EUROPA - Research and Innovation - What's New

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Laertes Bochat (BR): In your experience what are the benefits of participating in EU research projects?

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

You are sitting on the shoulder of a giant… You are able to access the means of production, something that, without the support of a powerful institution like the EU, you would never get it!

Research Headlines - A better system for aircraft de-icing

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The EU-funded ON-WINGS project has tackled the dangerous effects of ice on aircraft surfaces, a phenomenon that is becoming more common as air traffic increases. The result is a new and more efficient de-icing system that is better suited to next-generation composite airframe structures.

Events - ENSEA Networking Event - 25 June 2013, Brussels

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

To reach the “20-20-20” climate goals, Europe is increasingly generating renewable energy through technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines. Renewable resources are, however, dependent on weather patterns and therefore generate variable amounts of power over time. In order to provide secure energy systems which delivers energy when we need it, renewables have to be used in conjunction with ‘back up’ power sources, which can ramp up generation quickly to meet peak demands, while managing demand by using smart grids and by hydro-based balancing services. Goal of the ENSEA Networking Event is to introduce the project to an European audience, exchange with other Regions of Knowledge (energy) projects and to connect to other European funds.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Valérie Toniazzo (FR): How do you see research and innovation making a difference for a better future?

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Well, Europe is a big producer of waste and more and more scientists are now interested in transforming and valorizing this waste, being from food, from textile, or from whatever type of product. And polymer science and the new type of producing polymers and soft matters are now interested in using this waste. And also, recycling is another possibility to try to get rid of the resources coming from oustide Europe, for example.

International Cooperation - New publication

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

'Overview of international science, technology and innovation cooperation between Member States and countries outside the EU and the development of a future monitoring mechanism'

Research Headlines - United response to nuclear safety

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Radioactivity as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster in the 1980s is still present in the environment. But 17 national emergency management organisations and 33 research institutes have come together to prevent or minimise the impact of such a thing happening again. Their objective has been to ensure that Europe can respond better to similar emergencies in the future.

Social Sciences and Humanities - Final SEARCH Academic Conference, Barcelona, 10-11 February 2014

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Bringing together 17 partners from a variety of countries, SEARCH is working to improve implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy. While paying special attention to the cohesive potential of the European Research Neighbourhood, the project is mainly aimed at strengthening the integration process between the EU and the Neighbouring Countries.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Joao A. S. Bomfim (BR): How do you see research and innovation making a difference for a better future?

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Right now, in the materials science field, we are trying to reduce the environmental impact of the materials we use in our everyday life. So we're trying to recycle plastics more and more, trying to make materials which are hard-recyclable, trying to reduce the impact of production, cutting on fuel consumption, on CO2 emissions, reducing the energy needed to create and transform materials. If we manage to have all of that, - and it's on its way - you can have a cleaner environment, you can have a more competitive industry and have a better future, for us and for all our children.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Ghislain Sillaume (FR): What is needed to exit the crisis and help Europe's economy to grow?

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

I think that, in a way, a very optimistic one of course, the crisis should be a chance for the European citizens. I think they can probably leverage on the crisis to think about a new model. I'm thinking, for example, about new generations and younger people who can, maybe, think about a kind of social innovation and try to reinvent, in a way, the way we are living now together. I think many people think purely in terms of financial economy, but one thing that is very important for all of us, is the wellbeing of Europe and it's not purely economic.

Events - 3rd European Energy Conference (E2C 2013) - 27-30 October 2013, Budapest, Hungary

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The topics of the 3rd European Energy Conference (E2C 2013) will cover chemistry, physics and material sciences related to energy technologies. To harness safely and efficiently the energy of the Sun both directly and indirectly, as well as the nuclear and thermonuclear power generation are in the centre of the conference programme. Energy storage in chemical and other forms, hydrogen infrastructure and energy transfer by photosynthesis will also be discussed. The aim of the conference is to lead to effective and fruitful communication between the research, government and industrial communities for a more sustainable and efficient European energy policy.

The conference will be attendend also by Robert-Jan Smits, European Commission, DG Research and Innovation, Romana Jordan, MEP and Pál Kovacs, Hungarian State Secretary.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Dr. Nuray Unlu Bohn (TR): What is needed to exit the crisis and help Europe's economy to grow?

