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Instruct-ERIC Biennial Structural Biology Conference
2024-05-23 - 2024-05-24 | Cascais, Portugal, Portugal
The Instruct Biennial Structural Biology Conference (IBSBC) showcases the latest in integrative structural biology from leading scientists across the world. The theme for the conference is “New Directions for Structural Biology”.
The 6th Instruct Biennial Structural Biology Conference will be held in Cascais, Portugal, 23-24 May.
Please note: 22nd May will see a number of closed internal Instruct-ERIC meetings, including the Centres Forum and Managers Meeting.
The conference will explore the latest cutting-edge developments in structural biology, including the emerging methods in imaging technologies, artificial intelligence and more, as well as insight into the role structural biology plays in the wider global context.
The local organising committee for the Biennial is Carlos Cordeiro and Marta Sousa Silva (FC-Lisboa), and Madalena Gallagher, John Dolan, and Claudia Alén Amaro (Instruct-Hub).
Register for the Biennial Conference here.
Registration Deadline: 31 March 2024
Registration Fee
€130 – Researchers in Instruct Member countries and organisations
€500 – Researchers outside Instruct membership
More info here.

Competitiveness Council (Research and innovation)
2024-05-23 | Brussels
More information about the agenda and the outcome of this meeting is available on the website of the European Council.

High-level Event Threads of Change: Systemic Transformation of the Textile Sector
2024-05-16 | Online
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Belgian Presidency will jointly host the high-level event “Threads of Change: Systemic Transformation of the Textile Sector”.
This event will offer a unique opportunity to reflect on:

Global textile sector priorities and needs that policies can help address, contributing to just transition and international processes
Global policy solutions to leverage the textile sector to contribute to climate, nature and zero pollution goals and sustainable resource management

It will prompt pivotal inquiries concerning material consumption, microplastics, and circularity in the context of the UNEA resolutions and EU policy discussions on corporate due diligence and other relevant issues.
The conference will be held in English (no translation will be provided).
Information on the programme and registration will follow in the coming weeks.
Please note that due to limited seats, the entry will be on invitation only for in person participation. The conference will still be open to the public via webstreaming
More info here

The interTwin Digital Twin Engine: Discover the Environment Use Cases
2024-05-15 14:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Lisbon)
interTwin is collecting a series of use cases provided by selected research communities in the field of environmental sciences/climate change. These use cases describe activities that will benefit of the use of a Digital Twin. Based on the input collected via the use cases, interTwin will develop a multi-domain Digital Twin Engine (DTE) – a collection of software components that can be assembled into a DT. The use-cases will then use this DTE to assemble/build a DT that is specific for their domain or use-case.
Register here.
Speakers:
– Deltares
– CMCC
– eurac research

12th European Conference on Rare Diseases & Orphan Products
2024-05-15 - 2024-05-16 | The Square, Mont des Arts/Kunstberg B-1000 Brussels , Brussels, Belgium
The ECRD is the largest, patient-led, rare disease policy-shaping event held in Europe.
By bringing together people with rare diseases and patient advocates, policy makers, healthcare industry representatives, clinicians, regulators and Member State representatives, EURORDIS harnesses the power of this extensive network to shape goal-driven rare disease policies of the future.
With over 1000 participants, the Conference is an unrivalled opportunity to network and exchange invaluable insights within the rare disease community. Through collaborative efforts, these discussions culminate in clear policy recommendations that can influence both EU and national policies.
Get ready for the next ECRD, a fully hybrid conference taking place on 15 & 16 May 2024 online and at The Square in Brussels.
Get your pass
Full programme
Know more here

EARTO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024
2024-05-14 19:00 - 2024-05-16 15:00 (Europe/Brussels) | warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
EARTO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024 – 14-16 May 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

– SAVE THE DATE! –

Dear EARTO Members,

EARTO is pleased to invite you to save the date for its next Annual Conference 2024, kindly hosted by EARTO member Łukasiewicz Research Networks on 14-16 May 2024 in Warsaw, Poland. This Conference will feature high-level speakers from the European Institutions, RTOs, industry, as well as EARTO members.

Please find hereunder the breakdown of the Event:

14 May 2024

EARTO Executive Board Dinner from 19:30 to 21:30 (Board Members Only)

15 May 2024

EARTO Executive Board meeting from 09:00 to 12:00 (Board Members Only)
EARTO Members’ lunch from 12:00 to 13:30 (EARTO Members Only)
Members meeting from 13:30 to 16:30 (EARTO Members Only)
General Assembly from 16:30 to 18.00 (EARTO Members Only)

The EARTO Annual Conference Dinner from 19.00 – onwards (Open to the public)

16 May 2024

The EARTO Annual Conference from 8:30 to 15:00 (Open to the public)

Further information, including detailed programme and registration will be communicated after the Christmas break. In the meantime, we invite you to engage through #EARTOAC2024 on social media for event-related insights.

Best wishes and happy holiday season!

Kind regards,
EARTO Team

EARTO – European Association of Research and Technology Organisations
Founded in 1999, EARTO promotes RTOs and represents their interest in Europe. EARTO network counts over 350 RTOs in more than 31 countries. EARTO members represent 150,000 highly-skilled researchers and engineers managing a wide range of technology infrastructures.

RTOs – Research and Technology Organisations
From the lab to your everyday life. RTOs innovate to improve your health and well-being, your safety and security, your mobility and connectivity. RTOs’ technologies cover all scientific fields. Their work ranges from basic research to new products and services’ development. RTOs are non-profit organisations whose core mission is to produce, combine and bridge various types of knowledge, skills and infrastructures to deliver a range of research and development activities in collaboration with public and industrial partners of all sizes. These activities aim to result in technological and social innovations and system solutions that contribute to and mutually reinforce their economic, societal and policy impacts.

