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!

 

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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