientific research is one of the constituent parts of academic freedom and scientific integrity and is under pressure in the Union2 ; _________________ 2 STOA study: State of play of academic
Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 4 4. Scientific researchers should be defined broadly in line with the Council Recommendation on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe. It should
Amendment 71 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 5 5. The freedom of scientific research is the right for individual researchers to disseminate their results, freely define research questions,
Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 5 5. The freedom of scientific research is the right for individual researchers to freely define research questions, to employ sound scientific research methods, to
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 5 5. The freedom of scientific research
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 6 – point b (b) the right to access information, public or private, needed for scientific purposes, which is to be balanced with the rights of information holders, respecting the different practices in place in different Member States;
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 6 – point b (b) the right to access information, public or private, needed for scientific purposes, which is to be balanced with the rights of information holders and the nature/sensitivity of information;
Amendment 76 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 6 – point b (b) the right to
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 6 – point d (d) the right to publish, share, disseminate and communicate openly, both intramural and extramural, the results and data of their research, without thereby incurring disciplinary measures, censorship, discrimination or pressure of any kind to discredit them or to restrict the freedom, integrity and independence of any individual researcher.
Amendment 78 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 6 – point d (d) the right to publish, share, disseminate and communicate openly, both intramural and extramural, the right to speak freely about work and politics of research institutions and the results and
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 6 – point d a (new) (da) the right to express and publish views, even those that may be perceived as controversial, on topics such as gender, climate, migration, and other significant societal issues, while upholding the principles of academic freedom and responsibility.
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas
Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 6 – point d a (new) (da) The right to freely define research topics, to choose, develop and collect empirical material and to interact with other researchers, in order to safeguard the principle of freedom, integrity and independence.
Amendment 81 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 6 – point d b (new) (db) the right to exercise conscientious objection and refrain from engaging in specific research activities or exercises that conflict with their personal beliefs or values.
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 7 7. Individual researchers should be able to enjoy these individual rights without fear of reprisal. The exercise of those rights since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary. To ensure that any such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties enacted by law are not misused to improperly limit enjoyment of these rights, the formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties enacted by law must be subject to challenge as to its necessity and impartiality in independent legal proceedings.
Amendment 83 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 7 7. Individual researchers should be able to enjoy these individual rights without fear of reprisal. Work security, tenure and work stability should be respected and supported. The exercise of those rights since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for participating in democratic decision- making processes, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.
Amendment 84 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 7 7. Individual researchers should be able to enjoy these individual rights without fear of reprisal. The exercise of those rights since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are expressly prescribed by law
Amendment 85 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 8 8. In order to guarantee the freedom of scientific research for scientific researchers, scientific research organisations should enjoy effective institutional autonomy. While institutional autonomy is a prerequisite for the freedom of scientific research for scientific researchers and for the self-governing nature of research, it is not by definition subordinate to the rights of individual researchers. Beyond its role to protect the
Amendment 86 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 8 8. In order to guarantee the freedom of scientific research for scientific researchers, scientific research organisations should enjoy effective institutional autonomy. While institutional autonomy is a prerequisite for the freedom of scientific research for scientific researchers, it is not by definition subordinate to the rights of individual researchers. Beyond its role to protect the freedom of scientific research, institutional autonomy is required for the proper functioning of the scientific sector. Therefore, the proposal should strike a careful
Amendment 87 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 8 – point a (new) a) Scientific research organisations should engage in international cooperation to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relation to further develop a strong science diplomacy component addressing the freedom of scientific research and possible consequences in case of breaches.
Amendment 88 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 8 a (new) 8a. Within the framework of their institutional autonomy, research organisations have to provide transparent, fair, and excellence-based procedures for academic advancement and the competitive allocation of funding.
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 9 9. Aspects to be considered for establishing institutional autonomy include organisational autonomy, financial autonomy and transparency, staffing autonomy and scientific autonomy.
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) Aa. whereas job insecurity restricts freedom of scientific research; whereas thousands of researchers work with limited-duration project funding, by way of individual or project research grants, fixed-term employment contracts or by performing specific tasks as self-employed persons, and have poor job security and labour protection;
Amendment 90 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 9 – point i (new) i) New generations of researchers and scientists are key to Europe's future research area. Therefore, encourages to further promote science and research careers and opportunities for young scientists. Member States should encourage universities and research institutions to establish clearer and more structured career opportunities and to foster transparent recruitment procedures and provide appropriate social security coverage to all researchers, including doctoral candidates, who are engaged in remunerated research activity.
Amendment 91 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 9 – point ii (new) ii) Gender equality should be considered as a crucial element to promote scientific research and innovation, thus ensuring that the unique perspectives of women researchers are incorporated into solutions to the various challenges of advancing sustainable and equitable development;
Amendment 92 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 9 – point iii (new) iii) Scientific researchers should be provided with quality jobs and decent working conditions, decent wages, work security and access to social protection, safe and healthy workplaces, including good work-life balance and ensuring trade union representation and bargaining rights.
Amendment 93 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 10 10. Institutional autonomy is highly contextual and can be achieved in many different ways with different combinations of autonomy. For effective institutional autonomy to exist, not all these different aspects of institutional autonomy need to be uniformly fulfilled. Therefore the definition of institutional autonomy in the proposal should not be static, but rather should allow adaptation to different national, regional and institutional contexts in particular by allowing for emphasis to shift between different aspects of institutional autonomy by incorporating a gradual rather than binary appreciation of the different aspects.
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 10 10. Institutional autonomy is highly contextual and can be achieved in many different ways with different combinations of autonomy. For effective institutional autonomy to exist, not all these different aspects of institutional autonomy need to be fulfilled. Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that economic and political independence is an essential part of institutional autonomy. Therefore the definition of institutional autonomy in the proposal should not be static.
Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 11 11. Institutional autonomy can legitimately exist only if the research organisation provides some form of self- governance
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 12 12. Scientific researchers should have the right to participate in and contribute to the governing of scientific research organisations. This includes the rights to publicly comment on the governing of the organisation without fear of reprisal. This also includes the responsibility for research organisations to create a culture of open debate. It also includes having in effective procedures to report misconduct, to protect, in accordance with the standards set out in Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council1 , people reporting misconduct, breaches of academic standards or ethical standards, as well as discrete procedures
Amendment 97 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 12 a (new) 12a. Scientific organizations should establish comprehensive policies that define misconduct. They should also implement predefined procedures that unequivocally delineate the rights and duties of each individual involved, ensuring clarity and fairness throughout the process. These procedures should furthermore ensure that accusations are genuinely based on alleged misconduct and not on attempts to suppress or silence a researcher's scientific findings or perspectives.
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 13 13. Governmental bodies in the Union, at all levels of government including the Union level, should have the obligation to respect, protect, promote and ensure the freedom, integrity and independence of scientific research.
Amendment 99 #
Motion for a resolution Annex I – point 13 13.
source: 753.646
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History
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