FNR Programmes Found to Strengthen Research Landscape, Adjustments Advised

Luxembourg's Ministry of Research and Higher Education has reported on the results of an external evaluation of two programmes run by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR).

On Monday 23 September 2024, Luxembourg's Minister for Research and Higher Education, Stéphanie Obertin, together with Michael Stampfer, Director of the Vienna Science and Technology Fund (WWTF), presented the results of the external evaluation of the FNR ATTRACT and PEARL programmes to members of the parliamentary committee on higher education, research and digitalisation. This is the first external evaluation of FNR programmes commissioned by the Ministry of Research and Higher Education.

The evaluation, conducted by a panel of seven international and independent experts, under the responsibility of the WWTF, aimed to analyse the capacity of the ATTRACT and PEARL programmes to achieve their objectives, to take stock of their achievements and to assess their adequacy in relation to the current maturity of the Luxembourg research ecosystem and its future developments.

As reported by the ministry, the conclusions of the evaluation underline the "essential" role of the two programmes in strengthening the research landscape in Luxembourg.

The ATTRACT programme has demonstrated notable successes in terms of publication and international impact, confirming its effectiveness in attracting young talents to Luxembourg research institutions. The ministry also said ATTRACT was considered "crucial" to promote scientific excellence and internationalisation, by applying some small adjustments to maintain its effectiveness in the long term.

For its part, the PEARL programme has attracted world-renowned researchers. Through capacity building and the promotion of interdisciplinarity and structural cooperation, the programme has had structuring effects on the public research system. However, the evaluation identified operational challenges requiring adjustments, such as improving communication, simplifying administrative procedures and better harmonisation with national priorities.

The evaluation thus recommended maintaining the ATTRACT and PEARL programmes in the FNR funding portfolio, while adjusting PEARL to meet Luxembourg's current strategic needs. The evaluation stressed that the scientific excellence and impact of the projects should be the priority criteria for funding. In addition, the report suggested reducing administrative controls, making processes more flexible and improving the international visibility of funding opportunities.

Minister Obertin welcomed the results of this evaluation, stressing the importance of continuing to adapt and evolve the ATTRACT and PEARL programmes in order to maximise their impact on the Luxembourg research ecosystem. "The recommendations of this evaluation constitute a valuable roadmap to strengthen our ability to attract and retain high-level talent in Luxembourg. It is essential that we continue to innovate and adapt in research to remain competitive at the global level," she said.

The ministry described this evaluation as "an important step" it its "commitment to ensuring the excellence and relevance of research funding programmes in Luxembourg". An external evaluation of other FNR funding programmes is expected to follow "in the coming years".