UNICA joins the Research Matters campaign, calling for more R&I funding in Europe
29 September 2025 | From UNICA - Funding
UNICA has joined over 80 organisations across Europe in the Research Matters campaign, signing an open letter that calls for stronger public investment in research and innovation (R&I).
At a time marked by environmental, societal, and geopolitical challenges, the campaign urges politicians across Europe to prioritise knowledge, science, and innovation, deeming investment in R&I as essential for Europe’s competitiveness, wellbeing, and peace.
The campaign’s goals
Through its open letter to European and national decision-makers, the Research Matters campaign – which brings together universities, research organisations, funding agencies, industry partners, and communication professionals – calls for:
- Boosting R&D investment to reach over 3% of GDP in all European countries and the EU as a whole.
- Doubling the budget of the next EU Framework Programme for Research & Innovation (FP10) to €200 billion.
- Protecting FP10 funding by ringfencing it against competing priorities.
Why Research Matters
Research and innovation (R&I) play a pivotal role in shaping our society and securing Europe’s standing in the global science and technology sector. R&I helps to make informed decisions and counter misinformation, empowering individuals with the knowledge needed to navigate complex issues. Humans are curious beings who seek to acquire knowledge, and science aids us in understanding the world around us.
Drawing from Europe’s rich heritage of research and innovation, we have seen remarkable achievements that have transformed our societies and economies. From the groundbreaking advancements in renewable energy technologies to pioneering digital infrastructures and healthcare breakthroughs, Europe has been at the forefront. By investing further in research, we can continue this legacy, driving development and innovation that anticipate and navigate not only the challenges of today but also those of the future.
A collective effort for Europe’s future
By joining the campaign, UNICA reinforces its commitment to advocating for stronger investment in R&I as a cornerstone for Europe’s future. Together with the broader R&I community, the network urges European institutions, national and regional policymakers, civil society, and the media to recognise that research matters for advancing knowledge and, more importantly, for building resilience, sustainability, and prosperity.
Find out more about the campaign and explore stories on the benefits of R&I at research-matters.eu
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.