Key Takeaways

– China’s involvement in Horizon Europe is becoming more constrained, with a noticeable emphasis on environment-related and fundamental research. Although geopolitical challenges and pandemic-related disruptions persist, collaborative efforts between China and the EU continue to take place.

– The European Innovation Council (EIC) has set a challenging goal to boost the participation of the 15 Widening countries in all EIC initiatives to 15%, which is higher than the current 8% level. Widening countries are those with relatively lower performance in research and innovation compared to other EU nations.

– In a casual gathering held in Santander, EU research ministers had in-depth conversations about the forthcoming strategic plan for Horizon Europe and science diplomacy. The feedback from the meeting highlighted its productivity, with several ministers offering valuable perspectives on the future of EU research projects.

– The EU initiatives have led to a rise in the number of young researchers and innovators. However, without proper career structures and employment security, this talented pool could be drained away. Read Manuel Heitor´s opinion article in Science Business.

Horizon Europe

Ministers discuss the future of EU research and innovation programmes

According to Science Business, during an informal meeting in Santander, EU research ministers engaged in discussions regarding the upcoming strategic plan for Horizon Europe and science diplomacy. The feedback from the meeting indicated that it was a productive discussion, where several ministers provided valuable insights into the future of EU research initiatives.

Commission research chief Marc Lemaître was present in the meeting as ministers deliberated on the Commission’s proposals to introduce a new Horizon Mission focused on the New European Bauhaus, along with ten new industrial partnerships in various fields such as brain health and forestry. Read more here.

The Current Landscape of EU-China Research Collaboration

According to an analysis by Science|Business, China’s participation in Horizon Europe is experiencing more limitations, with a shift towards focusing on environment-related and fundamental research. Despite geopolitical challenges and the disruptions caused by the pandemic, collaboration between China and the EU is still ongoing.

However, there has been a change in the nature of cooperation, with sensitive areas such as sensors, databases, and internet-related projects giving way to more environment-focused initiatives like forest management and pollution studies.

Looking ahead, the European Commission’s decision to ban China-based researchers from participating in close-to-market research calls could potentially impact future Chinese involvement in the program. Know more here.

European Innovation Council aims to double participation of Widening countries

The European Innovation Council (EIC) has set an ambitious target of increasing the participation of the 15 Widening countries to 15% in all EIC initiatives, surpassing the current 8% level. Widening countries are those with comparatively weaker performance in research and innovation.

To achieve this objective, the EIC has released a series of recommendations, which include enhancing information dissemination about the EIC, providing specialized training opportunities, addressing biases, and ensuring that at least 30% of evaluators and jury members come from Widening countries.

Funded through Horizon Europe, the EIC has a budget of €10 billion and aims to offer support and funding for innovative projects.

For more details, you can read the EIC’s complete statement here.

Commission is recruiting experts for new Bauhaus mission board

The European Commission has launched a call for high-level experts to join a board for a proposed Horizon Europe mission on the New European Bauhaus.

The deadline for submitting applications is 29 August 2023.

Central European Research Infrastructure Consortium adds new facilities for fuel cells research

The Central European Research Infrastructure Consortium (CERIC) has added new labs and instruments to its open access offer for fuel cells research.

As of the next round of calls for proposals, researchers can apply for access to the Hydrogen Technology Center (HTC) facilities, located at Charles University in Prague.

More details here.

Research & Innovation

How much does China actually spend on R&D?

As noticed by Science Business, the publication of China’s science statistics by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has been suspended due to “anomalies” in the data reported by China to the organization. This decision was taken after the Paris-based OECD, which maintains a comprehensive science and technology statistics database, received China’s R&D (Research and Development) statistics for the years dating back to 2019.

According to a Chinese official, part of the blame for the errors lies with errors in reporting, and they are actively working on resolving the issues. However, EU and US statisticians have admitted to being confused by the situation.

As a result of the discrepancies and uncertainties in the reported data, the OECD has decided to halt the publication of Chinese R&D statistics until the issues can be resolved and accurate information can be provided. Read more here.

Manuel Heitor´s opinion on the state of research careers

Manuel Heitor, current director of the Technology Policy lab at the University of Lisbon’s Centre for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research and formerly Portugal’s minister for science, technology and higher education has published an opinion article on Science Business. The text focuses on the need to improve the quality of research and innovation jobs to enable young generations to address the current world challenges.

