Event Report Responsible Research in Action

Research culture is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone for high-quality, ethical, and impactful research. In 2025, Science Europe brought together researchers, funders, publishers, and institutional leaders during a two-day workshop held at the Responsible Research in Action Unconference in Berlin, to explore how its Vision and Framework for Research Cultures could be turned into practical actions.

Participants examined the current research environment, identifying challenges such as the responsible use of artificial intelligence, career precarity, reduced collaboration due to geopolitical tensions, ethical dilemmas, public distrust in science, and the sustainability of research practices. They also highlighted opportunities, including greater transparency across research processes, improved digital infrastructure, stronger collaboration between stakeholders, growing public engagement, and an increasing proportion of researchers motivated to improve research culture.

Using collaborative methods such as trend analysis, STEEPLE assessment, backcasting, and ideation, participants co-created potential actions addressing seven of the eight vision statements, from making research careers attractive and sustainable, to fostering inclusivity, collaboration, integrity, and societal engagement. The workshop outputs offer a foundation for systemic and local initiatives that can guide the sector toward a research culture that is ethical, transparent, diverse, and socially relevant. Captured in this report, these insights document both the process and the ideas generated, forming a reference point for Science Europe’s ongoing and future efforts to strengthen research culture across Europe.