EARTO
Rue Joseph II, 36-38
1000 Brussels

earto@earto.eu
www.earto.eu
+32 2 502 86 98

Copyright © 2023 EARTO
You do not want to receive EARTO information such as events’ invitations, position papers and press release any longer?

Please send UNSUSCRIBE to EARTO team.

Assessing national current FAIR-enabling capabilities
2024-05-14 14:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Brussels) | Online
The “FAIR Implementation Workshop – Assessing national current FAIR-enabling capabilities” will take place on 14 May 2024 14:00-16:00 CEST. Note: Registration for the workshop is free but mandatory.
Register here.
The Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) is a group of organisations who work on harmonising the assessment of research. It takes into account practices and activities that maximise the quality and impact of research. It involves basing assessment primarily on qualitative judgment, for which peer review is central, supported by responsible use of quantitative indicators.
This two-hour workshop will focus on the topic of research assessment to help the selected candidates to draft their FAIR implementation action plan by taking into account the research assessment aspect.
Agenda:

14:00
Introduction
Suzanne Dumouchel, CNRS

14:10
Round table

14:40
Presentation
Erzsébet Toth Czifra, CoARA

15:10
Presentation
Katarzyna Nawrot, CoARA

15:30
Discussion

15:50
Next steps
Suzanne Dumouchel, CNRS

Speakers:
Erzsébet Toth Czifra (CoARA) is the Open Science Officer of DARIAH ERIC where she is responsible for fostering and implementing policies and practices related to the open dissemination of research results in the arts and humanities. Her advocacy activities include charing DARIAH’s research data management working group, providing workshops, webinars, and other training activities to arts and humanities scholars on a regular basis. She is also involved in European science policy making as well as European infrastructure-building projects such as SSHOC, OPERAS-P and TRIPLE. She received her PhD in Cultural Linguistics and also has a background in scholarly communication.Toth Czifra (CoARA).
Katarzyna Nawrot holds a PhD in Economics from the Poznan University of Economics (UEP). She is a Professor at the Department of European Studies at the UEP. In the context of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA), she is leading an international team dealing with indicators and parameters in the evaluation of science. Their work is based on a community of practice with exchange of knowledge and experiences. It is open to the global level and not restricted to the European one.
More info here.

European Committee of the Regions: Seminars on AI in research and on knowledge valorisation
2024-05-14 10:00 - 17:30 (Europe/Brussels) | European Committee of the Regions, Brussels, Belgium
On 14 May 2024, the Committee of the Regions together with the EC’s Directorate-General for Research & Innovation and the European Economic and Social Committee is co-organising two (back-to-back) events in Brussels:
Exploring Artificial Intelligence in R&D (10:00 – 13:00): This event aims to provide insights into the European AI landscape and to explore Europe’s position regarding the use of AI in R&D as well as regarding the global race for AI expertise – all in view of the preparation of the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.
Knowledge valorisation for the regional and local R&I ecosystems (14:00 – 17:30): The afternoon seminar, organised as part of the Knowledge Exchange Platform, will focus on how regional and local authorities can boost innovation ecosystems and foster knowledge valorisation.
Register here.
Know more here.

Additive Manufacturing Village 2024
2024-05-13 - 2024-05-17 | Tournai, Belgium
The EDA’s Capability Development Plan (CDP) has identified additive manufacturing as a key technology with game-changing potential, especially in terms of reducing the logistical footprint of military missions. The EDA’s mission is to support its Member States in their efforts to introduce additive manufacturing as a capability development tool, just as it fosters military cooperation among the EU Member States.
The ‘Additive Manufacturing Village 2024’ (AM Village 2024) is a five-day capability workshop, with a mix of seminars, lectures, presentations and hands-on interaction between participants. The agenda for the AM Village 2024 will be drawn up with participants during the preparatory meetings leading up to the event, based on the requirements of Member States and input from industry and academia.
The aim is to identify appropriate AM technologies that can potentially provide logistical benefits to armed forces in various application scenarios. The workshop is planned to be held from 13 to 17 May 2024 in Tournai, Belgium. Belgium will host the event as part of its European presidency. The Multinational Logistics Coordination Centre (MLCC) will support this event in light of the long and close cooperation between the two entities.
The AM Village 2024 is addressed to military AM experts and all military personnel responsible for regular maintenance, repair and expedient maintenance in all services of the Armed Forces. Additionally, the AM Village is targeting AM industry who can provide suitable, reliable, robust, and resistant AM technologies. All AM-related academic circles, including universities and standardisation bodies, are also invited to participate. The AM Village 2024 will welcome all those who wish to contribute and cooperate in supporting the implementation of AM technology in the Armed Forces.
M0re info here

European Cluster Conference 2024
2024-05-07 - 2024-05-08 | Brussels
Registrations for the European Cluster Conference 2024 are open here.
On May 7th and 8th, you have the chance to be part of the discussion and engage with industry leaders, policymakers and cluster organisations from all over Europe.
Discover the full programme and speakers here.
The European Cluster Conference 2024 will take place at the Square, in Brussels.
The Square entrance is located at Glass Entrance – Mont des Arts, 1000 Brussels.

