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

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.

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.

More information

Join the Conversation on Health and Research Infrastructures!

Join Us for a Virtual Event: Shaping the Future of Health and Research Infrastructures


We are excited to invite you to a virtual event on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 15:30 CET. This is a unique opportunity to engage with experts and discuss the future of health and research infrastructures. This event is part of the EU-LAC ResInfra Plus initiative, funded by the European Union, and organized by the Uruguayan Agency for International Cooperation (#AUCI).

🔬 Are you a researcher, manager, or technician of health infrastructures?
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a pivotal discussion that can shape the future of healthcare and research!

📅 Event Details:
Date: Thursday, July 11, 2024
Event Times by Region:
15:30 PM: Central Europe Summer Time (CEST)
07:30 AM: Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua
08:30 AM: Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama
09:30 AM: Chile, Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Bolivia, Cuba
10:30 AM: Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil
Mode: Virtual
📲 Click here to join us!

Let’s come together to explore, innovate, and drive forward the health and research infrastructure in Europe and Latin America. Your participation and insights will be invaluable.

First Virtual Thematic Event by the Energytran Project

Join Us for the First Virtual Thematic Event by the Energytran Project

On June 26th and 27th, the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI) and the Energytran project are hosting a significant virtual event. This event will focus on the technological aspects of energy transformation in Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Event Title:
Strengthening Europe-Latin America Cooperation in Energy Transition: Exploring Innovative Technologies, Policies, and Practices

Expect a comprehensive analysis of emerging technologies in energy transition in Europe and Latin America, along with discussions on innovative policies and practices.

Attending this event will allow you to gain deeper insights into energy transition, network with industry leaders and experts, and participate in meaningful discussions about the future of energy.

The event will take place on June 26 from 16:00 to 20:00 CEST and on June 27 from 16:00 to 20:00 CEST.

Register Here

Conversation on Food Security and Research Infrastructures

EU-LAC ResInfra Plus Conversation on Food Security and Research Infrastructures

We aim to bring together diverse stakeholders in research infrastructures to reflect on the opportunities and obstacles of international cooperation. This workshop invites researchers, managers and technicians of food security infrastructures, fostering dialogue to generate new work lines in bioeconomy, food sovereignty, and agricultural cooperation.

Food Security Focus:

Food security is a priority area identified by the SOM, the EU-CELAC RI WG, and the EU-LAC ResInfra Plus project. It is defined as physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets food preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy life. This workshop will explore unique and shared challenges in Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Europe focuses on reducing dependencies and sustainable food systems, while LAC tackles economic access and social inequality. Both regions face climate change, food inflation, and health crises.

Importance of Research and Innovation:
Research and innovation are key to addressing food security. The workshop will enhance bi-regional cooperation in agricultural research, sustainable practices, and technology integration. Research infrastructures play a vital role in solving challenges and fostering innovation.

Join us to collaborate, share insights, and develop strategies to strengthen food security and research infrastructures. This platform aims to lead to impactful actions and policies. See you there!!

Event Details:

Date: June 17, 2024

Time: 15:30 PM (CET)

Format: Online Workshop

Registration: Register Here

 

EU-LAC ResInfra PLUS – Kick-off Meeting

EU-LAC ResInfra PLUS Kick-off Meeting

We’re thrilled to announce the successful kick-off meeting of the “EU-LAC Resinfra Plus-Towards a sustainable EU-LAC partnership in Research Infrastructures” project, which took place on February 29th and March 1st in Madrid, Spain.

This project, funded through the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, aims to identify best practices in cooperation between EU and Latin American and Caribbean countries in the field of Research Infrastructures, building upon the achievements of the previous ResInfra project funded by the H2020 program. It also leverages the collaboration established through the Research Infrastructure Working Group within the framework of the JIRI-SOM (EU-LAC Joint Initiative on Research and Innovation – Senior Official Meeting).

Despite significant progress in the sector in recent years, fostering dialogue and collaboration within the LAC region remains crucial. The project emphasizes concrete examples, considering the diverse landscape of Research Infrastructures, management and financing modalities and emerging international challenges in Latin America.

Key pillars of EU-LAC Resinfra Plus include promoting open access, gender equality and facilitating staff exchanges. By addressing these priorities, the project aims to overcome obstacles to the development of Research Infrastructures.

Representatives from a wide range of organizations participated in the kick-off meeting, contributing valuable insights and shaping the project’s trajectory for the forthcoming years. Their collaborative efforts underscore the commitment to strengthening bi-regional cooperation in Research Infrastructures.

The project will have a total duration of two years and involves the participation of Ministries, National Agencies and Research Centres of the European Union countries (Spain, Finland, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Romania, UK) and Latin American and Caribbean countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Peru, Uruguay) for a total of 20 partners, including 2 as associates (AP).

We look forward to the impactful outcomes and sustainable partnerships that will emerge from this endeavour.