Science|Business Widening Newsletter No.43 | Sign up here
20/11/2024
“The Widening” is a product of Science|Business and is not related to EU institutions or programmes.

Focus on central and eastern Europe

Welcome to a new edition of The Widening newsletter, a roundup of news and analysis of research and innovation policy and investments in central and eastern Europe, delivered to your inbox twice a month. Sign up here.

Edited by Florin Zubașcu

This week we have an analysis of seven FP10 position papers from Widening countries, and look at a letter from EU commissioner Iliana Ivanova urging Widening member states to invest more of their national budgets in R&D. Finally, we look at how countries in central and eastern Europe are lining up for EU funding for AI factories.

The latest news

BOOST NATIONAL R&D SPENDING: Outgoing research commissioner Iliana Ivanova tells Widening countries to “continue investing” in national R&D programmes and reform their funding systems. The recommendation is part of Ivanova’s reply to a missive from 15 EU member states calling for Widening to continue in Framework Programme 10.  “I encourage you to continue investing in your national capacities for research and innovation and carrying out structural reforms,” said Ivanova. The full story is here.

FP10 WISH LIST: An analysis of position papers from seven member states in central and eastern Europe shows great divergence of opinion over how the EU should organise and structure the next framework programme for research and innovation, FP10. EU capitals are getting ready for lengthy debate on shaping the programme. Negotiations will be tough and are likely to unearth old rifts between newer and older, poorer and richer member states. Read the analysis here.

AI FACTORIES: Estonia, Slovenia and Poland join the bidding for EU funding, with ambitions to build national AI sectors. High performance computing centres in central and eastern Europe are positioning to tap the wave of EU money that is about to flow for artificial intelligence (AI) factories. In some countries, such as Estonia, participation in a large consortium is the way forward, while others, including Slovenia and Poland, have ambitions to be project leaders. Ian Mundell has the story.

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? We welcome opinion pieces and other contributions on R&I policy in central and eastern Europe. Send yours to news@sciencebusiness.net.

In other news

POLAND LEADS: The National Science Centre, one of Poland’s main science funders, will start as the official coordinator of the European Social Transformations and Resilience (STR) partnership, becoming the first institution in eastern Europe to lead a European partnership. “This is more than just a prestigious role, this is a real opportunity to define the subject matter of future calls and shape the main objectives of the partnership so that they include Polish priorities,” said Malwina Gębalska, the manager of the STR team the Polish science funder.

NEW FULL MEMBER AT LASER ERIC: Bulgaria is set to become a full member of the Extreme Light Infrastructure consortium (ELI ERIC). Following a three-year term as a founding observer, Bulgaria is the first country to transition to full member – the leadership of ELI ERIC hopes that would set an example for more countries to join. “We are thrilled to welcome Bulgaria as a full Member of ELI ERIC,” said Allen Weeks, ELI ERIC Director General. “Bulgaria’s progress in laser research over the past few years supported by national investments have laid the foundation for deeper collaborations.”

JOB OPENING: Speaking of lasers, ELI ERIC is also looking to hire a director of science at its headquarters near Prague. The job ad is here.

NEW COOPERATION DEAL: The Czech Academy of Sciences and the Saxon Academy of Sciences and Humanities have announced plans to strengthen cross-border collaboration. “Our presence in the European Research Area is not insignificant. Without fostering ties with foreign colleagues, however, Czech science would advance more slowly,” said David Honys, chair for international affairs at the Czech academy.

DANUBE RECTORS: Daniel David, the rector of Romania’s Babeș-Bolyai University has been elected as president of the Danube Rectors Conference. David will chair the group of rectors for the next two years. “The Danube river forms a region with distinct historical, cultural, social and economic characteristics, which could bring competitiveness advantages,” he said in a statement.

NEW DRONES: Romania’s research minister announced plans for the country’s first R&D programme for drones. Companies will have access to funding from the research ministry to develop unmanned aircraft with both civilian and military applications.

FUNDING PRIORITIES FOR 2025: The Visegrad Fund has announced its strategic priorities for 2025. The funding calls are also aimed at universities and research organisations. More details here.

Mark your calendars 

BRUSSELS, 21 NOVEMBER: The Central European research Infrastructure Consortium (CERIC-ERIC) will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Programme and registration are available here.

BUDAPEST, 20 – 23 NOVEMBER: The Hungarian capital is hosting once again the World Science Forum. Key players in international science are meeting in Budapest to discuss the interplay between science, politics and society.

BUDAPEST, 28 NOVEMBER: The European Institute of Innovation and Technology is organising a conference to celebrate the tenth anniversary of its regional innovation scheme. The event brings together minds from central, eastern, and southern Europe to discuss how the region can boost capacities in research and innovation. Registration is available here.

BERLIN, 29 NOVEMBER: The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Berlin are organising an “international mobility meetup” next week. Delegates will discuss scientific cooperation between Germany and Poland. More details here.

LISBON, 2 DECEMBER: Maria Leptin, the president of the European Research Council (ERC) will give a keynote lecture on how Portuguese researchers can win more ERC grants. The event will take place at the University of Lisbon.

BRNO, 10-12 JUNE 2025: The Czech city will be the host of next year’s conference on core technologies for life sciences. The event is aimed at facility administrators, managers, researchers and professionals, who will discuss cross-facility workflows, professional development of facility staff, open science in core facilities, building of a national core facility community, and engagement with industry. Registration is now open. Early bird fees are available until 28 February 2025.

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