Innovation and new technology in crisis communication: opportunities and/or threats?
2024-05-02 - 2024-05-03 | Egmont Palace, Kleine Zavel 8 1000, Brussels, Belgium
On the first day, a conference will be held involving only the members of the Crisis Communications Network (CCN – IPCR) and their delegation. The conference considers mapping, in the different countries, from innovation and new technologies to moving forward in crisis communication. The day concludes with a social event in which we gather the guests from both days. At this event, we discuss the conclusions from day one in order to prepare the participants for day two of the conference. The focus will also lie on networking with a set of tools to facilitate mutual discussion.
On day two, we leave room for a larger audience (CCN, European institutions, international organisations, academic world, private sector, etc.) but we also give the podium to atypical speakers from the academic and private sector in order to get our creative juices flowing.
More info here

1st Online Training “make your data FAIR”: Open Science Awareness
2024-04-30 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/Brussels)
Speaker: Lena Thöle, Utrecht University (mail: l.m.thole@uu.nl)
Research fields: Specialists of all scientific fields, and on all career stages are welcome
Target audience: All career stage scientists and professionals, students and PhD candidates.
Register here
This event will be a one-hour workshop with interactive parts guiding you through the principles of FAIR data and open science, and will serve as a starting point for future events to delve deeper into practical aspects of research data management to equip you with the tools to make your data FAIR.
Geosciences are one of the most interdisciplinary research fields, with input from, applications for and connections to many other fields of research. Moreover, many geoscientific topics are of societal and public interest. This highlights the importance of generating data that is findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable – in short FAIR – for a large number of stakeholders within and across domains. This workshop will demonstrate the importance of creating FAIR data and highlight the importance of open science. At the same time, this workshop will serve as a kick-off for a future online workshop series that will cover aspects of best data management practices resulting in FAIR data.
The learning goals of this first workshop are:
1. To discover Open Science ideas. We delve into the world of open science, discovering its benefits and overcoming challenges. Learn about tools and practices that facilitate transparency, collaboration, and community engagement. Embrace a culture of openness to advance scientific knowledge collectively.
2. To understand the intricacies of FAIR data principles. We become aware of how to make your research data more Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. Understanding these principles is crucial for optimizing the impact and accessibility of your research.
3. To get an overview of future steps in implementing FAIR data practices. This segment will highlight next steps of the workshop series, focusing on organizing and managing data while ensuring alignment with FAIR principles.
Geo-INQUIRE promotes equality, diversity and inclusion under the advice of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Panel at all events organized as part of Geo-INQUIRE. In particular, we support registrations from women, early career scientists and people from widening countries.

2nd Mission Arena by Blue Mission BANOS
2024-04-25 - 2024-04-26 | H2O 6 kvartāls event hall, Riga, Latvia
The 2nd Mission Arena hosted by BlueMissionBANOS is taking place at H2O 6 kvartāls event hall in Riga, Latvia on 25-26 April 2024.
Following the success of the first BlueMission BANOS Arena in Gothenburg, Sweden last November, BlueMissionBANOS is now hosting its second edition.

Registrations are open until 22 April 2024.
This new edition will focus on regional actors in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and East Sweden. The key stakeholders in this Arena will be Mission Ocean-relevant actors who will have the opportunity to engage with current and future actions in this region. Over the course of two days, progress will be showcased, open needs will be discussed, and the next steps to transform this region’s blue economy to be more carbon-neutral, environmentally friendly, and circular will be planned. Additionally, all participants will then have the chance to vote on the Roadmap towards Mission Ocean and Water’s success for this region at the final Mission Assembly.
The focus will not only be on the Baltic Sea as such but also cover ‘Blue on Land’, i.e., lakes, rivers and wastewater. Topics include fishery & aquaculture, shipping and ports, nutrients and pollution leakage to the ocean and waters, waterborne transport, nature protection and restoration, sustainable products, and all actions required to transform these sectors.
Discussions will be framed across 15 specific workshop themes. When you register, please indicate whether you want to make an active contribution to one of them. We will accept suggestions until 15 March 2024. Please note that places will be limited, and priority will be given to local actors.
More info here.

Online Training Workshop on Remote Access for Electron Microscopy Training
2024-04-24 14:00 - 16:30 (Europe/Brussels) | Online
Registration is open for the advanced online training workshop on ”Remote access for electron microscopy”, taking place Wednesday 24th April, 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm CEST (1:00 pm – 3:30 pm BST).
The free workshop is co-organised by Thermo Fisher Scientific, Euro-BioImaging and Instruct-ERIC as part of the eRImote project. The workshop will be delivered by training and application specialists from Thermo Fisher Scientific and is targeted at facility staff and advanced users.
The workshop encompasses remote operations and remote data analysis and includes interactive live demonstrations and presentations relating to both TEM and SEM systems. Ample time will be allocated for discussing individual use cases and answering questions. The workshop will focus on technical aspects of remote instrument control and data analysis, while aspects of IT infrastructure requirements and training will only be covered briefly.
The deadline to register is Friday 19th April 2024. Contact support@instruct-eric.org if you are interested in joining.
More info here

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) conference
2024-04-18 - 2024-04-19 | Mons, Belgium, Belgium
It will take place in Mons (Belgium) on 18th and 19th April 2024. This event will address researchers’ careers.
A host of eminent speakers, all experts in their own field, will share their knowledge and experience throughout the days. Our goal is to create a fertile ground for productive discussions between researchers, representatives from the public and private sector, policy makers and all stakeholders which, one way or another, play a role in researchers’ careers.
This event will offer a space where these exchanges can give birth to practical, inspiring results.
In this forum, you will have the opportunity to share your achievements, your needs, your ideas… in a word: your experience.
More info here

Healthcare needs as drivers for healthcare policy and innovation
2024-04-17 - 2024-04-18 | Musée des Beaux-Arts / Museum voor de Schone Kunsten, Rue du Musée / Museumstraat 9, Brussels, Belgium
The conference will explore pathways towards a more needs-driven innovation and healthcare policy, where needs are defined in an evidence-based manner and public resources directed towards the most pressing needs of patients and society.
Research funding, regulatory incentives for medical innovation, and the authorisation and reimbursement of healthcare interventions are still too often supply driven, that is responding to developer actions or suggestions, rather than being based on pre-defined priorities on patient and societal needs. The conference will explore pathways towards a more needs-driven innovation and healthcare policy, where needs are defined in an evidence-based manner and public resources directed towards the most pressing needs of patients and society.
More info here

