On 29 January, Tony Lockett, head of communication for the European Commission’s Directorate‑General for Research & Innovation (DG RTD), presented a detailed overview of the EU’s science‑communication landscape and its strategic priorities for EUSJA members. Lockett explained why translating research investment into public awareness is now a core policy goal.
Why Science Communication Matters
The EU’s Horizon Europe programme currently spends roughly €13 billion a year on research, innovation and science.
Funding spans fundamental work through the European Research Council and Marie-Sklodowska Curie Actions, projects tackling global challenges and innovation through the European Innovation Council, and will in the coming years increasingly be directed toward “dual‑use” defence research.
Lockett stressed that scientific capability underpins the EU’s competitiveness, security and ability to tackle climate change, health crises and digital transformation.
Yet audience analysis of the recent #Science4EU campaign showed that about 10% of Europeans who identify as “open to science” lack clear knowledge of the EU’s role in funding research, feeding skepticism and limiting societal uptake of scientific advances.
#Science4EU Campaign
Launched last year, #Science4EU aimed to improve the EU’s image by showcasing concrete research stories. The pilot ran in Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Poland, Slovenia and Denmark.
Preliminary metrics indicate the campaign reached over 20 million citizens, secured placements on 30 TV stations, 200 radio outlets and 32 newspapers or popular‑science magazines, and generated extensive digital engagement through influencers and online ads.
One example of a story featured German plant‑biologist Dario Leister, whose work on boosting photosynthetic efficiency promises higher crop yields—a clear illustration of EU‑funded research addressing climate‑related food security. The campaign’s success has prompted plans for a larger follow‑up in 2026.
Horizon Magazine: A Free Journalist Resource
Horizon Magazine is the EU’s official online publication for research and innovation. Since its 2013 launch, it now publishes two articles per week, each written by professional science journalists rather than civil servants.
Content is sourced from editorial brainstorming, direct project submissions and referrals from staff from the European Commission and its Executive Agencies. The magazine targets both specialists and the general public, emphasizing accessibility without sacrificing scientific rigour. The Horizon Magazine website attracts roughly 5 million unique visitors annually and generated more than 1 800 republications in independent media across member states in 2025.
Articles are offered royalty‑free and can be translated into national languages, provided the outlet credits Horizon Magazine. While ad‑hoc contributions are not accepted, the editorial team welcomes vetted story ideas and assigns them to its existing pool of writers, once accepted.
Other resources for journalists
Lockett also mentioned other resources made available by the Commission to science journalists, including the Horizon dashboard, assistance with media enquiries, the Commission’s daily press briefing and news websites, the Commission’s Visitors’ Centre and the CORDIScovery monthly podcast.
Gender Equality and Upcoming Policy Milestones
Lockett announced a public consultation on gender equality in research and referenced the bi-annual “She Figures” report, which tracks women’s representation across disciplines and career stages. The Commission will unveil a roster of Gender Equality Champions on 3 February, aligning with International Women and Girls in Science Day (Feb 11) and International Women’s Day (Mar 8).
Lockett also discussed the EU’s key legislative proposals slated for 2026:
- European Innovation Act (expected March 18) – streamlining public procurement for innovative firms.
- Scale‑Up Europe Fund (mid‑year launch) – supporting high‑growth start‑ups.
- European Research Area Act (September) – codifying the single‑market approach for research.
- Advanced Materials Act (Q4) – focusing on next‑generation material technologies.
- Each will generate fresh story angles for journalists covering policy, industry and academia.
Lockett’s briefing showed a proactive, well‑resourced EU research ecosystem eager to partner with journalists and amplify the societal relevance of science. By using the tools and programmes outlined by DG RTD, media professionals can deliver richer, evidence‑based stories that resonate with European audiences and reinforce the EU’s vision of a knowledge‑driven future.