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

As Europeans, we all have to change our mindset first. When you look at the U.S. they have completely different mindsets, when it comes to, especially, innovation and commercialization of innovation and to put the product and goods into the market. And also the investors have a completely different mindset than in Europe. So first we have to change our mindset and, first of all, we have to unify and we really have to create a single market in Europe because we are all talking about a single market in Europe, but unfortunately, it doesn't exist yet. We have to cut the borders. I mean, it seems as there are no borders, no customs, yes but when it comes to the other standards and applications, it still exists. We really have to create a single market in Europe.

Research Headlines - Solving the mystery of the off-beat heart

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Modern medicine has come a long way, but the mere thought of having a heart defect can still rattle us to our very core. The heart is a human body’s engine room. Each time its beat propels blood through our bodies, it is a reassuring affirmation of our existence.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Gerhard Bethscheider (DE): What is needed to exit the crisis and help Europe's economy to grow?

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

I'm missing the common will to develop towards a Europe, not only without frontiers, that we have already today, but a Europe where people think in the same direction openly and respectfully... That is what I'm missing to a certain extend at the moment.

Research Headlines - Learning what Europeans really think

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

What do Europeans think of big issues affecting their lives, from schools to policing and healthcare? While elections and opinion polls offer a snapshot of thought on particular topics, they do not delve into the deeper feelings, hopes and fears of Europeans on key questions. The ESS charts changing attitudes and behaviour patterns of the diverse European populations on key policy issues, shedding light on the complex relationships between citizens and institutions.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Berhard Peters (DE): How do you see research and innovation making a difference for a better future?

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

We need to have an interdisciplinary approach for research and innovation. That means, we need to get teams together that include disciplines from different fields, like, for example, engineering, economy, politics or physics and these teams, they will be able to construct a more complete framework or solutions from which the society benefits and is as well for better future for the next generations.

Research Headlines - Laying down markers for future cancer treatments

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Targeting existing proteins in the human body which contribute to the growth of cancerous cells can help researchers develop tailor-made treatments. A team of EU researchers is working on ways to trick the proteins which ordinarily aid cancer growth into delivering therapeutic treatments directly to the cancerous cells.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Cristina Florean (IT): How do you see research and innovation making a difference for a better future?

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

So I think research and innovation can play a major role for improving the future, of Europe or the world. And the thing that is important is that we have to focus on what's really importantand not watse time and resources in less important matters: they have to focus on human wellbeing and society wellbeing. And I think the question is: what matters?

International Cooperation - Conference “Strengthening international cooperation in Research & Innovation - Experiences from Latin America and the Caribbean, and Mediterranean Partner Countries”, 17-19 June 2013, Marseille, France

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Institute of Research for Development organizes from 17 June to 19 June 2013, in Marseille, France, the 4th INCO conference and the annual meeting of the National Contact Point for the international cooperation activities funded by the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. The Conference brings together a diverse range of research managers, funders, and other experts, from all over the world. The main objective of the conference will be to discuss the future of international cooperation in European and international Research and Innovation programmes. This year, the regional focus emphasizes experiences from Latin America and the Caribbean and Mediterranean Partner Countries.

Press Centre - Brussels conference gives strong endorsement to Human Frontier Science Program

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The European Commission today hosted an intergovernmental conference to set out a new, three-year year budgetary framework for the Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP), the only truly global programme funding frontier research in the life sciences.

Research Headlines - Metal oxides: building blocks for future nanoelectronics

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

We human beings breathe oxygen to live. But oxygen is also part of a class of materials - transition metal oxides - which have excited academics and industry alike. Little is understood of their properties. EU-funded researchers, led by Trinity College Dublin, are keen to change that. The team has developed modelling tools for investigating the behaviour of potential micro- and nanoelectronic devices using transition metal oxides.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Nicolas Baygert (BE): What is needed to exit the crisis and help Europe's economy to grow?

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Well, I think we have, of course, the economic crisis on the one hand. And the economic crisis, of course, needs to rethink solidarity, solidarity between European citizens and not so much about people, nations, about states, but think about Europe as an entity. Some people think about a federal sate, about a superstate, European state. Well it's not so much about that. It is about finding our place on the world stage, where other forces, other continents, other political bodies now, are having a much more important role on the world stage. So that's one thing. On the other hand, we have to rethink European branding: we need a European narrative and, for this European narrative, we need good stories and these stories do not exist for the moment we are still thinking on a nation-based conception, so we need to find a European story that really includes everyone.

