European Research and Innovation Days 2020

European Research and Innovation Days are the European Commission’s annual flagship event, bringing together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and citizens to debate and shape the future of research and innovation in Europe and beyond. Last year’s edition attracted more than 4,400 conference participants and 3,200 exhibition visitors. While the format and shape of the event have changed due to COVID-19, the impact of the event will be even more powerful.

It is taking place from 22 to 24 September 2020 in a virtual format – three days of intensive policy co-designing, thought-provoking panels and matchmaking opportunities. All of the sessions and actions showcasing Europe’s best and brightest research, science and innovation will be reimagined as an online happening featuring a high-level Policy Conference and the interactive Science is Wonderful! public exhibition.

The aim of the event is to ensure that the transition to a post-corona society is sustainable, inclusive and resilient, especially with our societies gradually lifting their lockdowns and recovery plans taking shape. Research and innovation will be key to achieve this.

The virtual event will be structured around interactive sessions where participants will be able to provide input on how research and innovation policy and funding can help propel Europe’s recovery and pave the way to a green, digital and resilient future.

In a crucial year, following an unprecedented global crisis, just ahead of the launch of Horizon Europe – the next research and innovation programme starting in 2021 – and an enhanced European Research Area, this event is a unique chance to discuss how research and innovation will benefit the future of Europe.

Find out more about the European Research and Innovation Days 2020 by visiting their website. Check the draft programme and follow all the developments around the event on Twitter @EUScienceInnov. Feel free to share your thoughts about how you want to shape future research and innovation policy by using the hashtag #RiDaysEU.

How you can actively participate in the event and make the most out of it:

• How can I participate? The virtual event has two key areas: the Policy Conference and the Science is Wonderful! Exhibition. Each area offers unique possibilities to participate and interact with other attendees.

• What is the Policy Conference? Game-changing talks and conversations with research and innovation leaders from across the programme. There will be plenary sessions and hub sessions organised around ten thematic hubs. Both have unlimited capacity and you will be able to watch inspiring speakers and discuss real-world problems. There will also be workshops and co-design sessions with a limited capacity for active participants.
  • plenary sessions: plenaries cover the biggest topics of the event, and are a space for all attendees to come together, watch inspiring speakers and have a front-row seat to hear the prize-winners announced for the Horizon Impact Award, EU Prize for Women Innovators, EIC Horizon Prize for Affordable High-Tech for Humanitarian Aid and the European Capital of Innovation Award.
  • hub sessions: hub sessions bring together the people at the forefront of science innovation around key themes to build links between important research and societal problems.
  • workshops and co-design sessions: workshops are an opportunity for in-depth, highly interactive discussions on specific public policy issues. Workshops for the Horizon Europe Hub will be in a co-design format. These participatory co-design sessions are a valuable way to connect citizens and specialists.
  • chat with the European Commission: a chat box is available for you to submit questions about EU programmes at any time.
  • play games: each thematic hub will have different gamification features like mini-challenges, quizzes, generic rewards and badges to engage in a fun way.
  • network: the platform will offer you the chance to network with other attendees. You will be able to find people based on mutual interests via a search tab and propose a virtual meeting.

• What is the Science is Wonderful! Exhibition? The “virtual Science is Wonderful! ” exhibition offers attendees direct access to some of the ground-breaking research being presented during the event. You can do a virtual tour of researchers’ stands, interact with their activities and ask questions about solutions being developed by EU-funded research initiatives.

Last but not least, some more information about the logistics of the virtual event:

• What are the technical requirements to be able to follow the event? 
  • Edge, Safari, Firefox or Chrome browser
  • 10 mbps internet connection
  • 4GB RAM
  • It is encouraged, but not mandatory to have a webcam for this event.

Stay tuned! The registrations will open soon.