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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The European Commission has published its work programme for 2026, which includes plans for a European Research Area Act in the third quarter of the year aiming to cement knowledge and innovation as the fifth freedom of the single market.
It is one of three major research files set to be presented next year, alongside a European Biotech Act and a Quantum Act, which are both intended to strengthen Europe’s position in strategic technologies.
The Commission is also planning a revision to the EU Chips Act and a new Cloud and AI Development Act for the first quarter of 2026.
Also in the first quarter, there should be proposals for an Innovation Act and a 28th company regime, although start-up associations are worried that the legal bases cited in the work programme mean the latter will take the form of a directive rather than a regulation.
Europe should focus its support for quantum technologies on the most promising national champions to bundle investments and attract private capital, according to a new paper from Berlin-based think tank the Innovate Europe Foundation.
“The current fragmented system, with its emphasis on geographical proportionality rather than excellence, lacks the focus on funding required to scale,” the report warns.
It also urges European governments to act as anchor customers and to embed quantum computing in defence budgets.
The European Commission has launched a call for evidence and a public consultation on the upcoming Advanced Materials Act.
“The Act will support the research and innovation process, from design and development to manufacturing and deployment, while at the same time addressing key issues, such as the lengthy time from the design until deployment and commercialisation, and the expansion of production capacities of advanced materials in the EU,” the Commission said in a statement.
The call for evidence and public consultation will be open until 13 January 2026, and the Advanced Materials Act is expected to be proposed later that year.
More details here.
The European Commission has launched COMPASS-AI, an initiative that aims to boost the use of artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector under its Apply AI strategy, particularly in cancer care and healthcare in remote areas.
“AI has the potential to transform healthcare by advancing precision medicine through enhancing prevention, speeding up clinical trials, improving diagnostic accuracy, optimising treatment decision-making and by streamlining workflows,” said Olivér Várhelyi, EU commissioner for health and animal welfare.
More details here.
The European Innovation Council has received 923 applications for the last Accelerator cut-off of the year, which closed on October 1, for a budget of nearly €7 billion.
According to the EIC, the applicants came from 32 different countries – including 12 Widening nations, led by Germany, Spain, and France. Meanwhile, 74% of applicants requested blended finance, namely a combination of grants with equity investments.
The final funding decisions are expected by the end of February 2026.
More details here.
The European Commission is collecting feedback from stakeholders on the EU Missions as part of their assessment due next year.
The survey will close on October 25.
More details here.
The European Commission’s upcoming Affordable Housing Plan must address housing shortages and increasing rents which impact the learning conditions, mobility and collaboration for students, early-career researchers and university staff, the European University Association (EUA) says.
“The challenge of finding affordable accommodation abroad and risk of losing their home accommodation impede and discourage students from studying abroad. Students are also exposed to a range of malpractice, such as overpricing and fraud, while Erasmus+ grants and allowances often fall short of covering basic housing expenses,” the EUA says.
More details here.
The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and the Polish Łukasiewicz Research Network have signed a five-year memorandum of understanding for the launch of a partnership aimed to strengthen scientific cooperation in key areas ranging from the energy transition to sustainable chemistry to digitalisation.
“This new memorandum of understanding will deepen Poland's contribution to European research and innovation while helping translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions for citizens and businesses,” the Commission said in a statement.
More details here.
The European research Council (ERC) has seen the number of applications to its Starting Grants 2026 call increase by 22.4% year-on year to 4,807, with a record share of submissions from women since 2007, at 43%.
According to the ERC, the highest number of applications came from physical sciences and engineering, with 1,980 submissions, followed by social sciences and humanities with 1,568 submissions, and life science with 1,257 submissions.
More details here.
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has launched new education and skills initiatives as part of efforts to close Europe’s skills gap.
The EIT STEM Tech Talent Induction aims to train and certify at least one million people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and deep tech by 2028.
Meanwhile, a new Girls Go STEM programme hopes to train 100,000 schoolgirls under the EU objective of reaching one million women and girls in STEM education by 2028.
“There is no innovation without education,” Martin Kern, director of the EIT, said in a statement. “By investing in STEM education, deep tech talent, and higher education capacity, we are ensuring that Europe remains competitive, resilient, and able to lead in the technologies and industries of the future.”
More details here.
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