Press Centre - New partnership to fight poverty-related diseases

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The European Union and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have today pledged to work together to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other poverty-related diseases that together affect more than 1 billion people worldwide. The agreement, signed in Paris today by foundation co-chair Bill Gates and European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, creates a new strategic partnership for research in the area. Between 2007 and 2011, the foundation and the European Commission have contributed around 2.4 billion euro (3.1 billion USD) to research and development focused on poverty-related infectious diseases, supporting the development of more than 20 new and improved products.

Research Headlines - Scientific fitness trials show exercise helps fish reach sexual maturity

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Exercise has been proved to make farmed fish happier and healthier, in turn providing consumers with better-quality food. Now, a team of European researchers have applied the fitness model to reproduction studies in fish in a bid to speed up their sexual maturity and increase stocks. The research has already shown increases in rates of growth in zebrafish.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Yumma Mudra (FR): What is needed to exit the crisis and help Europe's economy to grow?

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

My personal belief about this crisis is that it is a crisis that is much deeper than only economic and political. I think it is a crisis about how the human being is using its own creativity and intelligence.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Larry Moffett (US): How do you see research and innovation making a difference for a better future?

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Well, I think research and innovation are critical. I think Europe invests a lot in research but we are maybe not still getting the results that we hope for is in innovation, and having a real impact on the economy. And so I think we have to work on developping a spirit of innovation among young people in particular.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Morgane Stok (BE): How do you see research and innovation making a difference for a better future?

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

In 2050, the earth will reach like 9 billion people, so in my opinion, we need to keep innovating and trying to find solutions to just be able to, first, spare our planet and secondly, to be able to feed all those people, so I think we need to find alternatives as far as energy is concerned, for example, and try to find solutions to, just slow overconsumption down and... well I think that without research and development, we just won't be able to survive.

Press Centre - Statement on the Court of Auditors Report on FP7

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The European Court of Auditors has today issued a special report into the functioning of the European Union's seventh research framework programme (FP7) and made several recommendations for improving EU research funding in the future. Michael Jennings, European Commission Spokesperson for Research, Innovation and Science, says that the European Commission considers the Court's report is a reasonable assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of FP7.

Research Headlines - Major pan-European study conducted on ocean acidification

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

More than 160 researchers across 10 European countries joined together, in what is being hailed as the first international project to focus on ocean acidification and its consequences.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Thomas Bouissaguet (FR): How do you see research and innovation making a difference for a better future?

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Actually, I'm really really passionate about science. I don't understand anything at all in science, but every time I hear about a scientific bridge or something like that I feel glad for humanity, because we manage to find something in the infinitely small or infinitely big, in the sky, or elsewhere. I don't understand it, but I feel glad with it, like the Higgs Bozon, for example, I was happy without knowing why, but I love when science evolves.

Press Centre - EU rewards 9 innovative public initiatives in Europe

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The European Commission today announced the winners of the European Prize for Innovation in Public Administration. This prize celebrates the most innovative, forward-looking public initiatives which benefit citizens, firms, or the education and research sector. Nine initiatives from Croatia, Finland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain (two winners), Sweden and the UK were awarded EUR 100 000 each (MEMO/13/503). Winning initiatives included integrated healthcare information accessible on a phone, a web-based platform for funding opportunities for firms, and a nationwide plagiarism detection system for higher education institutions.

Research Headlines - Addressing aircraft hazards through cutting-edge simulation

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

While advances in safety technology have made aviation one of the safest forms of transport, researchers are constantly striving to make testing ever more rigorous. An EU-funded project has successfully developed a cost-effective simulation for extreme icing conditions, which should benefit both industry and passengers.

Success Stories - Flood alert

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Dams that protect urban areas from flooding sometimes fail, resulting in catastrophic damage. But what can be done to prevent such disasters?

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Melissa Rancourt (US): What is needed to exit the crisis and help Europe's economy to grow?

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

It's a good question, I don't think there's an easy answer to that. I would like to see entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial activities be given more focus, in Europe as one area. In many areas of the world there is a variety of different entrepreneurship activities that is promoted and encouraged by the governments and by society because it's a need going forward. If we could do the same in Europe, perhaps that could help with getting through the economic crisis.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Talheh Daryanavard (BE): What are your main concerns for the future?