In the article, Manuel Heitor states the EU initiatives have led to a rise in the number of young researchers and innovators. However, without proper career structures and employment security, this talented pool could be drained away.

The article emphasizes the importance of collaborative research initiatives, such as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and the European Research Council but calls for more efforts to strengthen the scientific independence and inspire other programs. It also highlights the necessity of better data monitoring and reporting systems, increased investment in R&D, and the co-design of funding mechanisms to ensure the creation of high-quality research jobs. The goal is to mobilize stakeholders, including national authorities, funding agencies, and the private sector, to improve access to quality research careers and tackle challenges in the European Research Area. Read the article in Science Business.

Seasy: Advancing Sustainable Boating and Maritime Tourism in Europe

The European Commission reports that the rise in the recreational boating industry and maritime tourism in Europe has increased the need for sustainable and innovative solutions. Addressing this demand is the Austrian-based startup, Seasy.

Established in 2020, Seasy offers a platform that enables users to explore, book, and enjoy their next destination while also promoting more efficient and eco-friendly recreational boating practices.

In July 2022, Seasy received significant financial support through the EU BlueInvest Readiness Assistance Programme, securing a substantial amount in fundraising with a seven-digit figure. This achievement marked a crucial milestone in their efforts to expand their services across the waters of the European Mediterranean. Know more here.

23 NATO members become limited partners in alliance’s €1B Innovation Fund

According to Science Business, a significant milestone has been achieved as twenty-three members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have officially become limited partners in the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), amounting to €1 billion.

The NIF is hailed as the world’s first multi-sovereign venture capital fund with the primary objective of investing in start-ups and deep tech solutions to address defence and security challenges. The fund will focus on businesses located in any of the 23 partner nations, and it will also indirectly invest in deep tech funds that have a “trans-Atlantic impact.”

Launched in June 2022, the NIF is set to make its first investments later this year. The 23 limited partner nations participating in the fund include Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom.

Commission rules against setting a time limit on phasing out animal testing in research

According to Science Business, research associations feel relieved after the European Commission stated that there is no requirement for a legally binding time limit to end animal testing in research.

In recent years, citizen organizations and the European Parliament have been exerting pressure to implement binding targets to phase out animal testing in cosmetics, toxicity testing of chemicals, and scientific research.

A citizens’ initiative with 1.2 million votes triggered an official review, prompting a response from the Commission. After conducting the review, the Commission announced last week that there is no need for a legislative proposal to phase out animal testing in research, training, and education.

Instead, the Commission reaffirmed its support for the advancement of alternative approaches to animal testing, such as in vitro models using human or animal cells and tissues, engineered tissues, computer models, and human volunteer studies. This approach aims to find viable alternatives to animal testing while ensuring research outcomes’ safety and reliability. Know more here.

Study shows that biodiversity and production of wine can be optimised simultaneously

A study conducted by the European Commission suggests that viticulture (grape cultivation for winemaking) and biodiversity conservation can coexist in organic agriculture. However, these objectives can be even better achieved by combining extensive management practices and preserving natural habitats in the broader landscape.

The study highlights that food production systems should not only focus on crop production but also prioritize biodiversity protection and the maintenance of ecosystem services. These services include vital contributions that ecosystems make, such as regulating water, air, and climate, as well as supporting income through tourism. Read more here.

Eurobarometer: Majority of Europeans consider that the green transition should go faster

According to the latest Eurobarometer survey published by the European Commission, an overwhelming majority of Europeans (93%) consider climate change a significant and serious problem facing the world. With the recent energy price spikes and concerns about gas supplies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, more than half of the respondents (58%) believe the transition to a green economy should be accelerated.

From an economic standpoint, a significant 73% of Europeans agree that the cost of damage caused by climate change far exceeds the investment required for a green transition. Moreover, three-quarters of the respondents (75%) agree that taking action on climate change will drive innovation.

These findings indicate a strong consensus among Europeans about the urgency of addressing climate change, acknowledging its potential economic benefits, and the importance of accelerating the transition towards a sustainable, green economy.

