Shaping Europe’s Research Future: EU-LIFE Met the New Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation
An EU-LIFE delegation convened in Brussels with Ekaterina Zaharieva, the newly appointed Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation (2024-2029). Among the attendees was Marta Miączyńska, Director of IIMCB and EU-LIFE Co-Chair, alongside Giulio Superti-Furga, Director of CeMM and EU-LIFE Chair, and Marta Agostinho, Executive Director of EU-LIFE. The meeting aimed to introduce the Commissioner to the independent research ecosystem and outline key priorities for the future of European research and innovation.
From left: Giulio Superti-Furga, Marta Agostinho, Ekaterina Zaharieva and Marta Miączyńska
Advancing European Science through Collaboration
The discussion spanned a range of pressing issues, including the geopolitical challenges facing research and innovation, EU-LIFE’s recommendations for the upcoming 10th Framework Programme (FP10), and the anticipated European Research Area (ERA) Act. Other topics included the need for greater data interoperability, the concept of scientific passports, and strengthening collaborative research across Europe.
Marta Agostinho underscored the significance of the meeting: “We are most grateful to Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva for an engaging and productive discussion. We took the opportunity to emphasize the indispensable role of independent research institutes in driving scientific progress and reiterated EU-LIFE’s commitment to supporting the European Commission’s priorities and the European Research Area.”
A Continued Commitment to Science Policy
EU-LIFE reaffirmed its role as an active contributor to European science policy, engaging in ongoing dialogues with the European Commission and participating as a Research & Technology Performing Organisation in the ERA Forum.
The involvement of IIMCB Director, Professor Marta Miączyńska, highlights the Institute’s dedication to shaping European science policy and strengthening international research collaboration.