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Because of my political opinions, I'm much more concerned about the environment and culture in Europe because I believe that environment and culture can be the base of development, of course of political development, and economic development in Europe. So, I believe that environment can be the future of Europe.

Research Headlines - Finding a cure for a rare and debilitating genetic disease

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

DevelopAKUre is a European Union (EU)-funded research project which is working to establish a safe, reliable treatment for a rare and hitherto incurable disease. Caused by a genetic mutation, Alkaptonuria (AKU) leads to a severe and early-onset form of osteoarthritis and can also cause heart problems.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Linda Schellekens (NL): What is needed to exit the crisis and help Europe's economy to grow?

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The main thing we have to think about is working together. We are all one big Europe so there is no need to just pray for your own little region. We have to come out of this problem together, all of us, so I think it is important for all the leaders to work together, to no distrust each other as much as they might be doing now and also think about the good in people. The people and the countries that are struggling, I know some of them and they really want to work, they want to solve the problem. So, we should make it sure they get the opportunity to actually help to solve the problem as well.

Public Health Research - Impacts, challenges and limitations of EU-funded public health research - Priorities for future research

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Report of the Independent Expert Group on the Future of European Public Health Research.

Research Headlines - Safer buildings, lower risks: reducing the damage caused by earthquakes in Europe

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Nothing can be done to prevent earthquakes from occurring, and researchers are limited in forecasting when and where they will strike and how strong they might be. Fortunately, a great deal of progress is being made to ensure that buildings throughout Europe are designed and built to withstand major earthquakes when they strike.

Success Stories - Burn fat, not energy

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

There are around 1.5 million sporting facilities in Europe helping people have fun, stay healthy, and have fun.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Steve Detry (BE): What are your main concerns for the future?

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

I think we can be concerned about the future. For example, there is an incertain future and we don't know what we're gonna have next what is the next challenges and I think it corresponds to a certain way of thinking nowadays: when you are planning programmes, budgets and so it's always for the next 5 - 10 years and we don't see further than 5 - 10 years and I think it's a big challenge for us, because we are always thinking in short terms.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Johanna Store (FI): What is needed to exit the crisis and help Europe's economy to grow?

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

I think we need to find new economic models that are more inclusive and more sustainable, again, and for that, we need to appeal to our creativity, which is actually a good opportunity, I think.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Simon Sticker (DE): How do you see research and innovation making a difference for a better future?

Fri, 31 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

I mean science is... When you take science as creating understanding for something, then science is the most important thing: we have to understand what is the problem before we can solve it.

Research Headlines - Unlocking the biofuel potential of algae

Fri, 31 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Biofuel extracted from algae could provide a much-needed solution to the world’s increasing energy needs. The Marine algae as biomass for biofuels (Mabfuel) project is working on ways to optimise growth processes and oil yield on a commercial scale with future energy demands in mind. Early results show two specific species of algae have higher oil content when produced outdoors and thus could help address these demands.

Events - You’re all invited to the Green Week! - 4-7 June 2013, Brussels

Thu, 30 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The 2013 edition of Green Week, the biggest annual conference on European environment policy, will take place from 4 to 7 June at The Egg Conference Centre in Brussels. This year's theme is Air quality and it will showcase relevant examples of FP7 projects.

Come and discover DG Research & Innovation’s contribution.

On 6 June, the three conference sessions organised by DG Research & Innovation will focus on:

Science & evidence-based environmental policy making

Perspectives for the future – a research agenda for EU air quality

Air quality & innovation

You can attend the sessions free of charge after registration here: https://greenweek2013.sharpdev.be/default.aspx

Green Week offers a unique opportunity for debate and exchanges of experience and best practices. Join us to learn more about the main environmental concerns in Europe, where most of our Member States have difficulties to meet the air quality limits established by current European legislation.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Joëlle Boisaubert - Taylor (FR): How do you see research and innovation making a difference for a better future?

Thu, 30 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Yes, I see it as being very important but I'm a little bit scared that it becomes an added, not gimmick, but added tool for even more consumerism. And that, I find quite worrying, because we are in this throwaway society and I think we have to step back a little bit and just maybe, you know, think: do we need this product? Yes, new technologies, yes new ideas but used wisely.

