Many inspiring speeches were delivered from 30 November to 1 December at the Science with and for Society in European Alliances: Cross-Alliances Forum 2023, taking place in Brussels, showcasing the progress that 37 alliances have made so far, aiming to create the free movement of knowledge.
As underscored by Manuel Aleixo, DG RTD, Head of Unit ERA Spreading excellence & Research careers, and March Tachelet, Director of REA, during their speeches delivered to an auditorium of more than 230 guests, European Universities Alliances and the European Commission are doing our best to make Europe the most attractive place for research and to encourage individuals to become researchers.
At the plenary sessions, all speakers agreed that now is the time to influence policymakers, especially in securing adequate funding for the ambitious goals of these Alliances. 11 organizing Alliances pooled their forces to initiate workshops and roundtables with professionals from various fields and all participating alliances. Discussions were focused on HR issues, advancing common science agendas, SwafS projects’ contribution for future developments of the Alliances, inter- and trans-disciplinarity in research management. The emphasis was put on curiosity-driven, responsible, and transparent research, collaboration over competition, and dissemination of findings to society. Pivotal discussions and experience exchange played a crucial role in making informed decisions for the future, promoting impactful, quality-driven projects.
Our colleagues from Ghent University, Dr. Dirk De Craemer, Head of the Research Co-ordination Office, ENLIGHT and Fede (Frederik) Dewulf, ENLIGHT RISE Project Manager within the Research Co-ordination Office, had the chance to present ENLIGHT thematic focus groups at the SWAFS Forum.
During an interactive poster session, the Alliances showcased their best results, and participants shared their best practices and valuable insights regarding seven transformational modules. All posters are available online and ready to download - Mapping Alliances' R&I Best Practices | CHARM-EU.
European Commission members Tine Delva, DG EAC, Deputy Head of Unit, and Stijn Delauré, DG RTD, Policy Officer, attended the wrap-up, expressing satisfaction with the growing impact of the Alliances. The Alliances, through their Swafs projects, gained invaluable knowledge. According to Minna Wilkki, Head of the Department C, REA, claimed that 'European Universities Alliances are on the right path to being pioneers of change.'
Watch the replay of the event: Science with and for Society in European Universities Alliances: Cross-Alliances forum 2023 - YouTube
Find the photo gallery of the event.
The Organising Committee from the event wants to thank the photographer, Aurore Delsoir, for her great work during the forum. More information about Aurore Delsoir can be found here: https://www.auroredelsoir.be/