Key Takeaways

– The upcoming Horizon Europe event on June 29 will serve as an invaluable platform for stakeholders to actively engage and shape the future of European research and innovation, driving impactful advancements across diverse scientific and technological domains. Participating in this event will offer a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations, fostering collaborative efforts that will drive transformative progress in research and innovation, while paving the way for a brighter future of European scientific excellence.

– The European Commission wants the EU to spend a total €13.6 billion on research and innovation next year, with €12.8 billion going to Horizon Europe. That is €400M more for the research programme than 2023, but in the face of rampant inflation the European Parliament doesn’t see this as a major increase.

–  The use of artificial intelligence in the EU will be regulated by the AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive AI law. As part of its digital strategy, the EU wants to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure better conditions for the development and use of this innovative technology.

– The European Association of Research and Technology Organizations (EARTO) has expressed deep apprehension regarding recent modifications made to the European Commission’s Who’s Who directory. In an open letter addressed to the Secretariat-General of the European Commission, EARTO voices concerns over the removal of contacts below the Head of Unit level, as well as the absence of crucial information regarding functions, staff numbers, and topics.

– INESC TEC has taken a significant step towards tackling privacy concerns in the next generation of wireless networks by participating in a European project. As the advent of 6G networks looms on the horizon, ensuring robust privacy protection becomes paramount. INESC TEC’s involvement in this initiative highlights its dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements while prioritizing the security and privacy of users.

Horizon Europe

Next MSCA and Citizens call opening soon: 6 steps to prepare your application

The 2023 MSCA and Citizens call to organise the European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools activities in 2024 and 2025 will open on 20 June. The deadline to apply is 25 October 2023.

If you are considering applying for MSCA and Citizens, here are some useful tips and guidance to start preparing your proposal. Consult the step to step application manual here.

The European Commission opens call to pilot European fellowship scheme for researchers at risk

The European Commission has made an encouraging move towards supporting researchers facing precarious situations with the launch of a new call for the European Fellowship Scheme. This pilot initiative aims to provide a safe haven for researchers at risk, offering them the opportunity to continue their work and contribute to scientific progress within the European Union.

The Fellowship Scheme, a part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, will offer researchers facing persecution, censorship, or restrictions on their academic freedom a chance to find refuge in European institutions. By providing financial support and a supportive research environment, the European Commission hopes to foster an inclusive research community that values diversity, human rights, and academic excellence. With this call, the Commission reinforces its commitment to protecting and nurturing the talents of researchers worldwide, while advancing scientific breakthroughs through collaboration and knowledge exchange. More info.

Commission puts forward €13.6B research budget for 2024, with €12.8B for Horizon Europe

The European Commission wants the EU to spend a total €13.6 billion on research and innovation next year, with €12.8 billion going to Horizon Europe. That is €400M more for the research programme than 2023, but in the face of rampant inflation the European Parliament doesn’t see this as a major increase.

Under the Commission’s proposal for the 2024 EU budget, in addition to €12.8 billion for Horizon Europe, a further €800 million for research would come from other programmes, such as €281 million for the Euratom nuclear research programme.

The largest chunk of the Horizon Europe money, €6.4 billion, will go to collaborative projects under pillar II. Funding for fundamental research amounts to €3.4 billion, of which €2.1 billion is to be distributed through European Research Council grants. The innovation pillar gets €1.66 billion, including €1.1 billion for the European Innovation Council. Read more on Science Business.

UK forced to extend Horizon Europe safety net by another three months

The UK government has extended its scheme supporting Horizon Europe applicants by three more months until the end of September, suggesting that an agreement between Brussels and London over association to the €95.5 billion research programme programme is not imminent.

Talks are dragging on, and the government evidently is not optimistic about agreeing association this side of the summer recess. The UK and the EU continue to be locked in negotiations over how much the UK pays into Horizon Europe’s during its final three-and-a-half years. Read more here.

