A week of events open to citizens will focus on future EU research and scientific excellence

Tomorrow and until 26 September, the first European Research and Innovation Days will open in Brussels. 4,000 participants are expected to take part, including Commissioners, government representatives, researchers, academics and businesses, who will take stock of the achievements of EU-funded research and European scientific excellence and discuss future developments in the field. The event includes a policy conference, the ‘Science is Wonderful!‘ exhibition and prize ceremonies such as the European Capital of Innovation (iCapital) Award, the Horizon Prize for Social Innovation, the Horizon Impact Award as well as the Innovation Radar Prize.The week will end with the 14th edition of the popular European Researchers’ Night on 27 September, with events in more than 370 cities in 29 EU and neighbouring countries that will enable people to discover science in an engaging way.Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, said: “Research and innovation are key to the success of the economic, ecological and societal transition that we are facing. The first Research and Innovation Days are, therefore, an opportunity to come together to discuss ways of addressing societal challenges, spurring innovation and triggering investment, all of which will help us shape the next research and innovation framework programme, Horizon Europe.” Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics, said: “Science impacts our daily lives. Initiatives like the European Researchers’ Night and ‘Science is Wonderful!‘ offer fun ways to engage with research and innovation and can help inspire more young people to study science, technology, engineering and maths, and to potentially pursue related careers.” In addition to Commissioners Navracsics and Moedas, Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and Commissioners Karmenu Vella, Phil Hogan, and Mariya Gabriel will participate in the event. Side events include the 3rd edition of the Falling Walls Lab-Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, a scientific competition reserved for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions fellows (25 September). The Commission supports all these events as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (more information in this factsheet and recent publication). Finally, on Friday 27 September, Commissioner Moedas will discuss the importance of European research and innovation for the economy and for tackling climate change in a Competitiveness Council meeting in Brussels.