News from INESC institutes

Ecovale: Energy Efficiency Workshops Kick Off in Barcelos and Vila Nova de Famalicão

The first workshops of the Ecovale project addressed questions like, “Is the refrigerator really the most energy-consuming appliance at home?” and “Is my home prepared for temperature differences in winter and summer?” The workshops, attended by numerous residents from Barcelos and Vila Nova de Famalicão, covered various topics related to energy efficiency and ways to monitor domestic energy consumption.

The Ecovale project aims to conduct several awareness and information campaigns until August 2024, targeting residential consumers. These campaigns will focus on promoting best practices for electricity consumption and the efficient use of appliances through workshops and other initiatives. The project aims to engage and educate the general population of the two municipalities on energy-saving practices.

Pedro Carvalho writes on energy transition for Jornal i

Pedro Carvalho, a Sustainable Power Systems researcher at INESC-ID and Full Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, has authored an article in Jornal i advocating for further discussions on energy transition.

Published online on August 1, 2023, under the title “Energy Transition is Electric,” the piece delves into the challenges posed by the ageing electrical grid and its implications for future power delivery demands, electric mobility, and the ongoing necessity for renewable energy production. Pedro Carvalho emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues to pave the way for a sustainable energy future. Read more.

Job Opportunities

– INESC TEC has 77 vacancies in different work areas, such as Mobile Robotics, Computer Science, and more. Find more at INESCTEC website and via LinkedIn

– INESC MN is hiring a Clean Room Process Engineer. More info

– INOV is hiring a Analyst/Programmer and a Facilities Manager. More info

Events & Training workshops

SEPTEMBER

– 2nd Science|Business Sector Day: Green Deal & Climate – The road to net-zero industry. 18-19 September 2023, 14:00 – 12:30 CET, Brussels. Members only. More info

-Horizon Europe – Cluster 6: “Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment”. 27-28 September 2023. More info.

– 2023 European Researchers Night, 29 September 2023. The event will take place in 26 countries and will be online.

OCTOBER

– Horizon Implementation Day: Finding opportunities and submitting a proposal in Horizon Europe. 5 October 2023, 8:30 CET. Register here.

– European Week of Regions and Cities 2023. 9 – 12 October 2023, 09:00 – 18:00 CET, Brussels. More info.

– The Widening: Founding Group Meeting. 10 October 2023 (TBC), 10:00 – 13:00 CET, Brussels. Members only. More info

– EARTO Policy Event and Innovation Awards Ceremony, 11 October 2023 at 13.30-16.15 (CET), Brussels. Register here.

– Making waves: Is international R&I bringing a true blue economy within reach? 12 October 2023, 14:00 – 16:45 CET, Brussels. Members only. More info

– Horizon Implementation Day: Grant Agreement Preparation in Horizon Europe. 17 October 2023. 8:30 CET. Register here.

– Horizon Europe Cluster 2 – Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society Info Day. 18 October 2023. 8:30 CET, Brussels. More info.

– ETSI Security Conference, from 16 to 19 October 2023, in ETSI, Sophia Antipolis, France. More info.

– Horizon Europe – Cluster 1: Culture, Creativity & Inclusive Society. Info Day. 18 October 2023. More info

NOVEMBER

– 3rd Science|Business Sector Day: Health & Life Sciences – Future-proofing medicines. 13-14 November 2023. 14:00 – 12:30 CET, Brussels. By invitation only. More info

– Enterprise Europe Network Annual Conference 2023, 15 November 2023, 09:00 CET – 17 November 2023, 18:00 CET, Barakaldo, Spain. More info.

– Horizon Europe: FP10 and Preparing for the 2024 Annual Conference. 28 November 2023. 15:00 – 17:00 CET. Online. Members only. More info

DECEMBER

– The Widening: 2023 Annual Conference. 06 December 2023 (TBC). 13:30 – 17:30 CET. Place TBA. Public event. More info

2024

– Annual Network Conference. 06 February 2024. 09:00-17:30 CET. Brussels. Public event. More info

– 8th World Conference on Research Integrity, 2-5 June 2024, at Megaron Athens International Conference Centre (MAICC), Athens. Travel Grant applications open on 26 June 2023. More info

– Behave 2023, the 7th European Conference on Behaviour and Energy Efficiency by the European Energy Network (EnR). 28-29 November. The event will take place in Maastricht, the Netherlands. The theme of this year’s conference will be ‘Scaling-up Behaviour Change in the light of the energy and climate crises. More info.