Luxembourg's National Research Foundation is decapitated
Ousa Chea, Unsplash
The process of selecting a new head of the fund has been postponed until the third quarter of 2025. This is due to the development of a new legislative framework for FNR, which should be presented in the first half of 2025. The time delay allows the profile of the position to be harmonised with the requirements of the new fund strategy.
The appointment procedure involves several steps:
- Formation of a committee consisting of FNR board members and two international experts.
- Candidate filing (lasts three weeks).
- Pre-selection, shortlisting, and recommendation to the FNR Board of Directors.
The position is now temporarily filled by an acting secretary general and the focus is on coordination between the FNR, the University of Luxembourg and research centres.
During the drafting of the law, key participants emphasised that FNR should:
- To promote scientific progress at the national level.
- Be flexible in adapting programmes.
- Conduct regular consultations with the research community.
- To be provided with stable funding.
The Research Foundation is in no hurry to choose a leader. It should be assumed that the expected legislation will be aimed at increasing the transparency and accountability of the organisation. The new chief executive will have to take on the important responsibility of not only making the fund operational but also setting up all processes in line with new government rules and standards.
