Geoscientists evaluate perceived success of Horizon 2020 funding programme

In spring 2018, EFG and the European Geosciences Union (EGU) jointly conducted a survey among geoscientists from across Europe, but also from abroad, to evaluate the perceived success of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Programme that is allocating almost 80 billion euros to research and innovation over 7 years (until the end of 2020). A report featuring the key findings of this survey as well as suggested improvements for the forthcoming Horizon Europe framework programme has officially be launched during the Horizon Geoscience dinner debate held on 26 September in Brussels.

The survey participants were overall positive about the impact of Horizon 2020 and concurred that Horizon 2020 funded projects increase collaboration among different scientific disciplines, between multiple sectors, and across European countries. The participants also emphasised areas that could be improved such as the number of projects focusing on fundamental rather than on applied research.

The survey also gave participants the opportunity to list areas they felt were underrepresented in Horizon 2020 projects, such as natural hazard management, hydrology and water resources, and raw materials and resources.

For more information you can read the survey’s key facts in a two-page summary or access the full report here.