HERA Statement on the public consultation questionnaire concerning the European Research Area Act (ERA Act)


Posted: 12 February, 2026

HERA Statement on the public consultation questionnaire concerning the European Research Area Act (ERA Act)

The proposed European Research Area (ERA) Act aims to make Europe the world’s most inclusive, welcoming and secure place for researchers. In response to the public consultation, HERA (Humanities in the European Research Area) has shared a statement highlighting why the Humanities must be fully recognised and integrated into this vision.

HERA, a network of national Humanities funding agencies across Europe, supports the ERA Act’s ambition while calling for a broader, more inclusive interpretation of innovation that recognises the essential role of the Humanities in addressing societal, cultural, technological, and democratic challenges.

Download the position paper

The statement highlights several priorities:

  • Embed the Humanities across ERA priorities, including mission-oriented research.
  • Protect curiosity-driven fundamental research as the basis of long-term innovation.
  • Reduce administrative burden and avoid overregulation.
  • Advance Open Science in ways that do not disadvantage Humanities publishing.
  • Remove structural barriers to research mobility, including rigid teaching loads and age-related constraints.

HERA also warns against a narrowly STEM-focused approach. Europe’s strength lies in being a knowledge-rich ecosystem, where technological progress is shaped by human values, cultural understanding, and long-term thinking.

As discussions on the ERA Act continue, it is vital that the Humanities are part of the conversation.

Download the position paper

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