This live blog is tracking the latest developments in European research and innovation programmes, including the broader debate on the future of R&D policy and funding in the next multiannual budget due to start in 2028. Beyond that, we look at other EU policies with significant research and innovation components in climate, digital, agriculture and regional development. In addition, national governments often come up with new R&D policies, decide to fund new research avenues, and set up international cooperation deals. This blog aims to keep you informed on all of that and more.
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You can read the full archive of this blog here.
Universities should play a pivotal role in the upcoming Innovation Act, according to a statement by the European University Association (EUA). The process and the outcomes of innovation are “equally important,” the EUA said.
“The European Innovation Act is an opportunity to recognise that research and innovation is a spectrum drawing upon the many and diverse contributions of universities to basic and applied research, all the way to commercialisation,” said Vinciane Gaillard, EUA director for research and innovation.
More details here.
The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) is looking for experts in climate, energy and transport to become evaluators of research project proposals that apply for EU funding.
Evaluators can come from the industry and business associations, non-governmental organisations, local, regional and national administrations and universities, among others.
More details here.
Maria Leptin has been appointed by the European Commission as president of the European Research Council (ERC) for another two years, after she already spent four in this role.
“This reappointment is excellent news and ensures continuity at a critical moment ahead of the next EU framework programme for R&I,” ERC Vice-Presidents Gerd Gigerenzer, Eystein Jansen and Jesper Q. Svejstrup said in a statement. “[Maria Leptin] has our full trust to continue the ERC mission for science and for Europe.”
More details here.
The Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, which aims towards a climate-neutral, sustainable and competitive blue economy under Horizon Europe, is looking for experts to conduct the scientific evaluations of the pre-proposals submitted under the third joint transnational co-funded call.
The call encompasses five priority areas, including climate-smart planning, blue bioresources and resilient coastal communities and businesses.
More details here.
The European Commission has announced a new €22.5 million call for foreign researchers looking to relocate to the EU as part of its “Choose Europe” plan for attracting scholars from all over the world.
The grants are will be allocated through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Organisations applying for funding through ‘Choose Europe for Science’ will not only host postdoctoral researchers, but also offer them longer term professional perspectives.
The programme supports at least three postdoctoral researchers per project for up to five years, with the MSCA providing funding for the initial two or three years, and host institutions continuing employment for the remaining two years.
You can find more information on deadlines and application procedures at this this link.
The European Commission and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) have adopted a new agenda for cooperation in research and innovation, setting shared priorities and governance to guide collaboration.
“Both sides of the Atlantic are facing similar challenges in climate, health and digital technologies,” EU research Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva said. “With the details and the clear roadmap agreed today, we will support our scientists and researchers and turn this partnership into concrete results for our people and economies.”
Working groups on health, climate change, environmental sustainability and energy transition, and artificial intelligence are now expected to prepare 18-month action plans. These are open to voluntary participation from EU and CELAC countries.
More details here.
European Technology Platform Photonics21 is urging the European Commission to launch a standalone programme dedicated to photonics, with a ringfenced budget of at least €2 billion under the EU’s next long-term budget.
This budget would in turn leverage between €6 and €8 billion in industrial co-investment in photonics research and innovation in Europe.
“Photonics is vital to 20% of the EU economy, and drives innovation in manufacturing, defence, healthcare, and energy,” the platform says. “Yet, Europe risks losing its edge to China and the United States, where billions are invested annually. With over 50% of EU photonics firms reliant on Chinese components, this standalone programme is critical to secure supply chains, scale manufacturing, and ensure technological sovereignty.”
More details here.
Basic research is “heading for disaster” and the EU needs to reconsider the budget for the next Framework Programme and the European Competitiveness Fund, a new paper by the League of European Research Universities (LERU) says.
According to LERU, under FP10, basic science is likely to get a budget of just €31.5 billion through the European Research Council, plus minor contributions from the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe. The research lobby also fears that the structure and budget of the Competitiveness Fund will not help the EU prepare for long-term challenges and disruptions, “all of which require sustained investment in fundamental research.”
“A €175 billion EU R&I budget sounded ambitious over the summer – assuming that additional ECF funding would follow,” LERU says. “If the ECF cannot legally fund R&I – and especially basic research – transferring part of its budget to FP10 should be a no-brainer.”
More details here.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) has received a record 611 proposals from 40 countries for its Transition calls that closed in September 17, led by participants in Italy, Germany, Spain and France.
According to the European Commission, more than half of the applicants came from the private sector, followed by universities at 27% and research organisations at 17%.
The estimated budget stands at €98 million.
More details here.
The European Commission has launched a call for evidence and a public consultation to gather feedback on the upcoming European Innovation Act, which aims to facilitate the commercialisation of innovations.
Stakeholders can submit position papers until October 3.
More details here.
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