In today’s Morning Brief:

Gulbenkian Science Institute opens calls for Group Leader

The Gulbenkian Science Institute (IGC) is a world-known international research institute that engages in ground-breaking research in the life sciences. IGC also has a strong history in innovative practices in training, outreach and fostering science in developing countries.

The IGC has opened two calls for group leaders:

– Theoretical Science Across Biological Scales;

– Experimental Science Across Biological Scales.

Both calls are open until March 1st, just click the links to apply!

Webinar: Horizon Europe – Quick guide to tackle gender dimension and cross-cutting issues

EMDESK is hosting a one hour seminar on 10 February at 14h00 CET to make sure attendees are ready for addressing the gender dimension and cross-cutting issues such as open science, social innovation and the role of SSH in Horizon Europe proposals.

Even if you can’t attend the webinar live, EMDESK will send out the recording of the session and other downloads to all registrants after the webinar, so make sure to click here to register.

Renewable energy on the rise: 37% of EU’s electricity

In 2020, renewable energy sources made up 37% of gross electricity consumption in the EU, up from 34% in the previous year with wind and hydropower accounting for the majority of the total electricity generated from renewable sources.

Among the EU Member states, more than 70% of electricity consumed in 2020 was generated from renewable sources. The generation of electricity from renewable sources was also high and accounted for more than half of the electricity consumed in Portugal, at 58%.

If you wish to look at the stats and more information on energy and renewable energy targets click here.

US launches measure to lure STEM talent from overseas

In a further move away from the Trump era, President Biden has announced a range of initiatives and visa tweaks to increase predictability and clarity for highly educated immigrants notes this Science|Business article.

These include a new initiative to facilitate researcher exchange and tweaks to visa rules to make entry into the country easier in order for experts to contribute to innovation and job creation efforts across the USA.

Read the statement by the Department of Homeland Security here.

EU invests over €1 billion in energy infrastructure in support of the Green Deal

EU countries have agreed on a Commission proposal to invest €1.037 billion in 5 cross-border infrastructure projects under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for trans-European energy networks. CEF will provide financial support to 4 projects for construction and 1 study.

Well-integrated energy infrastructure networks are necessary for the energy transition, as they facilitate the integration of renewable energy, enhance security of supply and help keep energy prices in check. The allocation of CEF funds therefore supports the implementation of the European Green Deal.

To find out more about CEF grants and their first call on preparatory studies for cross-border renewable projects click here.

Commission appoints members of the European Group in Science and New Technologies

Yesterday, the European Commission appointed the 15 members of the new European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE). The EGE advises on all aspects of Commission policies and legislation where ethical, societal and fundamental rights dimensions intersect with the development of science and new technologies.

The newly established group brings together top-tier experts from across Europe and the world. Its members have a far reaching understanding of current and emerging ethical developments and bring wealth of experience from academia, ethical and government advisory bodies. One of the new members is Maria do Céu Patrão Neves, former Portuguese MEP and current Professor at Georgetown University.

Find out more about the role of the group here.

Europe needs a strategy for seasonal energy balancing

In this new EURACTIV column, Nikos Tsafos, the James R. Schlesinger chair in energy and geopolitics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), notes that as the role of gas in the energy system evolves, the approach to meeting winter peak demand must also keep up.

The importance of seasonality in the current crisis is clear. Markets are obsessed with the amount of natural gas in storage. High gas prices resulted not from an actual shortage but from fear that Europe might not have enough gas to make it through the winter. Tsafos argues that someone needs to be responsible for supply security amid crisis.

To read the article click here.