Circular Economy Conference: "Europe's Leading Role in Mainstreaming Circular practice"
2024-04-17 | Brussels
More info here
Belgium highlights the circular economy: an impressive evolution from experiment to the new normal
During the week from 15 to 18 April, companies, knowledge institutions and NGOs from around the world will come to Belgium in order to exchange knowledge about circular innovation. The week kicks off with the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) on 15 and 16 April in Brussels where new insights, powerful practical examples and lots of networking opportunities are planned. Belgian and European cases and studies will also be discussed but here we can learn mainly how the rest of the world is tackling the transition to a circular economy. The European track during this WCEF will be shaped by the EU Belgian Presidency together with DG Environment, the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP), and the European Social Economic Committee. This will further integrate and strengthen the European vision, making the event a crucial contribution to the circular economy agenda at the global level.
Circular Economy Conference during the EU Presidency
The day after the WCEF, on 17 April 2024, we will take international visitors on a tour of Belgium’s circular doers and initiatives. This event, which like the WCEF will also take place at the Square in Brussels, will show how the circular economy has grown from niche initiatives to a full-fledged alternative economy. However, there are still many challenges facing our businesses and consumers. Through actual cases, research and testimonials from keynote speakers, we will provide our visitors with an idea of how these bottlenecks can be addressed. The objective is to interact effectively with the participants in each session, allowing for learning from each other and with each other in all directions.
Exploratory round
Starting the day from policy and research perspectives: how they see evolution and the International Resource Panel (IRP), the European Environmental Agency, and representatives of the European Commission. In order to make the full transition, the linear economy must also be phased out. Change is difficult, so we look at how this is being done in Belgium and other countries: what governance is needed in order to achieve a new economic system, how are we going to measure whether the change is happening fast enough and in the right direction? This opening lays the groundwork for a day full of insights and inspiration.
Inspiring stories which spur action
The plenary session will be followed by a presentation of exciting circular cases in Belgium and in Europe, focusing upon innovative approaches and practices. Eight workshops (two teams of four in parallel sessions) will whet the appetite for more, for more action especially because that is the goal of each session. Through a public-private partnership (with representatives from the different regions, circular companies, midfield organisations and knowledge institutions), we will encourage the public to share their own experiences and to learn from the proposed cases. Topics already on the agenda include the bio-economy, circular construction and the circular city, chemistry and plastics, manufacturing with an emphasis on repair hubs and batteries, circular procurement, repair and life extension, chemistry & plastics, monitoring and indicators with a focus on digitalisation, system innovation and hub operation in Europe.
With this diverse approach, the Circular Economy Event during the Belgian presidency promises to make a valuable contribution to the global discourse about the circular economy and the further development of sustainable solutions.
Closed Informal Council
In addition to the public programme, there will also be a closed session where policy experts will have the opportunity to discuss in depth and develop strategies for the further implementation of circular economy principles within Europe.

Network Roundtable “In our defence: How to integrate dual-use research into EU funding programmes?”
2024-04-16 14:00 - 16:45 (Europe/Brussels) | Brussels
On April 16, Science Business organises a roundtable to delve into one of the hottest topics on the agenda: the integration of defence-related priorities into EU R&I funding. In particular, the discussion will focus on the role that dual-use research can have in the Framework Programmes moving forward, the role of civilian research-focused organisations in this new paradigm, and anticipated synergies with the European Defence Fund, NATO’s DIANA initiative and more. Featured guests will include Nicolas Bessot, head of innovation and security research at DG HOME, and Nynke Tygchelaar, head of innovation and defence technologies at DG DEFIS.
Registrations are open here.
The event will take place in Brussels and online.

The European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) and national/regional open science policy
2024-04-16
Organiser: EWI & Ministère de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (co-lead), BELSPO (co-lead)

Place: Palais des Académies / Paleis der Academiën

Address: Rue Ducale / Hertogstraat 1, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
More info here

On the 16th of April, the Belgian presidency cordially invites the Belgian and European Open Science Community to take part in the National EOSC tripartite event. This event follows the European Tripartite of EOSC on the same day.
The ambition of the European Open Science Cloud, known as EOSC, is to develop a ‘Web of FAIR Data and Services’ for science in Europe. Within a federated ‘system of systems’ approach it is the aim to provide European researchers from all scientific disciplines a multi-disciplinary environment where they can publish, find and reuse data, tools and services for research, innovation and educational purposes.
The goal of this event is to bring together the Belgian and European Open Science community and exchange best practices in the field of Open Science and Open Data. Participants will be given the opportunity to present posters of ongoing projects and activities related to Open Science and integration in the European Open Science Cloud during a networking lunch.
Furthermore, there will be plenty of time for discussion and exchange of views during the afternoon session, including an intervention of the European Tripartite, a keynote on ethics in Open Science and a panel session on ongoing projects in the field of Open Science in Belgium.
The day will end in the evening with a reception.
Registration information
To register for the event, create an account.
Once your account has been created, you will receive a confirmation email. Follow the link, log in, and then enter the following code: BE_EU2024_342.xs8>>K(EXhhi
Programme

11:30-13:30: Networking lunch and poster session
13:45-17:30: Belgian National Tripartite Event

Intervention of European tripartite (Commission, EOSC Association and member and associated countries involved in the EOSC Steering Board)
Keynote Sabina Leonelli (philosopher of science, University of Exeter, UK)
Panel on Belgian projects in Open Science
Announcement of public choice poster session

17:30-20h: reception with continued poster session

Call for posters
Would you like to promote your project / initiative / network at this event? Then forward your application by email to eu2024@belspo.be with the subject: EOSC BE NTE Call for Posters.
Additional visibility will be given to the five projects, initiatives and workshops that have attracted the most public attention.
Applications (maximum 2 pages) should include the following:

