Dear readers, apologies on our late launch of this week´s Morning Brief, which was caused due to the big INESC gathering: the Winter Meeting – updates coming in the next week. This week, we dig into the European Commission´s call on universities and funders to enhance research security amid concerns about the potential leakage of critical technologies and knowledge to geopolitical rivals. The EU´s executive body also wants to provide startups in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector with access to supercomputers, and, finally, MEPs are urging the Commission to propose a legally binding measure that establishes a framework, serving as an initial step for the formulation of legal minimum standards for scientific research freedom.
Highlights
📢 EARTO, Science Europe and EUA – research lobby organizations – are jointly urging the European Union to earmark a budget of €200 billion for the upcoming 10th Framework Programme for research and innovation, calling the EC to stop reallocating funds. Read the full letter here.
📋 The European Commission has introduced a policy platform dedicated to the European Research Area (ERA), offering a comprehensive overview of ERA policies and milestones. Check it here.
Key Takeaways
– The European Commission is urging universities and funders to enhance research security amid concerns about the potential leakage of critical technologies and knowledge to geopolitical rivals. Member states, universities, and funders are expected to implement these suggestions, which include incorporating exit plans in research and establishing a new pan-EU organization for information sharing. Know more
here.– The European Commission has introduced a proposal to establish ‘AI factories’ within the EU, aiming to provide startups in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector with access to supercomputers. Despite the initiative’s potential, doubts linger about whether it has adequate funding to prevent the EU from further lagging behind the US and China in the field of AI. Know more
here.– Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are urging the Commission to propose a legally binding measure that establishes a framework, serving as an initial step for the formulation of legal minimum standards for scientific research freedom. Know more
here.
Funding
Early 2024 open calls
Remember you can check our new tool for all the open calls under the Horizon Europe programme. Meanwhile, these are the main open funding areas and grants for the beginning of the year:
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Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
Commission proposes ‘artificial intelligence factories’ in bid to give start-ups access to supercomputers
The European Commission has introduced a proposal to establish ‘AI factories’ within the EU, aiming to provide startups in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector with access to supercomputers, as reported by Science Business. The high cost of computing has been a significant obstacle for small and medium-sized AI enterprises seeking to enter the market. The Commission’s plan seeks to address this challenge by allowing AI startups to use supercomputers to develop their own models, reducing dependence on those created by major US tech companies. However, concerns persist regarding issues such as access, budget allocation, and the inclusion of an ethics requirement. The proposal envisions modifying the mandate of EuroHPC, the joint undertaking overseeing European supercomputers, to give it a more pronounced focus on AI. Despite the initiative’s potential, doubts linger about whether it has adequate funding to prevent the EU from further lagging behind the US and China in the field of AI. Know more here.
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Research and Innovation
Danish government advocates overhaul of EU research framework
According to Science Business, the Danish government is proposing significant changes for the upcoming European Union framework program for research and innovation (FP10). In a leaked document, Denmark suggests eliminating the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) and relocating missions and Widening from Horizon Europe’s successor. The government advocates for discontinuing the EIT and calls for the European Commission to disassemble it while formulating a plan to achieve financial self-sustainability for its well-functioning knowledge and innovation communities (KICs). The main policy objective for FP10, as outlined in the Danish paper, is to simplify the program by addressing its perceived complexity, characterized by numerous initiatives and funding streams that often overlap and duplicate efforts. Know more here.
EU Commission launches bid to expand funding of dual-use research in next Framework Programme
The European Commission has presented proposals for Framework Programme 10 (FP10) that aim to fund research with applications in both civil and military domains, intending to enhance the EU’s strategic autonomy. The Commission’s white paper, open for public consultation until April 30, outlines three possibilities for supporting dual-use research. The suggested reform seeks to eliminate the exclusive focus on civil applications in specific segments of the Horizon Europe successor, set to commence in 2028. Under the current system, Horizon Europe funding is available for projects involving the defense industry or dual-use technologies only if the research is designated exclusively for civil applications. However, universities are urging the inclusion of safeguards in the proposed changes. Know more here.
Commission tells universities and funders to bolster research security
According to Science Business, the European Commission is urging universities and funders to enhance research security amid concerns about the potential leakage of critical technologies and knowledge to geopolitical rivals. Competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager specifically targets numerous joint research projects with Chinese military universities. However, the proposed measures are recommendations rather than strict regulations. Member states, universities, and funders are expected to implement these suggestions, which include incorporating exit plans in research and establishing a new pan-EU organization for information sharing. Know more here.
European Commission launches European Research Area policy platform
The European Commission has introduced a policy platform dedicated to the European Research Area (ERA), offering a comprehensive overview of ERA policies and milestones. ERA is a longstanding initiative aimed at creating a unified market for research, innovation, and technology across Europe, initially launched 24 years ago. Recent efforts by EU policymakers have focused on revitalizing ERA, emphasizing increased public and private investments in research and development (R&D) across member states and outlining common policy actions. The newly launched platform, integrated into the ERA governance framework and the Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe, provides real-time information on the implementation status of the ERA Policy Agenda, insights into EU-wide activities contributing to ERA progress, and details about the ERA monitoring mechanism. Know more here.
