European Research and Innovation Days: Europe’s flagship event starts today

The European Research and Innovation Days, Europe’s annual flagship event on the future of research and innovation, are starting today and will take place online until 24 September. This year they will feature more than 100 different sessions and connect over 28 000 policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and citizens to discuss how research and innovation policy and funding can deliver on the European Green Deal,  Shaping Europe’s digital future, the renewed European Research Area and other priorities. Furthermore, the virtual Science is Wonderful! Exhibition will help schools, youth, citizens and stakeholders discover 40 EU-funded projects tackling the main challenges faced by our societies, from the climate emergency to the fight against cancer and the coronavirus. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “The 2020 edition of the European Research & Innovation Days already is a fantastic interactive event. With the policy conference covering ten thematic hubs including the Green Deal and Horizon Europe, co-design sessions, as well as prize ceremonies and the Science is Wonderful! exhibition, there is opportunity for everyone to get involved and share their thoughts on the future of European research and innovation.” In addition to the plenary sessions, various hub sessions and workshops that will take place during the event, the Commission will award four prestigious European prices to game-changing innovators and ideas: the EU prize for Women Innovators 2020, the European Capital of Innovation (iCapital) Award, the Horizon Impact Award, and the European Innovation Council Horizon Prize for Affordable Tech for Humanitarian Aid. The European Research and Innovation Days are open to everyone interested in research and innovation. The 2019 edition of the European Research and Innovation Days was recognised as the most visible EU research event in many years, attracting more than 4400 conference participants, 3200 exhibition visitors, and with an overall social media reach of some 120 000. More information is available here.