A description of the institution coordinating the project
A brief description of the project
The link with the Belgian Open Science community

Criteria for posters :

Available under a CC By
Royalty-free, so that they can be distributed for promotional purposes, including on social media and on the website.
A0 format

Please note the following deadlines:

Submission deadline: 16/02/2024
Announcement of selection: 29/02/2024
Deadline for confirmation of participation: 08/03/2024

The selection of posters by the organizers (Belspo, EWI and FW-B) will take into account their relevance to the Belgian Open Science community and the regional diversity of the projects.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

EOSC implementation challenges solutions in Belgium:

Interoperability
FAIR metrics & Certification
Metadata and ontologies
PIDs
Software
User/Resource Provider environments

The promotion of FAIR Data and the development of software and hardware solutions
Public engagement and citizen science
Strengthening and upskilling the R&I workforce in the development of Open Science and open data solutions including:

Reward and recognition
Skills and training

The role of data stewardship in the promotion of Open Science and skill transferal
The role of emerging technologies including AI in Open Science
Best practices regarding Open Science
Examples of new, hitherto unseen developments made possible by Open Science/data practices
The role of Open Science activities in evaluating research and researchers
Road maps and strategies for promoting Open Science
Open Science in support of Grand Societal challenges, particularly in relation to the five mission areas of Horizon Europe, Health and the Digital transition

Maritime Security seminar
2024-04-16 | Brussels
One of the seminars organised by the Belgian presidency will focus on maritime security. The oceans and seas hold the key to the economic development and the present and future prosperity and security of all nations. Europe has the second largest coastal area in the world, and maritime trade and the industries that depend on it are a major source of its economic development and prosperity. The EU is the world’s second-largest exporter and third-largest importer. 90% of European exports travel via maritime routes, and as a global player, the EU’s interests extend across the globe.
The importance of maritime security therefore goes far beyond the maritime domain alone, and is linked to other areas, such as the economy, energy, transport (supply chains), tourism, access to and conservation of natural marine resources, and critical infrastructure (including offshore and submarine infrastructure). Although essential, maritime safety is nevertheless facing a growing number of challenges stemming from traditional threats (e.g. piracy, geopolitical rivalries, overfishing) as well as new threats (organised crime, various forms of illicit activity taking place on the seas, such as smuggling and waste dumping), all of which require multiple forms of cooperation to provide sustainable responses.
The aim is to bring together experts from institutions, Member States and the private sector, as well as representatives of the academic world, to link maritime security to the challenges of space capabilities, as well as cooperation with third-party states (NATO, UK, NO, US), critical infrastructure protection, legal maritime issues, piracy and raising awareness of the EU’s maritime domain.
During the seminar, four maritime zones will be examined in terms of their maritime-related challenges. The seminar will include the perspective not only of the EU but also of international partners, academics and Member States.
Registration
More info here

Handover: Successful and timely uptake of Artificial Intelligence in science in the EU
2024-04-15 11:45 - 12:15 (Europe/Brussels) | European Commission, Brussels, Belgium
On April 15 the Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) will release the advice on how the European Commission can accelerate the responsible take-up of AI in science in the EU.

With the characteristics of a general-purpose technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most disruptive sets of technologies at the service of research and innovation. It acts as a catalyst for scientific breakthroughs and is rapidly becoming a key instrument in the scientific process in all research areas.
On April 15, SAM will release the advice on how the European Commission can accelerate the responsible take-up of AI in science in the EU. The release of the evidence review report and policy recommendations will be marked by a ceremony in the presence of EVP Vestager and Commissioner Ivanova.
You can follow the event here.

Joint meeting of the ERAC and the Working Party on Research
2024-04-11 - 2024-04-12 | Namur
More info here

New European Bauhaus Festival 2024
2024-04-09 - 2024-04-14 | Art & History Museum, Parc du Cinquantenaire / Jubelpark 10, Brussels, Belgium
The Festival of the New European Bauhaus is returning for its second edition on 9-14 April 2024!
From 9-14 April 2024, the highly anticipated Festival of the New European Bauhaus will once again bring together people from all across the globe to share their vision and actions for a future that is sustainable, beautiful, and inclusive.
This year’s edition of the Festival will feature a diverse and fully-packed programme with discussion panels, exhibitions, art performances, satellite events, and much more.
During the event, global industry leaders, opinion thinkers, innovation experts, artists, and cultural figures will get together to discuss crucial topics, including shelter and living environments, land and water, fashion, and human well-being, all within the context of environmental changes.
The Festival programme will span across four tracks of activities:

Forum - a platform for engaging discussions and the exchange of ideas surrounding the New European Bauhaus.
Fair - a laboratory and exhibition highlighting projects and prototypes that align with and support the core values of the New European Bauhaus.
Fest - a celebration that unites culture, art, and conviviality, serving as a moment of collective rejoicing, honoring freedom of expression and embracing radical, innovative, and disruptive ideas and visions.
Satellite events: events and initiatives organised independently in Brussels and beyond, with core activities in line with the New European Bauhaus values.

