In the first part of the day, participants (over 200 representatives of national and private research foundations, research governing bodies, governmental and non-governmental organizations working in the field of research funding and management, officials representing international organizations and initiatives) had a chance of joining discussions on three topics:
– responsible research assessment (RRA);
– gender equality in research;
– challenges of multilateral funding for research.
In the afternoon, GRC regional meetings were held. Participants had a chance of listening to annual reports of GRC regional divisions. Katja Becker (GRC Governing Board Chair and President of DFG) delivered the report accentuating how deeply the war in Ukraine influenced world research community. Topics for continuous and open discussions for the following year were suggested, too.
During the GRC European Regional Meeting, Ukraine was undoubtedly given considerable coverage. The key message expressed was the following: with all the support already provided to Ukraine, much more is still to be provided”. Olga Polotska spoke on Ukrainian research system in the context of the war. The presentation was followed by discussion and a conclusion that help should be shaped according to the actual needs of Ukrainian researchers as well as taking into account long-term recovery needs.