The “European Research Infrastructures for a smarter future” Conference will be held on May 15th 2020, and will be fully digital.
The event is open to all participants , and is hosted by the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU, as part of the Future of Research Infrastructures in European Research Area event.
Background information
Addressing the big challenges of the 21st century requires a new ambition for European science.
Research infrastructures are key elements in providing the necessary data and services for European scientists to conduct cutting-edge research in a variety of scientific fields and for European business to develop new products and services. They give us tools to understand better our universe, our planet and ourselves as humans.
As European Research Infrastructures form the backbone of our competitiveness in science and innovation, their quality and the ability to provide the needed services and data largely determines our capacity to produce the new knowledge, innovation and understanding that Europe needs to tackle the challenges we face. A new way of working is also necessary, with scientific disciplines joining forces to bring holistic responses.
Our shared investments in Research Infrastructures in the last decades have equipped us with some of the most advanced and sophisticated facilities in the world. It is now vital to harness the full potential of these infrastructures to deal with complex questions and more effectively serve industry, to contribute to education and jobs and to improve citizens’ lives. We need a stronger focus on the direction and societal impact of our shared investments.
Recognising the demand for European science to effectively support the needed economic, social and environmental transitions, the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) in its White Paper: “Making Science Happen: A new ambition for Research Infrastructures in the European Research Area” lays out the specific role research infrastructures can and should play in this context.
Overview of concept and objectives
The overall objective of the conference is to explore the potential of European Research Infrastructures to make a meaningful impact on the European strategic agendas and identify the ways in which this could be achieved. The outcome of this high-level digital event will provide a new impetus for the European research infrastructure policy, supporting full realisation of the potential of the European Research Area to drive the necessary changes in our economy and society. The conference will provide a platform for discussion and dialogue between policy, research and industry stakeholders on the changes that are necessary to address the big challenges of our times. It will also increase the visibility of opportunities provided by Research Infrastructures and promote partnership between business and academia.