Research assessment reform coalition now has over 600 members
In 2024, the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) welcomed 17 new members, expanding its coalition to over 600 partners. Comprising diverse stakeholders in research and research policy, the coalition collaborates to enhance research assessment practices. Menico Rizzi, representing the steering board for CoARA’s membership application subgroup, emphasized that the increasing membership reflects the global significance of the coalition’s mission. Rizzi highlighted CoARA’s role in creating an inclusive platform, uniting organizations worldwide and leveraging the richness of ideas and input generated by diversity to advance global research assessment practices. Know more here.
Research lobbies call for €200 billion budget for FP10
The European University Association (EUA), the European Association of Research and Technology Organisations (EARTO), and Science Europe are jointly urging the European Union to earmark a budget of €200 billion for the upcoming 10th Framework Programme for research and innovation, scheduled to commence in 2028. In addition to this budget request, the three organizations emphasize the importance of the European Commission refraining from reallocating funds from the framework program to address other priority areas. While budget reallocations within the Commission’s multiannual budget are not uncommon, recent years have seen research funds redirected to address emerging crises, such as COVID-19, semiconductor shortages, and concerns over the EU’s defense capabilities. The letter underscores that shifting budget allocations to non-research and innovation-related policy areas can jeopardize the long-term planning of EU research and development policies. Read the full letter here.
EU Parliament calls for legislation protecting the freedom of scientific research
The European Parliament has endorsed a set of suggestions to the Commission regarding the advancement of scientific research freedom in the EU. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are urging the Commission to propose a legally binding measure that establishes a framework, serving as an initial step for the formulation of legal minimum standards for scientific research freedom. These standards would be developed through case-law from European courts, including the Court of Justice of the European Union. Know more here. |
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INESC News
INOV present in shaping future of European space at 16th European Space Conference
The ongoing 16th European Space Conference in Brussels serves as a platform to assess the current space scenario in Europe and facilitates discussions on the future of European space ambitions and initiatives. INOV’s Defense and Security Innovation Manager, Luís Miguel Carvalho, participated in the conference, actively contributing to shaping the trajectory of the European space domain. Know more here.
INESC TEC contributing to sustainable IoT communications development
A sustainable communications solution for the Internet of Things (IoT) is under development. This solution combines light and radio communications in a flexible manner, utilizing technology based on printed electronics. Over eleven entities are working on this solution over a three-year period as part of the SUPERIOT project (Truly Sustainable Printed Electronics-based IoT Combining Optical and Radio Wireless Technologies), funded by the European Commission with 5.6 million euros. Three Portuguese entities are involved in this project: INESC TEC, the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, and Wavecom. Know more here. |
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Job Opportunities
– INESC TEC has 37 vacancies in different work areas, such as Mobile Robotics, Computer Science, and more. Recently they opened a position for the study and development of a fiber optic sensor for monitoring the curing process of concrete structures, and another in industrial Robotics Research. Find more at INESCTEC website and via LinkedIn
– INESC ID is hiring a Communication and Operations Manager. More info
– INOV is hiring a Analyst/Programmer and a Full Stack Software Engineer. More info
– INESC Coimbra has announced a PhD position Behavioral Operations Research and multi objective optimization in residential energy management systems. More info |
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Events & Training
JANUARY
– Webinar on issues of Co-funded European Partnerships – definition and implementation of additional activities beyond joint calls. 24 january, 9:30 – 13:00 CET, online webinar. Register here.
– INESC Winter Meeting, January 25th and 26th, full day event, in Porto. Check the agenda here.
FEBRUARY
– Annual Network Conference. 06 February 2024. 09:00-17:30 CET. Brussels. Public event. More info
MARCH
– International conference CBRNE Research & Innovation, March 19, 2024 – March 21, 2024, Strasbourg. Register here.
R&I Week 2024, the European Commission’s flagship event on research and innovation, will take place from 18 to 21 March 2024 in Tour & Taxis, Brussels. The event marks the 40th anniversary of the Research and Innovation Framework Programmes and will focus on discussions on the future of R&I and its role in EU priorities such as technological sovereignty and competitiveness.
During the event, participants will be able to attend various sessions:
– 18 March: Opening of the R&I Week. Know more here.
– 19 March: The 2024 EIC Summit. Register here.
– 19-20 March: Belgian Presidency Conference on Innovation Procurement. here.
– 20-21 March: The European R&I Days 2024. Register here.
APRIL
– Connecting Europe Days, 2 April, 11:00 – 5 April, 12:30, Brussels. More info here.
– 4th Workshop on Neuroengineering: Brain-on-a-Chip Platforms. 4-5 April 2024. i3S – Institute of Research and Innovation in Health. More information here.
– MSCA Presidency conference: Researcher’s careers – multiple pathways, 18 – 19 April 2024, Mons, Belgium. Register here.
JUNE
– 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
– European Sustainable Energy Week 2024, 11 June 2024, 09:00 – Thursday 13 June 2024, 18:00 (CEST), Brussels. More info here.
JULY
– Conference: IAMOT – International Association for Management of Technology 2024, 8-11 July 2024. Porto, Portugal. Organised by INESC TEC and FEUP. More info
-14th International Symposium on Communication Systems, Networks and Digital Signal Processing – CSNDSP 2024, 17-19 July 2024, 9:00 – 17:30, Rome, Italy. Register here. |
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