DG Editorial July 2021

Dear colleagues,

I am very pleased to let you know that this week we reached a major milestone: we have launched the European Commission Knowledge Centre on Cancer. It is the first flagship action of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and will provide key evidence and coordinate actions in the fight against cancer.  By working together with others engaged in this fight, we want to make sure that our collective knowledge is applied to the interventions that will save lives and improve care. Patients and their families across the whole of Europe are relying on us, and the Knowledge Centre, led by the JRC, will help to achieve these aims.

In this month’s science story, we look at the latest developments in JRC research to support the sustainable, bio-based industry in Europe. Many everyday items are still produced using fossil-based products and processes that are harmful to the environment, from toothbrushes to T-shirts.  Fossil-fuel based items are so commonplace that we probably use scores of them a day without even realising. However, there are ‘bio-based’ alternatives, that use materials and extracts sourced from plants and animals. Our research in the JRC is helping to fill knowledge gaps so that the right actions can be taken to support this fast-growing sector.

Another good news is that the Commission adopted the JRC’s work programme in June, setting out our activities for 2021-2022. We took on some challenging new tasks over the past year, including leading the design of the New European Bauhaus initiative and playing a strong, cross-cutting role in the Commission’s coronavirus response. Moving forward, these and many other activities will continue; also applying our foresight expertise to new areas and exploring how policymakers can engage more broadly and effectively with citizens.

Despite lock-downs and travel restrictions you now have the possibility to explore JRC activities for yourself in a new, virtual tour of the JRC Visitors’ Centre and – so far - twelve of our 60+ labs and research facilities. Produced using the latest 360 ° video technology, the tour lets you walk through the centre while using interactive monitors to explore our research on themes like 'health and consumer protection' or 'safety and security'.

Happy reading,

Stephen Quest, JRC Director-General