Over 400 attendees gathered in person at the European Commission’s ERA Conference in Brussels held on 18-19 September. In addition, almost 400 watched the livestream of the conference on day one, with a further 630 on day two. Organised by the European Commission in collaboration with the EU INSPIRING ERA project, the conference brought together a diverse array of European and national stakeholders from across Europe to collectively shape the future trajectory of European research and innovation policies.
This year’s conference marked a pivotal moment for the European Research Area (ERA) as the current Policy Agenda (2022-2024) approaches its conclusion, and with the finalisation of the forthcoming ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027 on the horizon. The event offered a platform to explore key success stories from ongoing ERA Actions, identify challenges, and lay the groundwork for the next phase of European research and innovation policy.
Inspiring keynotes and plenary panels
Opening keynote speeches were given by Janez Potočnik, former European Commissioner for Science and Research (2004-2010) and Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth. Their addresses emphasised the critical role that research and innovation play in securing Europe’s sustainable competitiveness and shaping its global leadership in science.
In addition, plenary panels delved into pressing issues facing the research community, with discussions focusing on inclusive gender equality in research; scientific freedom and research security; and the need to boost R&I investments and reforms to secure Europe’s long-term competitiveness. References were also made to the Enrico Letta report on the Future of the Single market and the fifth freedom i.e. the freedom of investigating, exploring and creating for the benefit of humankind without disciplinary or artificial borders and limitations. Enrico Letta provided a video message for the conference on how he views the development of the fifth freedom, setting the scene for discussions.
Breakout sessions on key ERA priorities
A series of parallel sessions allowed participants to dive deeper into specific themes shaping the future of research and innovation. These included discussions on industrial transformation; developing and attracting research talent; Non-animal approaches in biomedical research and testing of pharmaceuticals; Hydrogen and solar energy; AI in science; reforming research assessment; and the bioeconomy and its potential for sustainable growth.
Public & Science Sweden were particularly involved in the session on ‘Enhancing trust in science through citizen engagement’. This session explored how public engagement can be leveraged as a tool to inform national R&I policies and build trust in science. Moderated by Cissi Askwall from the Swedish Research Council, the session featured roundtable lively discussions on both the drivers, opportunities and challenges of citizen engagement. Table hosts included representatives from Public & Science, the European Science Engagement Association, the EU projects VERITY, REINFORCING and COALESCE.
The conference included an exhibition showcasing a selection of innovative and impactful EU-funded projects as well opportunities for networking. In addition, a film featuring testimonials from a number of European researchers reflecting on the impact of the European Research Area, was shown at the conference.
A summary report on the conference will be available in due course on the INSPIRING ERA website.