Press Centre - Remarks on Horizon 2020 by Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn at the Competitiveness Council

Thu, 30 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

I would like to thank all delegations, and in particular Minister Sherlock and his team, for their continued efforts over the last five months on the Horizon 2020 package...

Press Centre - Eleven EU research projects shortlisted for nanotechnology prize

Thu, 30 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Eleven EU-funded nanotechnology projects have been shortlisted for the "Best Research Project Award" to be announced at the next EuroNanoForum (ENF2013), Europe's largest Nanotechnology and Materials Conference, in Dublin.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Nicolas Baygert (BE): How do you see research and innovation making a difference for a better future?

Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Well, the first thing we have to keep in mind is that it is not a solution to outsource science. What I mean with that is that we see that a lot of very good scientists and very successful students are more and more leaving Europe to study elsewhere, study in the US or even in Asia, and that is a big problem for the future. So we have to make the surrounding the environment in which they can pursue their research, more attractive. We have to give them some interesting environment, in order to want to stay in Europe. So, that's the first problem. And then, I think that science was always at the heart of the European project. Why? Because innovation is something that is deep rooted in the European mind. Innovation, really belongs to the way we think, the way we function as Europeans, so, definitely it is essential for the European future.

Research Headlines - Major human drug trial underway for Alzheimer's

Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A potentially ground-breaking human drug trial is currently underway, which aims to discover whether blood pressure medication can slow or halt the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This is the latest in EU-funded studies, which are being made public to highlight the European Month of the Brain.

Events - Nano and advanced materials for cultural heritage - 21 June 2013, Brussels

Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A clustering meeting dedicated to FP7 projects dealing with nano and advanced materials for cultural heritage is taking place on 21 June 2013. The event will involve six projects: HEROMAT, IMAT, NANOFORART, NANOMATCH, PANNA and ROCARE

The purpose of the meeting is to foster collaboration and synergies among these projects. A special focus will be put on SMEs-related issues and on the exploitation and commercialisation of results.

The meeting is taking place in the MADOU Auditorium, Place Madou 1, B-1210 Brussels.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Emma Vigand (BE): What is needed to exit the crisis and help Europe's economy to grow?

Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

I don't know really about a specific thing to do, but maybe people need to find new jobs and a new way to work, because we see, nowadays, with Arcelor Mittal, the industry is going down and we have so many new technologies and we have to find new ways to work.

Research Headlines - Using gene science to breed drought-tolerant crops

Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Drought is one of the biggest worries for a farmer, sometimes threatening entire harvests, but a European Union (EU)-funded project is using the latest gene science to see whether the worst effects of water shortages could be averted with drought-tolerant plants.

Success Stories - Technology cooperation to drive greener and quieter aircraft

Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Wind tunnels are very expensive research facilities which are critical to the development of the new aerospace components and configurations vital to keeping the aircraft industry competitive.

Success Stories - Improving safety in vehicles for all European citizens

Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Road accidents killed almost 35 000 people in the European Union's 27 member states in 2009, the latest year for which statistics are available. While this number represents a fall of 38% since the start of the 21st century, there is still great scope to improve vehicle safety in Europe.

Success Stories - Protecting and managing biodiversity - the foundation of life as we know it

Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

"Biodiversity is the living tissue of our planet," says Xavier Le Roux, BiodivERsA's project coordinator. "It delivers services – what we call "ecosystem services" – which are very important for human society." Provided by the countless living organisms which make up life on earth, these services include functions such as plant and crop pollination, the maintenance of soil fertility, the regulation of greenhouse gases, and the production of food.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Mike Taylor (GB): What are your main concerns for the future?

Mon, 27 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

I'm concerned about the recent events in the financial world. There's a complete reworking required for the banking system and related financial systems. Efforts have been made in the US and in Europe to repare the damage and prepare the future, but I'm not sure enough has been done yet. People are very timid about changing an established system, which, unfortunately, was based on human greed. I'm also concerned about the environment, about, not only the way the industry functions, but also about the way that certain NGOs function in the so-called defense of the environment

Research Headlines - Switching to sustainable urban water management

Mon, 27 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Cities around the world are facing a myriad of pressures, including rapid urbanisation and urban sprawl. As a result, authorities are finding it increasingly difficult to manage scarce water resources, deliver water and sanitation services, and dispose of wastewater. At the same time, authorities must do their utmost to minimise the negative impact of such developments on the environment and urban populations.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Emilie Tack (FR): How do you see research and innovation making a difference for a better future?

