Getting More Revenue from Research

Magdeburg (Germany), September 29, 2026. The demand for research to drive economic value is not just an issue in Germany; it is a recurring call across Europe as well. Yet, the leap from the laboratory to the marketplace remains all too rare. What changes are needed in funding mechanisms and academic structures to facilitate this transfer? Around 70 researchers from across Europe—including DZNE scientist Thomas Wolbers—have published proposals in the journal Science. They are advocating adjustments to EU innovation policy in the context of the Horizon Europe framework program.

The authors call for closer alignment between funding programmes to provide continuous support for promising ideas, from initial proof of concept to market entry. They also advocate directing more funding towards early-stage innovation and reducing administrative hurdles in grant applications. Universities and research institutions should facilitate this process through clear rules, professional advice and recognition of entrepreneurial activities in academic career progression.

“Europe produces world-class research, yet too much potential is lost in the journey from scientific discovery to practical application. We need continuous funding and institutions that support spin-offs more effectively and recognise them as an academic achievement. Science itself can also benefit: studies show that entrepreneurial activity and productive research can go hand in hand and open up new research directions. Those who bring scientific findings into practice should receive recognition for it in their academic careers,” says Wolbers.

Prof. Thomas Wolbers is a research group leader at DZNE’s Magdeburg site and founder of neomento GmbH, a startup that develops virtual reality systems for the treatment of anxiety, panic and addiction disorders.

Original publication
Policy Forum: Enhancing Europe’s competitiveness by empowering researchers as innovators.
Science (2026).
DOI: 10.1126/science.ady2388