Research & Innovation

Developing and strengthening Europe’s bioeconomy

John Bell, Director of Healthy Planet, DG Research & Innovation at the European Commission, discusses the strategies and initiatives in place to strengthen Europe’s bioeconomy.

He considers that “the circularity is at the core of Europe’s bioeconomy policy and of the concept of bioeconomy itself. This way, it will drive the renewal of our industries, where bio-based processes and products are circular-by-design and encourage responsible consumption, the modernisation of our primary production systems, the protection of the environment, and will enhance biodiversity”. Find more about the interview here.

Algae is a low-carbon source of protein but the EU is lagging in production

Aquaculture supplies only 20% of the European Union’s seafood consumption, much lower than the global average of 50%, which the European Commission and players in the industry hope to turn around.

“We need to look for success stories of alternative economic uses of the sea that we can expand and share in European coastal areas and create new resilience jobs”, Virginijus Sinkevičius, the European Commissioner for the Environment, recently told Euronews.

Launch of the European Blue Forum to shape the future of our ocean and marine resources

On 26 May 2023, the European Commission launched the European Blue Forum to foster dialogue among all sea users, including offshore operators, stakeholders and scientists engaged in fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, tourism, renewable energy and other activities at sea.

The objective of the European Blue Forum is to develop synergies between maritime activities and reconcile the various uses of the sea.

Participants explored the future of our European seas by 2030, considering economic, energy and environmental objectives. In this panel, speakers from different backgrounds agreed that changes are coming fast and need to be understood, managed and accompanied. Read more about the panel discussion here.

EU AI act: first regulation on artificial intelligence

 The use of artificial intelligence in the EU will be regulated by the AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive AI law. As part of its digital strategy, the EU wants to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure better conditions for the development and use of this innovative technology.

The new rules establish obligations for providers and users depending on the level of risk from artificial intelligence. While many AI systems pose minimal risk, they need to be assessed. Find out here how it will protect you.

COST announces 70 new Actions are now open for applications

The 70 newly approved CA22 COST Actions are now available on the European Cooperation on Science and Technology (COST) website by browsing the dedicated COST Action section.

These new research networks cover topics as far and wide as image-based AI for insect monitoring, recovery of mining districts, sustainable aquaculture of eels, and maternal perinatal stress. Have you seen a new network that is of interest? Apply here to join one of its Working Groups or even become a Management Committee (MC) member.

“Public Administration and Governance in the EU”: the most recent overview on evidence-informed policymaking (EIPM)

For followers of Science for Policy, DG REFORM has released a new edition of their “Public Administration and Governance in the EU” newsletter, focusing on the topic of evidence-informed policymaking (EIPM).

Within its pages, this issue presents a range of interesting insights regarding the recent advancements in EIPM both at the EU level and within the Member States. It features interviews with key figures such as JRC Director-General Stephen Quest and the Commission’s Deputy Secretary General Pascal Leardini, discussing the connection between foresight and EIPM.

This newsletter serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the intersection of scientific research and policymaking.

ESFRI ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT OF RIs – Policy Brief

The impact assessment is an important part of the policy-making process, as it helps in evaluating the potential effects of proposed policies on various stakeholders and making informed decisions about whether to adopt, modify, or reject a proposed policy. It also helps them communicate the benefits of public investment on society. For these reasons, its importance has grown over recent years, and the domain of Research Infrastructure (RI) policy is no exception. Acknowledging the relevance of impact assessment, the ESFRI Strategy working group has organised two conferences on this topic.

Recently, Competitiveness Council have asked “ESFRI to look into the approaches by Member States, the Commission, international organisations and RIs to assess scientific, societal and economic impacts of investments in RIs, identify good practices, develop a monitoring framework, test it and elaborate recommendations to national and regional RI stakeholders by the end of 2023”. ESFRI has responded to this request by setting up a drafting group2 tasked with preparing the report based on information collected from literature and questionnaires to the ESFRI member countries and RIs.