Sun, 26 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Research and Innovation is very broad but in different sectors you can enable a smart, sustainable and inclusive future. So it can be key enabling technologies for a smart and green future. It can also be cutting edge technology for us to have faster and more global connections with the rest of the world, but also so that these connections like planes for instance, respect our environment. So of course technologies do have a role to play and they do already play a role, but we have to make sure that they also respect people's privacy and the environment.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Martin Ophoven (BE): How do you see research and innovation making a difference for a better future?

Sat, 25 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Science is fundamental. Science could be also seen in a broader sense. I work in the human science field let's say, and I think we need research and development to find new ways to develop democracy and to collaborate. That would be a field of expertise as well as for technology, ecology and other themes. These are complementaries, without any doubts.

Events - How to retain European leadership in particle physics - 29 May 2013, European Parliament, Brussels

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The European Strategy for Particle Physics, whose current update is to be formally adopted by the CERN Council in Brussels on 30 May, sets out Europe's vision for a bold future at the forefront of global particle physics research. In this meeting, the President of the CERN Council and the Director General of CERN presents a preview of the strategy and discuss the benefits to society of European leadership in basic science.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Anouk De Bast (BE): What is needed to exit the crisis and help Europe's economy to grow?

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

On the economic side, I think we are facing a really big challenge which is a change in the way the world is working. I mean that, before, the western countries were the centre and now, this centre is starting to move,to diversify, to be set in different places and we have to find a new place, as Europe, in this new game I would say.

Press Centre - EU, US, Canada launch Atlantic Ocean research alliance

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The European Union, the United States and Canada today agreed to join forces on Atlantic Ocean research. The agreement focuses on aligning the ocean observation efforts of the three partners. The goals are to better understand the Atlantic Ocean and to promote the sustainable management of its resources. The work will also study the interplay of the Atlantic Ocean with the Arctic Ocean, particularly with regards to climate change. The EU and its Member States alone invest nearly two billion euro on marine and maritime research each year. The 'Galway Statement on Atlantic Ocean Cooperation' was signed today at a high level conference at the Irish Marine Institute in Galway. The Prime Minister of Ireland, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, attended the event.

Research Headlines - Turning the nanotech promise into commercial reality

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Nanotechnology offers human society a vast range of benefits, making possible startling advances in everything from medicines and cosmetics to energy generation, electronics and even 'hi-tech' clothing. What is more, this nanotechnology 'revolution' is still only in its infancy. Research into ever more applications is in full swing.

Success Stories - The solar car driving Egypt into the future

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

It doesn't look much like the car of the future: the vehicle parked in a workshop in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt's Red Sea tourist haven, resembles nothing more than a golf cart or a milk float. But thanks to its pioneering solar technology, it could pave the way for the production of Egypt's first ever eco-friendly road vehicle.

Success Stories - Cheese by-product to make packaging greener

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Plastic films are used for packaging a wide range of products, offering protection against humidity and potential contaminants. Over time, however, these films let in air, diminishing the properties of the packed products. And while multilayer films combining several plastics are often used to improve protection, most of this packaging cannot be recycled. The researchers behind the EU-funded WHEYLAYER project found a cheese-based biodegradable alternative to conventional multilayer films.

Events - BRAIN DAMAGE AND REPAIR - 22-26 July 2013, Santander (Spain)

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This Summer School is devoted to neurodegenerative diseases and spinal cord trauma, their pathogenesis and to the actual development of drugs and strategies for neuroreparation and neuroprotection of the damaged brain. Expert scientists from the EU and the USA will deliver their lectures in the frontier of knowledge. Also young PhD or postdoctoral students attending the School will present their experimental own results.

Fellowships for young investigators are available in UIMP's web as well as from Teófilo Hernando's Foundation (Please see www.ifth.es)

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Luca Copetti (BE): What are your main concerns for the future?

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

I'd say that the main concern I have is the danger of seeing Europe transform itself into a region of war again. I think nothing is taken for granted, it can happen again, look at what's happening in Greece, for example, look at the revolts of the population in Portugal. I think we should always remember that the main concern of the Founding Fathers was Never again!

