This report assesses the scientific excellence of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) for the period 2020–2024, based on bibliometric and citation analyses, alongside evaluations of scientific collaboration, engagement in EU research and innovation framework programmes, impact on policymaking, and institutional support frameworks. While the JRC publication output experienced a modest decline compared to earlier years, as well as over the course of the five years, its research maintained global influence, with a substantial proportion of its work ranking among the most highly cited publications worldwide. A strong culture of collaboration remains a defining feature of the JRC approach, with the vast majority of its publications co-authored with external partners, including many beyond the European Research Area, reinforcing its global research networks. Beyond academic impact, the JRC work plays a critical role in shaping EU policy, as evidenced by its frequent citation in EU policy documents, underscoring its unique position at the science–policy interface. The report also highlights the JRC’s leadership in open science, with nearly all of its research now freely accessible, aligning with broader European efforts to widen access to knowledge. By comparing findings with earlier assessments, the report offers insights into long-term trends in scientific excellence’s indicators, while identifying key considerations for future excellence reviews, ensuring the JRC remains at the forefront of science for policy.

BELLO Michela;  BIAGI Federico;  BOSETTI Cristina;  HRISTOVA Mayya;  JONKERS Koen;  LEHTO Sari;  MONFORTI-FERRARIO Fabio;  PARRACHO Ana Isabel;  STIERNA Johan; 

2026-05-11

Publications Office of the European Union

JRC146317

978-92-68-39471-7 (online),   

1831-9424 (online),   

EUR 40707,    OP KJ-01-26-187-EN-N (online),   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC146317,   

10.2760/4230973 (online),