EFRAG says it believes that accounting research activities will have an increasingly significant role in the coming years, reflecting a growing consensus that financial reporting should be based on a firm foundation of evidence.

In response, it plans to deepen its collaboration with the academic community by setting up an academic panel to support EFRAG’s technical expert group (TEG).

The panel’s role will be to contribute to the debate on current relevant topics by assisting in the definition of a clear scope for EFRAG research projects; making suggestions on the appropriate methodology; and providing input to EFRAG TEG discussions on the perceived issues and possible solutions.

EFRAG says it may, on occasion, issue calls for literature reviews or outsource parts of its research projects. The academic panel members will be asked to review the public calls, including the research question, where appropriate provide their input on the applications received and be involved in reviewing the resulting papers.

The panel, which is expected to have 10 – 15 members, will meet in person twice a year, with the possibility to have more meetings via conference calls and email exchange. One meeting is place in Brussels and the other in conjunction with a major academic event in Europe.

EFRAG is inviting nominations to the panel from the candidates themselves or by organisations on their behalf. Members should be academics specialising in accounting and financial reporting, notably in IFRS issues and knowledgeable in European specificities. The selection of members will reflect a geographical balance.

Anyone interested in becoming a member should contact: [email protected] by 1 March 2017.