The Festival will also feature the New European Bauhaus Prizes, recognising projects, designs, and ideas that align with the movement’s commitment to shaping a sustainable, beautiful, and inclusive future for Europe. A total of 20 winners from all across Europe will be awarded this year at an official Prize ceremony.
More information

Mutual Learning Exercise on Industrial Decarbonisation
2024-04-09 - 2024-04-10 | Brussels
The Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE) is an established instrument of the EU to promote the exchange of best practices among the participating countries and to allow countries to learn from each other and from the experts.
The MLE on Industrial Decarbonisation is expected to contribute to achieving the Green Deal. 12 European countries have committed in early 2023 to participate in this MLE. This will help countries to effectively address the challenges of reducing carbon emissions in the industrial sector and move towards a more sustainable future. The ultimate goal of this MLE is faster deployment of new technology, business solutions, and models to facilitate the transition to a climate-neutral continent, while also strengthening Europe’s industrial sector.
After four intensive thematic sessions, this dissemination event has the aim to spread and discuss the results to a broader professional audience.
The Mutual Learning Exercice on Industrial Decarbonisation is organized by the European Commission (DG Research and Innovation). The aim is to contribute to achieving the Green Deal by serving as a platform for participating countries to discuss their specific needs and interests, exchange experiences and knowledge about success factors and lessons learned, and provide guidance to policy makers on how to develop or update their industrial technology roadmaps and sector-specific strategies for industrial decarbonization.
The ultimate goal of this MLE is faster deployment of new technology, business solutions, and models to facilitate the transition to a climate-neutral continent, while also strengthening Europe’s industrial sector.
The dissemination activities are the final step in this exercice. They are held under the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, as both regional authorities of Flanders and Wallonia are participating in the MLE as representatives of Belgium.
Part 1
Part I concerns an event on invitation in Brussels. Invitations are sent to Government experts from MLE countries, outside MLE country participants, MLE experts, and senior managers of industry, business and research associations. It aims at presenting the results of the project to a wider group of participants, with the focus on discussing impact and lessons learned from the MLE and follow up.
The event will feature a keynote speech by a high-level speaker who will set the scene for the subsequent discussions. After a presentation, made by the Chair, of the MLE results and the policy recommendations identified and validated during the project, the open event will have a panel discussion to debate the next steps on how the policy recommendations can be applied. This panel discussion, moderated by the European Commission, will gather speakers from the MLE participating countries and industry representatives.
In between the two sessions, a short presentation from the European Commission, DG Research and Innovation on a new action plan on decarbonisation of the EU energy-intensive industries will take place.
Part II
Part II concerns several closed sessions (restricted to the MLE participants, project team and targeted invitees), combined with site visits in both Wallonia and Flanders. It aims at discussing, among practitioners and industry representatives, concrete actions that can be applied by the MLE participants to put into practice the lessons learned during the exercise, with the objective of increasing the impact of the MLE and follow up.
Wallonia
The MLE participants are invited to the Wallonia region, to visit the CRM Group premisses, with a focus on industry pilots. Afterwards, two panel discussions, with invited speakers mainly from the industry, aim at debating the industry decarbonisation strategy of Wallonia (with an emphasis on the role of SMEs), the role of CCU with the presentation of the project Columbus by Carmeuse, and the role of green hydrogen in the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries, with several interventions from the industry and public authorities. The day will end with a networking cocktail with invited members of the Belgium Hydrogen Council.
Flanders
On the second day, the MLE participants will move to Genk (Flanders), to have further discussions on the role of inter-regional collaboration, industry-symbiosis, regulatory sandboxes and the role of green electricity, infrastructure and logistics for industrial decarbonisation. A first set of presentations from representatives of EnergyVille and from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and North Sea Port will provide to the MLE participants concrete examples and best practices of industry-symbiosis, electrification, logistics and regulatory sandboxes.
After that, a panel discussion bringing together public actors from Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany aspires to bring insights about interregional collaboration, in line with the policy recommendations. Finally, a site visit to the EnergyVille premisses will again showcase good examples of industrial decarbonisation in Belgium.
More info here

4th Workshop on Neuroengineering: Brain-on-a-Chip Platforms - i3S – Institute of Research and Innovation in Health.
2024-04-04 10:00 - 2024-04-05 17:00 (Europe/Lisbon) | Porto, Portugal
In recent years, brain-on-a-chip platforms have emerged as very promising tools to recapitulate important features of brain structure and function within miniaturized and engineered devices. In this workshop, we will discuss the most recent advances in the field, ranging from microfabrication to brain-on-a-chip applications in disease modeling. This workshop aims at promoting an intellectually stimulating environment where new ideas can be exchanged and new collaborations can be forged. By integrating hands-on practical sessions, the workshop also gives the possibility for the interested participants to try basic techniques used in neuroengineering.
This 4th edition of the WoN includes 3 selected short-talks from students and junior researchers, as well as a poster session. We thus invite the participants to submit their recent work on neuroengineering, particularly on brain-on-a-chip platforms.
Organizers: Paulo Aguiar, Miguel Aroso, José Mateus
Target audience:
Researchers and students (MSc and PhD) working in neuroscience/neurobiology, biomedical engineering, biophysics, and related fields. The hands-on practical sessions are targeted for students (MSc and PhD) but are in fact open to everyone. Every practical session has a duration of 3h and each participant can only choose (register) one hands-on practical session.

Venue

The workshop will be held at i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde.
Rua Alfredo Allen, 208; 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
Tel: +351 226 074 900 | Site: http://www.i3s.up.pt/ | E-mail: events@i3s.up.pt
GPS coordinates: 41º 10’ 30.008’’ N, 8º 36’ 12.488’’ W.

