果冻影院

On 15 July 2021, 果冻影院 President聽&聽Provost聽Dr聽Michael Spence hosted former European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Carlos Moedas, and research leaders from across the UK and continental Europe for a roundtable discussion聽鈥楽haping a Constructive EU-UK research agenda鈥�.听

The roundtable, convened by the 果冻影院 European Institute and chaired by聽果冻影院 European Institute聽Executive Director and Pro-Vice-Provost for Europe, Dr Uta Staiger, provided the opportunity to exchange views on the challenges and opportunities facing European research, and the evolving EU-UK research relationship.

Discussions, which included participation from the Rectors of 果冻影院 strategic partner universities KU Leuven and ETH Zurich, underlined the importance of preserving research cooperation in the face of increasing geopolitical protectionism; the value of continued UK leadership in European science policy and governance; and the need to develop resilient pan-European collaborations.听

Carlos Moedas, who is now a Visiting Professor at 果冻影院 European Institute, shared his reflections on developing the Horizon Europe programme, which outlines key 鈥渕issions鈥� to solve the pressing global challenges of climate, cancer, oceans, smart cities and soil health.

The group underlined how the Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated both the value of science for society, and the fundamental importance of a globally open, collaborative scientific system. They identified the need for sustained advocacy on the benefits of UK association to Horizon Europe; continued influence for UK science in Brussels; and innovative models for mobilising UK, European and global scientists to tackle complex global challenges, like climate change.

Dr Spence said:聽

鈥淭his event was a timely opportunity to reflect on how UK and European research leaders can strengthen and maintain cooperation, post-Brexit. Discussions made clear our shared commitment to developing sustainable partnerships, as well as our responsibility to jointly advocate for the values of openness and international exchange across borders.鈥澛犅�

Dr Staiger added:

鈥淲e were delighted to convene such an important discussion on the future of European research. There is a huge amount to be played for in strengthening collaborations and a great appetite that the UK remains a key part of European science and endeavour.鈥�

The event will inform a programme of work in the EU-UK research area by the 果冻影院 European Institute and 果冻影院 Global Engagement during the academic year 2021/22.