Conversation on Emerging Technologies and Research Infrastructures

Emerging Technologies and Research Infrastructures: A Virtual Conversation

Join us for an insightful virtual dialogue hosted by the Uruguayan Agency for International Cooperation as part of the EU-LAC ResInfra Plus initiative. This event is dedicated to exploring the transformative role of research infrastructures in advancing emerging technologies across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

About the Event

Research infrastructures play a crucial role in enabling cutting-edge innovation, scientific discovery, and international collaboration. Experts from across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe will come together to share best practices, innovative ideas, and insights into building robust, inclusive, and future-proof research ecosystems.

Who Should Attend?

This event is designed for:

Professionals and researchers involved in research infrastructures.

Innovators and policymakers passionate about science and technology.

Anyone interested in fostering international collaboration in science and innovation.

Event Details

08:00 AM – Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua

09:00 AM – Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama

10:00 AM – Dominican Republic, Bolivia

11:00 AM – Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay

16:00 PM – Central European Summer Time (CEST)

Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025

Registration: Click here to register

Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to connect with global experts and shape the future of research and innovation!

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

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