-A +A
Imprimer

European Research Challenges: Some common scientific perspectives from CNR, CNRS and CSIC

La Lettre International

ZOOM SUR...

In April 2023, the G6 network1 met to discuss the future of European research. Among the six major challenges identified to assess this important issue, the first concerned international cooperation2. In this regard, the G6 wished to reiterate that "Facing increasingly fierce competition in a world of rising geopolitical tensions, Europe needs to unleash its full potential in research and innovation in order to meet the grand challenges of the future. This requires more ambitious and more efficient cooperation both within the ERA3 and on a global scale." For CNRS Humanities & Social Sciences, these challenges are an integral part of its priorities and guide its daily international cooperation, whether with its German partners in the context of research activities undertaken by the Marc Bloch Centre in Berlin or multilaterally, with the initiative 'European research challenges. CNR-CNRS-CSIC Humanities and Social Sciences: Scientific perspectives' launched jointly with the CNR and the CSIC.

As part of this initiative, no fewer than fifty researchers from these three European multidisciplinary research organisations worked together for five months to produce six position papers on:

  • A socio-demographic approach to population: youth, ageing, vulnerable and disabled people, migration

  • Inequalities: economic, social, educational, gender

  • The green transition, with particular emphasis on urban approaches

  • The digital humanities and artificial intelligence

  • Cultural heritage 

  • Science for diplomacy and international relations: scientific, cultural, educational and artistic transfers.

Each of these themes, five of which are summarised and presented below, was chosen for its key role in the future of European research. 

The issue of inequality, which is a true indicator of the effectiveness of European public policy, has been carefully assessed, highlighting research gaps that could be addressed by the future Framework Programme. The role of new technologies and artificial intelligence is emerging as a key factor in policies aimed at reducing social, gender, educational and economic inequalities. A second position paper closely linked to the issue of inequality and social inclusion analysed the major issues characterising the Green Transition Agenda, which is grappling with the complexity and multidimensionality of socio-technical transitions. This thought process made it possible to define different research focuses in the fields of energy, mobility, services and governance models capable of addressing emerging urban and rural challenges.

This initiative also provided an opportunity for sustained and demanding dialogue on the growing interactions between the Digital Humanities and Artificial Intelligence. Once again, the challenges and opportunities of these technological revolutions were at the heart of the discussions, with particular attention paid to ethical and equity considerations and the challenges posed by the relationship between Open Science and AI governance. Like all methodological and epistemological issues and institutional and structural constraints, this challenge requires greater participation by the Digital Humanities and the Humanities and Social Sciences in major artificial intelligence research initiatives.

Discussing the future of European research also requires consideration of the central role of heritage science, which enables a shift in perspective, paving the way for critical thinking and human-centred perspectives. The challenges and areas for action are numerous, as highlighted in the position paper which refers to the fruitful relationship that remains to be built between cultural heritage and climate change, the opportunities offered by the creation of digital twins, and the intercultural dialogue promoted by heritage preservation in Europe and beyond. 

Finally, to quote the G6 network on the challenges posed by contemporary geopolitical dynamics, the ERA must, more than ever, sharpen its reflexivity on the idea of research on and for Science for Diplomacy. Today, the European Union is placing this concept at the core of its strategic thinking. EU Science Diplomacy is taking shape with its inclusion in Ekaterina Zaharieva's mission letter4 and the consolidation of a group of experts who have made initial recommendations on the subject. It is therefore essential that our researchers contribute to the necessary scientific thought and study that must accompany and guide the future direction of European policy on this theme as well as on the five other themes.

We would also like to commend the commitment of all our colleagues involved in this initiative and thank them for the relevant and stimulating research recommendations they have collectively formulated with a willingness to contribute to the discussion on the definition of the future Framework Programme.

William Berthomière, Deputy Scientific Director for Europe & International Cooperation, CNRS Humanities & Social Sciences

Notes

 

  1. The G6 is an influence network consisting of the primary European multidisciplinary research organisations: the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR, Italy), the CNRS (France), the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC, Spain), the Helmholtz Association, the Leibniz Association, and the Max Planck Society (MPG, Germany).
  2. For more on this subject, please see: G6 White Paper The Future of European Research.
  3. ERA: The European Research Area.
  4. EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation.