Conversation on Energy and Research Infrastructures

The EU-LAC ResInfra Plus project hosted the fourth thematic workshop of WP 2.3 on February 21. The event brought together over 50 researchers, managers, and technicians from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe to discuss key developments and cooperation opportunities in energy research infrastructures (RIs). Led by Alejandro Quinteros from the Uruguayan Agency for International Cooperation (AUCI), the session highlighted the project’s objectives and the importance of policy dialogue among key stakeholders.

A notable presentation was delivered by Delfina Muñoz, Senior Researcher in Photovoltaics, who introduced the CACTUS project. She emphasized the need for sustainable energy solutions and the role of eco-design in minimizing resource use, extending product lifespans, and fostering innovation in photovoltaic technologies. She also stressed the importance of research infrastructures developing independently from external funding to ensure long-term sustainability and impactful scientific contributions.

From a Brazilian perspective, Lelio Fellows, General Coordinator at the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (CT&I), reinforced the essential role of RIs in Brazil’s scientific policy. He highlighted the need to systematize information to enhance collaboration and optimize research efforts. Fellows pointed out that research centers must secure continuous funding rather than rely on fragmented financial support, enabling sustained innovation and self-sufficiency in the sector.

The workshop also facilitated group discussions on open-access data, research collaboration, and funding challenges. Participants emphasized that centralizing information and fostering cooperation between infrastructures could improve efficiency and knowledge-sharing. Additionally, the lack of resources and limited collaboration in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region were identified as major barriers to progress. The discussion underscored the need for a shared vision, effective communication, and strategic collaboration to drive meaningful advancements in energy research infrastructures.

 

Conversation on Biodiversity, Climate Change and Research Infrastructures

ResInfra Plus is hosting a conversation on biodiversity, climate change, and research infrastructures on November 14, 2024. This event brings together representatives from the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to foster cooperation on biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk reduction.

The session will open with remarks from Sabina Guaylupo of the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) and Alejandro Quinteros of the Uruguayan Agency for International Cooperation (AUCI). Presentations will follow from Ana Mellado of LifeWatch ERIC and Allan Campos of the National High Technology Center (CeNAT). Discussions will address obstacles to international cooperation and explore strategic work lines to tackle these environmental challenges.

This workshop supports policy activities within the EU-LAC Senior Officials’ Meeting, advancing the objective of a sustainable partnership by integrating global research infrastructures and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration. Goals include data sharing and developing comprehensive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.

Join us here!

 

Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Project Portfolio Management, facilitated by ICOS ERIC and ACTRIS ERIC

 

Research Infrastructures often manage multiple projects and benefit from learning best practices from each other. This helps in developing a strategic view for managing project portfolios and analyzing them collectively, rather than focusing only on individual projects. A portfolio approach helps build synergies in the RI community.

An online workshop by RItrainPlus, supported by ICOS and ACTRIS, will address this. It targets those involved in managing multiple projects in RIs or planning to do so. Sessions will cover emerging themes, project management strategies, and ensuring sustainability and project legacy.

For details and registration: Link

Online webinar on Technical Tools to improve the efficiency of RIs staff, facilitated by LifeWatch ERIC

Join us for the 11th online meeting of the RItrainPlus Community of Practice, designed for research infrastructures staff. The session will take place on Friday, 15 November 2024, from 12:00 to 13:30 CET.

The session will address the challenges faced by RIs staff who manage multiple tasks while coordinating with colleagues in different countries. Attendees will learn about digital tools and functionalities that can improve daily workflows, task management, research organization, and global team collaboration.

Speakers include Joaquin Lopez Lerida and moderator Cristina Huertas from LifeWatch ERIC.

For more details, visit: Link

Community of Practice group for peer-to-peer discussions

Join the RItrainPlus Community of Practice events. If you are a manager or operator of a research infrastructure or core facility facing operational or managerial challenges, the RItrainPlus Community of Practice offers support.

This online community connects professionals to share experiences and solutions. It includes open discussions, targeted workshops, and meetings with expert presentations, providing strategies and insights for managers and operators of RIs and CFs.

Join to explore best practices, develop aligned policies, and tackle strategic issues like gender equality and GDPR implementation. Access past meeting recordings and materials by joining the group, open to all RI and CF professionals.

Join the private Facebook group and be part of the RItrainPlus Community of Practice: Link

EU-LAC ResInfra Plus Study Visit at CECT

From November 11th to 15th, 2024, the Spanish Type Culture Collection (CECT) in Valencia will host a study visit organized under the EU-LAC ResInfra Plus project. This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between researchers from the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), fostering participation in the Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure (MIRRI-ERIC).

The study visit is designed for professionals responsible for managing microbial collections in the LAC region. Participants will gain insights into the operational management of a Microbial Resource Center, such as the CECT, and will explore how the center aligns with OECD Best Practice Guidelines and MIRRI-ERIC’s infrastructure requirements.

This visit will provide an opportunity for participants to enhance cooperation in microbial research, as they engage in practical learning experiences and discussions that support long-term international collaboration.