Check the policy brief draft here.

Europe’s Unitary Patent: one step forward, two steps back?
The Unitary Patent brings simplicity and ease to the realm of patent protection. Instead of filing separate patent applications in multiple EU member states, inventors can now obtain a single patent valid across participating countries. This unified approach reduces administrative burdens and legal complexities, saving time and resources for innovators.

However, multiple R&I stakeholders expressed significant concern regarding the measures that came into effect on June 1 for Europe’s Unitary Patent. EARTO – European Association of Research and Technology Organisations, for example, highlights concern about proportionality, emphasizing that the proposed Regulation exceeds the necessity for the current high-tech market. Furthermore, they argue that the Regulation could disrupt global technology transfer processes, which have evolved over the years as a balanced system benefiting both innovators and technology implementers and raises concerns about the potential increase in costs for intellectual property (IP) owners participating in technical standardization processes and SEP licensing.

Among others, these concerns highlight the importance of carefully addressing the various facets of a highly needed regulation that requires ensuring a balanced and effective Unitary Patent system. Read more about the UPS and EARTO´s position.

EARTO Raises Concerns Over European Commission’s Transparency in Who’s Who Directory

The European Association of Research and Technology Organizations (EARTO) has expressed deep apprehension regarding recent modifications made to the European Commission’s Who’s Who directory. In an open letter addressed to the Secretariat-General of the European Commission, EARTO voices concerns over the removal of contacts below the Head of Unit level, as well as the absence of crucial information regarding functions, staff numbers, and topics. The research and innovation community in Brussels, closely collaborating with the European Commission to bridge the gap between European funding and Member States, perceives this new approach as detrimental to their work.

EARTO emphasizes the critical role played by the research, development, and innovation (RD&I) community in Brussels, as they communicate, explain, train, and guide both public and private sectors through the intricacies of the European funding landscape. The ability to directly contact Policy & Project Officers and Head of Sectors has been instrumental in promoting European programs and policies. Access to information and transparency has been a valuable asset for both sides, aiding in understanding how EU funding programs are managed and enabling stakeholder involvement and co-creation as envisaged in programs like Horizon Europe.

The open letter underscores the importance of personal dialogue between the European Commission and external actors, highlighting the necessity for transparency and a proper “who’s who” tool. EARTO stresses that anonymous functional mailboxes and online resources cannot replace direct engagement, particularly for smaller organizations seeking to access and collaborate with the Commission. As a key EU actor, EARTO seeks continued dialogue with the European Commission at all levels to support their policies, foster impactful initiatives, and ensure efficient implementation of EU funding programs. Consult the full statement here.

CNRS: The G6 is preparing the future of European research

Following a symposium in April, the presidents of the G6, including the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) Chairman and CEO, are presenting today their joint recommendations for the next European Union Framework Programme on Research and Innovation.

Making research a top priority for the European Union, and reflecting this ambition in a strong budget for frontier basic research and targeted research—that is the first of seven recommendations made by the G6 to the European Commission regarding the next European Union Framework Programme on Research and Innovation “FP10,” which will succeed the Horizon Europe Framework Programme in 2028.

The G6 is an influence network consisting of the primary European multidisciplinary research organisations. As stated by the presidents of the group members, “the end date of the next Framework Programme may seem far, but experience has shown that it is never too early to begin conveying a few important messages,” assures Alain Mermet, the Director of the CNRS Branch Office in Brussels. Read more on Science Business.

Vinnova partners with Swedish companies to fund digitalisation projects

In the spring of 2023, the government commissioned Vinnova to increase efforts within the research and innovation program Advanced digitalisation. Up to and including 2027, Vinnova will invest at least SEK 2.3 billion in project that contribute to developing powerful digital solutions in Sweden that give Swedish industry a leading role in the world.