Research Headlines - A breath of fresh air for Europe's citizens

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Over half of the world's population lives in urban areas and that proportion is rising. This has severe consequences for the quality of the air we are exposed to thanks to increased transportation and industry within built-up areas. Rising levels of pollution prompted the European Commission in recent years to fund a number of projects into air quality across the EU at the city, regional and country level.

Success Stories - New airplane inspection system to make skies safer

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The research team behind the European Union (EU)-funded "QualiTi" project has developed a new testing system for titanium-made airplane parts that improves by 20 percent manufacturing-related defects' detection, even if the probability of such flaws causing any potential incidents is very low.

Success Stories - New weld inspection system to boost rail safety

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Europe's railway networks have dedicated teams devoted to checking track safety, inspecting the metal for any cracks or defects that could cause problems. If a track needs fixing, it is often welded on-site. But for all their expertise, the track inspectors have few tools to check whether the resulting welds are strong enough. Now, however, researchers have built a new tool to provide an easy yet reliable ultrasonic test of track welds, adding a much-needed layer of safety to the rail network.

Events - Agricultural Research and Food Security - Outlook to Horizon 2020 and Beyond - 5 June 2013, Brussels

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

What will be the biggest challenges facing European agricultural sector in the near future, and what will be the role of research, namely the new EU research programme, Horizon 2020, in facing them? That will be the focus of a conference entitled "Agricultural Research and Food Security – Outlook to Horizon 2020 and beyond", held at the Czech Permanent Representation to the EU (Rue Caroly 15) on 5 June 2013. More information on the programme and the registration form are available on the website of CZELO, the Czech Liaison Office for Research, Development and Innovation.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Amélie Salmon (FR): How do you see research and innovation making a difference for a better future?

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The solution is a multi-level one. You can go in very technical solutions like manage the budget, manage the Euro crisis and so on, and also manage the regulations but a good start would be to find new ideas for growth, jobs, maybe create your own job... That is part of the solution I guess.

Research Headlines - Preparing the way for the understanding of a rare neurological disease

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

ENRAH-SME was a pioneering European Union (EU)-funded project which laid the crucial groundwork for a major breakthrough in the understanding and potential treatment of a rare childhood neurological disease.

Success Stories - Tracking and cleaning small oil spills

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Major oil spills from sinking supertankers are thankfully very rare these days. However, smaller oil spills from shipping are unfortunately still common. Most ships have some type of fuel on board and if they are involved in an accident, there is a risk of that fuel leaking into the sea.

Events - CS2Bio'13: 4th International Workshop on Interactions between Computer Science and Biology - 6 June 2013, Florence, Italy

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Systems Biology is a stimulating field of application for computer scientists, mathematicians, physicists and a promising resource for biologists. The aim of this workshop is to gather researchers in formal, mathematical, probabilistic and computational methods that are interested in the convergence of Computer Science, Computational Science and Life Sciences.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Julien Defrance (BE): What is needed to exit the crisis and help Europe's economy to grow?

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

On its own, Europe is not responsible of the crisis. I think Europe has done plenty of good things but we need to calm down a bit the investors and not trying to find always the best interest. I don't think obligation, European obligations such as Greece and other, have to be on the market I think, personally, that's the reason why the crisis is so high todays, that they're speculating on products that are involving our daily life every day. That is my point of view.

Research Headlines - New device boosts fight against terrorist bombs

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

It is an all-too familiar scene. A suspect package in a crowded public place like a shopping mall, a train or an airport. Is it harmless? Or is it a bomb?

Success Stories - Banishing the "black cloud": How rice research could clear Egypt's skies

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

It's a phenomenon known locally as the "black cloud", and it plagues Egypt every autumn after the rice harvest: an estimated 4 million tonnes of rice straw is burnt every season, spewing some 80,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the skies. It leaves a choking, toxic layer of thick smog hanging just 25 meters above over the entire Nile valley for weeks, and adds to the already polluted air over the Cairo megalopolis.

Success Stories - Deep inside the brain

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The brain controls our thinking, feelings and movements and a new exhibition in southern France aims to reveal some of its secrets.

Horizon 2020 - video testimonials - Viktoria Paar (AT): What is needed to exit the crisis and help Europe's economy to grow?

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

I mean, people have a very egoistic thinking and I think we should work together more. I mean the European Governments like to do it, but I think in the wrong way.

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