Overcoming Barriers: Enhancing Research Infrastructure Institutional Capacity for Mission-Oriented Innovation Collaboration in LAC Countries

Research Infrastructures (RIs) are essential in transitioning from traditional innovation policies to a mission-oriented approach that addresses societal challenges through collaboration. The Horizon Europe ResInfraPlus workshop will focus on overcoming the institutional barriers that prevent RIs from playing a central role in mission-oriented innovation. Participants from both the EU and LAC regions will discuss the key challenges RIs face in adopting these frameworks, such as limited resources, fragmented collaboration channels, complex governance, and institutional inertia.

The workshop will present findings from a benchmarking exercise that includes document analysis and interviews from selected LAC countries. These insights will highlight successful strategies to address institutional weaknesses and improve international collaboration. Participants will then engage in group discussions to co-create solutions for strengthening institutional capacity. Topics will include anticipatory governance, policy influence, and ecosystem development, all aimed at enabling RIs to contribute more effectively to mission-oriented innovation goals.

Jorge Martins, Senior Scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, will share his expertise on technology strategy, innovation policy, and the management of innovation processes. With extensive experience in projects funded by Horizon Europe and Business Finland, Martins will provide insights into strengthening RI institutional capacity for mission-oriented innovation collaboration.

The workshop will serve as a platform to create actionable strategies and policy recommendations that enhance the capacity of RIs. It will also strengthen networks between RIs and policy stakeholders across the EU and LAC regions, facilitating collaboration that can drive long-term societal benefits.

By the end of the workshop, participants can expect a clearer understanding of the institutional barriers that RIs face in mission-oriented innovation. They will also gain access to tools and strategies that can be applied to strengthen RI capacity, foster international cooperation, and enhance the overall impact of RIs in addressing global challenges.

Register here.

Mission-Oriented Innovation – Strengthening the Role of Research Infrastructures

Mission-oriented innovation requires a comprehensive approach that combines technological, social, and environmental factors. Research Infrastructures (RIs) are well-positioned to drive these transformations due to their advanced capabilities and broad networks of stakeholders. These infrastructures play a key role in developing solutions to global challenges through collaborative, systemic approaches.

A hybrid workshop, hosted by the RESER International Conference in Helsinki and organized as part of the Horizon Europe ResInfraPlus project, will explore how RIs can strengthen their role in mission-oriented innovation by integrating service innovation thinking. This approach emphasizes the importance of collaboration, bringing together stakeholders from diverse sectors such as policymakers, industries, and citizens to co-create impactful solutions.

Key themes for discussion during the workshop include:

How RIs can combine service innovation with technological advancements to create effective solutions for societal missions.

The role of RIs as platforms for co-creation, facilitating collaboration between various stakeholders.

Strategies for enabling RIs to contribute to lasting value creation and societal impact through mission-oriented innovation frameworks.

Jorge Martins, Senior Scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, will present his expertise during the workshop. Jorge Martins leads initiatives related to mission-oriented innovation policy, sustainable industry futures, science diplomacy, and research infrastructure governance. During the workshop, he will share insights on how RIs can enhance their institutional capacity to support mission-oriented innovation.

The workshop offers participants an opportunity to explore how RIs can leverage their potential to address global challenges through service innovation and collaboration. By integrating service innovation thinking, RIs can enhance their impact and drive systemic change aligned with societal missions.

Register here.

Second Virtual Thematic Event by the ENERGYTRAN

Join the Second Virtual Thematic Event by the ENERGYTRAN Project!

 

Hosted by CSIC on October 17th and 18th. The event will focus on the social impact of energy transition in the Ibero-American context. This is the second thematic event of the ENERGYTRAN project and will include discussions on key social issues related to energy transformation.

What to expect:

Panels on the social, gender, and territorial justice dimensions of the energy transition.

Discussions on industrial and public policies in the Ibero-American region.

Insights from experts from Spain, Argentina, Chile, Portugal, and other countries.

Why attend:

Gain knowledge about the social impacts of energy transition.

Engage with policymakers, researchers, and experts from Ibero-America.

Learn about practices and solutions shaping the energy transition.

When: October 17, 16:00 – 20:00 CEST Registration Link: https://lnkd.in/d-vRNRqN Agenda and More Information: https://lnkd.in/duN5zW3c

RI-Hubs Webinar: Exploring Image Data Management in Bioimaging and Structural Biology

RI-Hubs Webinar: Exploring Image Data Management in Bioimaging and Structural Biology

On October 8, the RI-Hubs project will host a webinar focused on Image Data Management in Bioimaging and Structural Biology. This event is the first in a series of webinars aimed at fostering collaboration between Research Infrastructures in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and the European Union (EU). The session will cover topics such as FAIR Principles and their application in regional contexts, data infrastructure challenges, AI tools for managing large datasets, and data privacy and security issues.

Katy Wolstencroft from the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (Netherlands) and Adan Guerrero from the Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada (México) will lead the discussion, sharing insights from their experience in the field. Alejandro Buschiazzo from the Institut Pasteur Montevideo will moderate the webinar, guiding the discussion on Image Data Management.

Participants will gain an understanding of practices and trends in data management, with a focus on practical solutions for collaboration between LAC and EU research infrastructures. This is an opportunity for researchers and professionals involved in bioimaging, structural biology, and data management to engage with experts and peers across regions. Register today to secure your place.

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