From February 24th to 26th, a delegation from Alianza 4 Universidades (A4U) convened in Brussels to delve into the most pressing topics in Research and Innovation (R&I). The delegation included Vice-Rectors for Research and Innovation, Directors of R&I, and Heads of EU Grants Offices from the four universities that comprise A4U: the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M), and Pompeu Fabra University (UPF).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The meeting began with a warm welcome from Elena Dom\u00ednguez, the CSIC delegate in Brussels. Montserrat Badia Serrano (EC \u2013 DG RTD) provided insights into the European Commission\u2019s preparations for the next R&I Framework Program. Slaven Misljen\u010devi\u0107 (EC \u2013 DG RTD) then outlined the strategy for consolidating EU-level initiatives to attract and retain scientific talent through the ERA Talent Platform. Agust\u00edn Calvo highlighted the EC\u2019s efforts to establish a pan-European pension fund for mobile researchers, known as the RESAVER program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The agenda continued with interactive sessions led by Mila Bas and Josefina Enfedaque on the European Research Council (ERC), followed by a session on the European Innovation Council (EIC) with Ewa Koci\u0144ska-Lange. While A4U universities have achieved notable success in ERC grants, the focus now is on improving performance in EIC initiatives to amplify the societal impact of their research. Catherine Berens delivered a practical session on shaping the next Life Sciences Strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marina Mart\u00ednez (SOST-CDTI) addressed the political developments impacting universities and their R&I activities, proposing actionable steps to ensure proactive engagement. Additionally, Dirk de Craemer (UGhent) shared organizational best practices in research management, offering valuable insights into Ghent University\u2019s internal structures and strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The meeting was organized by A4U\u2019s Office for the Promotion of European Research Activities (OPERA) at the CSIC facilities in Brussels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About Alianza 4 Universidades (A4U):<\/strong> In 2009, A4U launched OPERA to support its universities in securing European research funding and influencing R&D policy. OPERA\u2019s objectives include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Participants from A4U Universities:<\/strong> From February 24th to 26th, a delegation from Alianza 4 Universidades (A4U) convened in Brussels to delve into the most pressing topics in Research and Innovation (R&I). The delegation included Vice-Rectors for Research and Innovation, Directors of R&I, and Heads of EU Grants Offices from the four universities that comprise A4U: the Autonomous University of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":19280,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[46,38],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19284","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-highlights","category-what-s-new"],"yoast_head":"\n
A4U is a strategic alliance of four leading Spanish public universities: the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M), and Pompeu Fabra University (UPF). Established to strengthen collaboration, A4U aims to enhance the research profiles of its member universities, foster internationalization, and promote mobility for students, faculty, and researchers. The alliance also prioritizes quality teaching, interuniversity degree programs, and online training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Vice-Rectors: Vanesa Daza (UPF), Cristina Pujades (UPF), Daniel Jaque (UAM), Maite Bl\u00e1zquez (UAM), Assumpci\u00f3 Malgosa (UAB), Rosa M. Sebasti\u00e1n (UAB), Guillermo Carpintero (UC3M).
Directors: Iv\u00e1n Mart\u00ednez (UAB), N\u00faria Claver (UAB), Clara G\u00f3mez (UAM), Rafa Oliveros (UAM), Eva Mart\u00edn (UPF), Regina Garc\u00eda (UAM), Cristina Velasco (UC3M), M\u00f2nica de Forn (UPF), Ana Sagardoy (UPF), Chelo Mor\u00e1n (UC3M), Isabel Ballesteros (UC3M), Florencia Giunta (UC3M).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"