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.

Advancing Global Food Security: Insights and Innovations from Recent Research Infrastructure Developments

EU-LAC ResInfra Plus Project Workshop Highlights Overview

 

On June 17th, 2024, the inaugural workshop of the EU-LAC ResInfra Plus project convened as part of Work Package 2. This significant event brought together over 75 researchers, managers, and technicians from a multitude of research infrastructures, along with members of the Working Group from more than 25 countries across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Opening Remarks

The workshop began with insights from Sabina Guaylupo, Head of the Ibero-American Office at the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), and Claudia Romano, Work Package 2 leader and Manager of the Uruguayan Agency for International Cooperation (AUCI). They provided an overview of the EU-LAC ResInfra Plus project, detailing the work packages and scheduled activities.

Key Presentations

  • MetroFood Research Infrastructure: Introduced by Judita Klosakova from the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport, MetroFood is dedicated to enhancing food quality and safety through advanced metrology services, involving 48 institutes across 18 European countries.
  • Food Security in LAC: Dina Gutierrez of Peru’s Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agrícola (INIA) discussed food security challenges from the LAC perspective, highlighting issues like income inequality and rising food prices affecting vulnerable populations.

Group Discussions

Participants engaged in focused discussions within two subgroups:

  1. Obstacles to International Cooperation: Delved into the challenges between EU and LAC infrastructures, such as access issues, development barriers, and bureaucracy.
  2. Strategic Lines of Work: Explored effective strategies for fostering international collaboration, particularly through advanced infrastructures in the EU that support information sharing.

Closing Remarks

The workshop concluded with a speech by Claudia Romano, who expressed gratitude for the participants’ contributions and the productive discussions.

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