Research and innovation: Commission to invest €16 billion over next two years

Today, the Commission has adopted a plan that will see €16 billion invested in research and innovation over 2016-2017. The new funding opportunities available under Horizon 2020, the EU’s research and innovation funding scheme, are directly aligned with President Juncker‘s policy priorities. They will address some of the most pressing challenges that Europe is facing and contribute to the digitalisation of our economy; modernisation of industry; prevention of human trafficking, crime and terrorism; and reaction to critical outbreaks of diseases. Commissioner Carlos Moedas, responsible for Research, Science and Innovation, said: “Research and innovation are the engines of Europe’s progress and vital to addressing today’s new pressing challenges like immigration, climate change, clean energy and healthy societies. Over the next two years, €16 billion from Horizon 2020 will support Europe’s top scientific efforts, making the difference to citizens’ lives.” The Work Programme is also designed to strengthen the open and inclusive nature of Horizon 2020, making it “Open to Science, Open to Innovation and Open to the World“. A press release and factsheet are available online.  The press conference on the occasion will broadcast live on EbS.