The funding in the granted projects must be matched by the business community with at least equivalent sums. This means that the program, which is a partnership between Vinnova, Teknikföretagen, ABB, Ericsson and Saab, will become one of Sweden’s largest innovation programs.

Starting in June 2023, a series of exciting calls for proposals are offered in everything from advanced artificial intelligence to deeptech and gender equality in industry. The investments in 2023 will have a total budget of SEK 1.4 billion, of which almost half is financed by Vinnova. More info.

New Network “RIMA” Unites Research and Innovation with Cohesion Policy Actors

In a significant stride towards enhanced collaboration and synergy, a new network named “RIMA” has been established, bringing together key actors from the realms of research and innovation with those involved in cohesion policy. Launched by the European Commission, this network aims to bridge the gap between these critical domains and foster a more integrated approach towards advancing research and innovation across Europe.

RIMA, which stands for “Research and Innovation for Maximising Impact in the Regions through Cohesion Policy Alignment,” seeks to leverage the potential of cohesion policy to drive research and innovation initiatives at regional and national levels. By connecting stakeholders from these diverse spheres, the network aims to streamline efforts, share best practices, and facilitate knowledge transfer, ultimately maximizing the impact of research and innovation in Europe’s regions. With RIMA, the European Commission underscores its commitment to promoting a cohesive and synergistic approach that harnesses the power of research and innovation to address societal challenges and drive economic growth across the continent. More info.

ENISA Publishes Good Practices for Supply Chain Cybersecurity

In a bid to enhance cybersecurity resilience, the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has released a comprehensive publication titled “Good Practices for Supply Chain Cybersecurity.” This valuable resource aims to equip organizations with practical guidelines and insights to strengthen their defenses against cyber threats originating from the supply chain.

The publication provides a wealth of recommended practices for organizations to bolster their supply chain cybersecurity posture. It covers various aspects, including risk assessment, vendor management, secure procurement processes, incident response, and continuous monitoring. By adopting these good practices, businesses can proactively identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities and supply chain risks, fortifying their resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats. ENISA’s publication serves as a timely reminder of the critical role supply chain security plays in maintaining a robust cybersecurity framework and offers invaluable guidance to organizations seeking to bolster their defences. Consult the full report here.

News from INESC institutes                      

INESC TEC Launches Summer Internships to Bridge the Gap between Students and Research

In a bid to foster closer ties between students and the world of research, INESC TEC has unveiled its Summer Internships program. The initiative aims to provide students with valuable hands-on experience in a research environment, allowing them to actively contribute to ongoing projects and gain insights into cutting-edge advancements. The program, designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, offers an excellent opportunity for young talents to immerse themselves in the world of scientific exploration and innovation.

Under the Summer Internships program, selected students will have the chance to work alongside seasoned researchers and professionals in their respective fields of interest. By participating in real-world research activities, students can further develop their skills, expand their knowledge, and gain practical experience in areas such as robotics, energy, information and communication technologies, among others. Through this immersive learning experience, INESC TEC aims to nurture and inspire the next generation of researchers, paving the way for their future contributions to the scientific community.

The launch of the Summer Internships program showcases INESC TEC’s commitment to fostering talent and encouraging the exploration of new horizons in research. By actively engaging students and providing them with opportunities to actively participate in ongoing projects, INESC TEC is nurturing a culture of curiosity and innovation. Through this initiative, the institute hopes to not only shape the future of research but also empower students by equipping them with the practical skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in academia or industry.

INESC TEC Joins European Project to Address Privacy Challenges in 6G Networks

INESC TEC has taken a significant step towards tackling privacy concerns in the next generation of wireless networks by participating in a European project. As the advent of 6G networks looms on the horizon, ensuring robust privacy protection becomes paramount. INESC TEC’s involvement in this initiative highlights its dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements while prioritizing the security and privacy of users.

