European researchers benefit from reduced bureaucracy

According to a report published on November 6 by the European Court of Auditors (ECA), the European Union has kept its promise to reduce the paperwork that scientists face when applying for grants in the European Union. part of its flagship financing program. ).

The EU's framework programs – worth tens of billions of euros – are an important source of funding for European research, but many scientists have been frustrated by the demand-side bureaucracy and grant management.

The European Commission has asked to streamline these processes in the latest version of the Horizon 2020 program, worth € 76.4 billion for a period from 2014 to 2020.

The measures include the centralization of support services, the improvement of information technology tools and the creation of a single settlement for participation.

Constant Progress

In its report, the European Court of Auditors found that these amendments reduced the administrative burden on scientists. For example, the time between the grant application and the receipt of a grant has decreased and researchers are generally satisfied with the improved support tools.

"The process of obtaining a grant is now made more accessible to a greater number of researchers," said Alex Brenninkmeijer, a member of ECA, who led the audit, in a statement press.

But ECA also notes several places where the Commission could make further improvements. In some cases, he suggests more use of two-step evaluations, where candidates initially send a short proposal to be evaluated rather than spending time and effort on a full proposal.

The report also believes that the Commission could do more to help researchers who have submitted high-quality but unsuccessful applications for funding from other sources.

The audit officially recognizes the improvements already recognized by scientists. In an interview with Nature in February, Robert-Jan Smits, then Director General of Research for the EU, said that among all his achievements, the reduction of bureaucracy clbadified among researchers was the one that made the most pleasure.