After less than three months since its launch, the Manifesto celebrates its first 2000 signatories. So far, more than 500 organisations (including universities, research institutes and private companies) endorsed the Manifesto, and 1500 individuals from all over Europe expressed their support. This shows a clear commitment and strong citizen engagement towards a better valorisation of research results. Translating results into the economy is a key strategic objective of the revitalised European Research Area to support the green and digital transition and EU recovery.

Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth said:

The Manifesto for EU Covid-19 Research seeks the voluntary support and endorsement from public and private stakeholders benefiting from EU funding, other research funders and prominent individuals and institutions. After less than three months since its launch, I am delighted to see such a strong commitment from leading researchers, innovators and organisations. With their support, we can maximise the accessibility of research results in the fight against Covid-19. Together we are stronger and united against Coronavirus.

In July, the Commission launched the Manifesto for EU Covid-19 Research. Exceptional circumstances required new approaches and joint efforts from all research and innovation players, including the adaptation of intellectual property regimes. The Manifesto provides guiding principles for beneficiaries of EU research grants for coronavirus prevention, testing, treatment and vaccination to guarantee that their research results will be accessible for all. This will ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against Covid-19, and that solutions will be developed, produced and deployed to every corner of the world.  

During the R&I Days 2020 in September, World Health Organisation Chief Scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan expressed her support for the Manifesto and congratulated Commissioner Mariya Gabriel for her efforts in the common European response to the coronavirus outbreak.

If you would like to sign the Manifesto as an individual or on behalf of your institution, and join us in the fight against coronavirus, you can find the form here.

To shape the new European Research Area, the EU and Member States defined a set of clear actions. Among these actions, and in co-creation with stakeholders, there is the update and development of guiding principles for creating value from knowledge and a code of practice for the smart use of intellectual property. If you want to take part in this action and work with us on the future of R&I policies, contact us via the functional mailbox: RTD-VALORISATION-POLICIES-IPR@ec.europa.eu

More information

Manifesto website

Coronavirus research and innovation

EU valorisation webpage