The project aims to tackle the potential privacy challenges posed by the upcoming 6G networks, which are expected to offer unprecedented data speeds and connectivity. INESC TEC’s researchers will collaborate with experts from other European institutions to develop innovative solutions and frameworks that enhance privacy in these advanced networks. By addressing this critical aspect, the project seeks to establish a solid foundation for the future deployment of 6G networks that respects and safeguards users’ privacy rights.

INESC TEC’s active participation in this European project further underscores its reputation as a leading research institute dedicated to addressing emerging technological challenges. By leveraging its expertise and collaborating with partners, the institute aims to drive advancements in privacy protection within the realm of 6G networks. This endeavour reinforces INESC TEC’s commitment to creating a secure and trustworthy technological landscape, ultimately benefiting individuals and businesses alike as they embrace the opportunities offered by the forthcoming 6G era. More info.

INESC TEC Crafts Strategic and Technological Plan for Advanced Production Systems in the Douro e Vouga Region

INESC TEC has embarked on an ambitious endeavor to bolster the advanced production systems sector in the Douro e Vouga region. Recognizing the potential for growth and innovation in this area, the institute has developed a comprehensive strategic and technological plan aimed at fostering development, collaboration, and technological advancements in the region’s industrial landscape.

The plan, meticulously crafted by INESC TEC’s experts, encompasses a multifaceted approach that includes fostering collaboration between industry and academia, promoting research and development initiatives, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies. By facilitating knowledge transfer and encouraging the adoption of advanced production systems, INESC TEC aims to enhance the region’s industrial competitiveness and stimulate economic growth.

Central to this strategic plan is the establishment of innovation hubs and the provision of specialized training and support to local companies. These initiatives will enable businesses to embrace technological advancements, optimize production processes, and enhance their overall competitiveness on both national and international fronts. INESC TEC’s commitment to this undertaking solidifies its position as a catalyst for regional development and showcases its dedication to empowering local industries in the Douro e Vouga region.

Job Opportunities

• • PhD Researcher in Intelligent Production Systems.
  • PhD Researcher in Optimization and Control of Systems.
  • PhD Researcher in Planning and Operations Optimization.
  • PhD Researcher in Operations Research.
  • Software Engineer. Consult all the previous opportunities
  • Researcher – Smart Grids and Energy Systems Integration
  • Researcher – Power Electronics and Energy Conversion Systems
  • Researcher – Renewable Energy Forecasting
  • Researcher – Energy Storage Systems
  • Researcher – Energy Efficiency and Demand Response. Consult the previous offers here.

Events & Training workshops

• Minerals supply chain due diligence for SMEs: a free training session, 21 June 2023, 15:00 CEST. Register here.
• Research Fund for Coal and Steel: Info Day annual calls 2023, 13 June 2023, 09:00 CEST – 13 June 2023, 18:00 CEST.
• Horizon Europe – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks 2023, 14 June 2023, 09:30-17h CEST. Register here.
• Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP 2.0) seminar – Open Science for higher quality, more efficient and impactful research. 15 June 2023, from 09:30 to 13:00, physically at the CoR, Brussels. See the agenda here.
• International IP Enforcement Summit 2023, 14 June 2023, 08:00 EEST – 15 June 2023, 11:30 EEST, Sofia, Bulgaria.
• Digital Assembly 2023: A Digital, Open and Secure Europe, June 15-16 2023.
• European Sustainable Energy Week 2023, 20 June 2023, 10:00 CEST, Brussels Belgium. Register here.
• Synergies across the EU funding programmes managed by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA), 20 June 2023,09:30-13:00, Rome, Italy. Organised by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) in collaboration with the networks of Horizon Europe National Contact Points for Cluster 1 and 4. Register here.
• Brain Capital Innovation Summit: Leading Investors in Brain Health, June 26-28, California. Register
• Public event on the progress of Horizon Europe: stakeholders’ contribution to the midterm evaluation, 29 june, 10:00-13:00. Register here.
• 2023 European Researchers Night, 29 september. Find more here.