Program

First day | 4th April 2024
09:45 Welcome Coffee
10:00 Microelectrode arrays and microfluidics for the recording of reconstructed neuronal junctions and organoids
Benoît Charlot, CNRS and University of Montpellier, France
10:45 BrainChip4Med – a brain-on-a-chip platform to screen smart nanomedicines to treat neurodegenerative diseases
Raquel Rodrigues, University of Minho, Portugal
11:30 hiPSC-derived neurospheroids to depict the three-dimensional neuronal microenvironment in disease and therapeutic response
Catarina Brito, IBET and ITQB-NOVA, Portugal
12:15 Lunch
14:00 Engineering Forebrain Organoids from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Modeling Rett Syndrome (RTT)
Margarida Diogo, iBB and IST, Portugal
14:45 Selected Orals (x3)
15:30 Meet the Speakers & Coffee Break
16:15 Posters
16:45 Modeling peripheral innervation of physio-pathological bioengineered microtissues
Estrela Neto, i3S, Portugal
17:30 Leveraging spontaneous activity in human stem cell-derived neurons to model neurodevelopmental disorders
Nael Nadif Kasri, Radboud University, Netherlands
18:15 Concluding Remarks

Second day | 5th April 2024
09:30-12:30 Hands-on practical morning session
14:00-17:00 Hands-on practical afternoon session

Hands-on Practical Sessions
The hands-on sessions will take place as long as the minimum number of participants is reached (2).
S1 – Basics of Neuronal Cell Cultures. This session is intended to provide introductory training in the basic requirements for successful cell culturing. With this hands-on training session, the participants will get acquainted with a number of valuable resources and guidelines required to maintain a cell culture. [Responsible: Ana Marote, NCN/i3S].
S2 – Preparation of brain-on-a-chip platforms. Brain-on-a-chip platforms have been increasingly used in neuroscience, as they allow to mimic neural circuits through spatial and/or fluidic compartmentalization of cells, as well as to model several neuropathological scenarios. During this session, participants will be introduced to brain-on-a-chip platforms and will be able to prepare their own microfluidic devices. [Responsible: Sara Silva, NCN/i3S]
S3 – Memristive artificial synapses: from device principles to neuromorphic applications. Neuromorphic devices, such as memristors, use the brain’s structure and operation principles as a promising solution for modern computational storage and processing demands. This session will provide an introduction to the memristor, followed by the electrical characterization of some devices. [Responsible: Catarina Dias, IFIMUP].
S4 – Introduction to NEURON – in silico neuroscience and detailed simulations of neurons in a computer. This session gives an introduction to the NEURON simulation environment, a well-established tool for in silico neuroscience. Participants will learn how to perform biophysically detailed simulations of single neurons and small neuronal circuits. Participants are requested to bring their laptops for this session. [Responsible: Paulo Aguiar, NCN/i3S].
S5 – Principles of microelectrode arrays (MEA) electrophysiology. Microelectrode array (MEA) technology enables electrophysiological recording and/or stimulation of hundreds of neurons simultaneously. In this session, the participants will get acquainted with the principles of MEA experiments and have the possibility to evoke and record extracellular signals from neuronal networks. [Responsible: José Mateus, NCN/i3S].
S6 – Imaging neuronal activity with Calcium dyes. Calcium dyes are used to monitor neuronal activity by assessing the resulting intracellular changes in Ca2+ concentration. In this session, participants will have the opportunity to image neuronal cell cultures labeled with a calcium dye and analyze the acquired data with software developed in-house. [Responsible: Miguel Aroso, NCN/i3S].

Speakers

Benoît Charlot (CNRS and University of Montpellier, France)

Raquel Rodrigues (University of Minho, Portugal)

Catarina Brito (IBET and ITQB-NOVA, Portugal)

Margarida Diogo (iBB and IST, Portugal)

Estrela Neto (i3S, Portugal)

Nael Nadif Kasri (Radboud University, Netherlands)

Abstract Submission

This 4th edition of the WoN will include 3 selected short-talks from students and junior researchers, as well as a poster session. We thus invite the participants to submit their recent work on neuroengineering, specifically on brain-on-a-chip platforms.
Your submitted Abstract should be 1 page PDF with no more than 500 words but may include figures.
The call for abstracts will be open until 5th December 2023.
Abstract template >>
Abstract submission form >>

Registration

A participant can register for the lectures only (4th April 2024) or for both lectures and one hands-on session. The registration fees include the coffee breaks and lunch (4th April 2024 only) and the necessary hands-on session materials. Please notice that the number of seats is limited (for both lectures and practical sessions). Participation will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis, upon confirmation of registration fee payment. The time slot (morning or afternoon) for each practical session is subject to confirmation. This information will be provided to the participants upon registration.
Registration fees:

Early bird registration: 8th January 2024
Payment deadline: 8th January 2024
Regular registration: 8th February 2024
Payment deadline: 8th February 2024

Lectures only
75€
100€

Full workshop
(Lectures & 1 Hands-On Session)
100€
120€

Registration form >>

MORE INFORMATION
Events Management Unit | Rua Alfredo Allen 208 | 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
Email: events@i3s.up.pt | Tel: +351 226 074 900

EU-US Trade and Technology Council
2024-04-04 - 2024-04-05 | Leuven, Belgium
As holder of the current presidency of the Council of the European Union, Belgium will host the sixth meeting of the TTC on 4 and 5 April in the university town of Leuven.
TTC
The EU-US Trade and Technology Council was founded in June 2021 and serves as the foremost platform for transatlantic cooperation on trade and technology.
The meetings are traditionally co-chaired by EVPs Valdis Dombrovskis and Margrethe Vestager, as well as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai and US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. Previous editions were held in Pittsburgh, Paris, Washington DC, Lulea and Washington DC again.
The program
Preliminary activities and side-meetings are foreseen on 4 April, with the formal conference taking place in the morning of 5 April. The formal meeting is followed by a press conference, concluding the official program of the TTC. A more detailed overview of the program will be released in due course.

Connecting Europe Days
2024-04-02 - 2024-04-05
Connecting Europe Days

Join us for Connecting Europe Days 2024, Europe’s mobility flagship event, on 2-5 April at the SQUARE in Brussels, Belgium.
Connecting Europe Days will bring together politicians, financial institutions, industry representatives, transport stakeholders and the European Commission to discuss concrete measures and exchange good practices on creating a fully decarbonised, resilient, seamless and digital transport and mobility network in Europe. It will take stock of the ambitious goals set out in the EU Green Deal and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy.

The revised trans-European transport network (TEN-T) Regulation, with the launch of nine new European Transport Corridors and a revamped governance system led by eleven European TEN-T Coordinators, will be a central point of the discussions, as will the future of infrastructure funding and financing. Participants will also address the question of infrastructure climate resilience.
Threats to transport connectivity, including Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, have repeatedly put the functioning of the EU Single Market at risk in recent years. Conference sessions will look at the EU transport network, its role in ensuring connectivity with the EU’s neighbours, and its preparedness and resilience against external threats.
Participants will see state-of-the art innovations first-hand at an exhibition of EU-funded projects.
The event is being organised together with the upcoming Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Programme

Register now

Exhibition

Meeting - Networking Cocktail: "Impulse to Clean Power for Transport"
2024-04-02 | Bozar, Rue Ravenstein / Ravensteinstraat 23, Brussels, Belgium
This networking cocktail is a side event of the Connecting Europe Days, Europe’s mobility flagship event, on 2-5 April in Brussels, Belgium, that will bring together politicians, financial institutions, industry representatives, transport stakeholders and the European Commission to discuss concrete measures and exchange good practices on creating a fully decarbonised, resilient, seamless and digital transport and mobility network in Europe. It will take stock of the ambitious goals set out in the EU Green Deal and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy.
Following the adoption of the alternative fuels infrastructure regulation (AFIR) in 2023, more user-friendly recharging and refuelling stations for alternative fuels will be deployed in the coming years across Europe enabling the transport sector to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. While the way to go and strategy for deployment is clear in a number of countries, already reflected in substantial market progress, there are still a number of challenges to tackle in order to meet the targets as set by AFIR Europe-wide and even go beyond those ambitions where the needs are higher. We need to prevent infrastructure bottlenecks to be a determining factor in our pathway to success towards greening transport, while increasing efficiency, shifting flows to more environmentally friendly modes and avoiding trips all together. All these pieces of the puzzle need to fall into place to reach a successful multimodal and sustainable mobility ecosystem!

The Flemish Government, as part of the Belgian EU Presidency, organizes this event to give a powerful impulse to clean power for transport and activate the network at the start of the Connecting Europe Days. The minister of Mobility and Public Works will open the session with an introduction on Flemish policies and outlooks on clean power for transport. A lively panel debate on the subject including international speakers will be followed by a cocktail reception and walking diner to get an informal discussion going between the participants. To end the night, the Flemish Government offers a nocturnal guided tour of the venue, the Brussels Centre for Fine Arts (BOZAR), with an exhibition celebrating 100 years of surrealism, Belgium’s famous avant-garde movement that goes beyond the purely aesthetic and wants to transform the world with their subversive art, also through international interactions. This might be just what greening transport needs!

Venue: Brussels Centre for Fine Arts (BOZAR) – Ballroom “Rotonde Bertouille” – entrance via Rue Baron Horta – limited to 120 guests
Indicative programme

17h00-18h00: Arrival
18h00-18h10: Welcome Speech minister of Mobility and Public Works (Flemish government)
18h10-19h15: Moderated Panel Debate
19h15-21h30: Network Cocktail and Walking Dinner
20h15: Possibility to start Nocturnal Guided Tour (optional, 1h, in groups of 10-15, languages Dutch/French/English)
23h00: End

Sign up for this event here

Free Live Webinar: Open Access in Horizon Europe
2024-03-27 10:30 - 11:30 (Europe/Brussels)
Are you drafting your first Horizon Europe proposal, and struggling to implement open-access practices in your proposal?
Open Access, as part of the open science approach, is strongly present in Horizon Europe and most likely will be present in the upcoming Framework Programme.
Therefore, throughout our upcoming session, you’ll find an answer to the following series of questions:

What is Open Access and why is it important for the EC?
What are the types of outputs that Open Access can provide?
What is the difference between Green and Golden Open Access?
Where do I reflect it in my Horizon Europe application?
How and where do I reflect Open Access in my budget?

When: 27 March 2024, at 10:30 AM CET
Participation is free of charge.
Technical information:

You will receive an email confirming your registration after submitting the form (available here).
The webinar will be up to 1-hour long.
A recording of the session will be shared with participants following the event.
This live webinar has a limited number of open spots available.
Enspire Science reserves the right to cancel this event up to 24 hours ahead of time due to insufficient participants or unforeseen circumstances.

If you have any questions, please contact enspire@enspire-science.com

Online COST Info Day 2024
2024-03-27 10:00 - 11:30 (Europe/Brussels) | Online
This online info session is open to all researchers and innovators at any career stage and from any field of research, especially young researchers. The aim is to inform the research community on how to participate in COST Actions or submit a COST Action proposal, the role and impact of the COST programme, and the benefits of the COST offer.
Technical details
Registration via this page (see bottom) is required to receive the communications sent before and after the webinar.
27 March 2024, 10:00-11:30 CET, Brussels/Paris/Madrid time zone
Zoom link to join the webinar: https://cost-eu.zoom.us/j/82675048762
The capacity in Zoom is limited to the first 1000 attendees who join the webinar. Once the limit is reached, the livestreaming can be followed on COST’s YouTube channel. Please note that Q&A will only be possible via Zoom.
Programme overview
10:00 | Welcome and introduction | Director of the COST Association
10:10 | What is COST and how to participate in a COST Action? | COST Governance Officer
10:30 | How to submit an application? | COST Science Officer
10:50 | Which networking activities are funded within COST Actions? | COST Administrative Officer
11:00 | What are the benefits of participating in COST? | COST Action representative
11:15 | Q&A
11:30 | End of the session
Contact email
For enquiries before/after the webinar: events@cost.eu
