In May 2019, Polish Science Contact Agency began a series of meetings devoted to the EU framework programs, both Horizon 2020 and changes as well as new instruments proposed in Horizon Europe (HEU). The purpose of the monthly meetings is to be better prepared for the process of consulting the Strategic Plan (to be launched in July) by building a broader knowledge of the research and innovation framework programs and discussing or developing solutions that enable faster information about this key stage of HEU creation in the regions. The series of meetings is addressed mainly to representatives of Polish regions in Brussels, who can propose some solutions supporting the scientific community at the regional level.
Among the themes that have been proposed were issues of implementing elements to regional operational programs, which can support participation of Polish researchers in Horizon Europe (synergies), or functioning of various forms of representation of universities in Brussels (e.g. university consortia, individual representation, etc.). In addition, the agenda includes meetings with representatives of other EU-13 countries to exchange good practices in terms of widening actions as well as with representatives of governmental institutions on planned solutions at the national level, which can lead to more active participation in HEU (for instance, Seal of Excellence, Premium on Horizon, Grants on Grants).
The first meeting took place on 20th May 2019. Our guest was Mrs. Agata Janaszczyk, Councillor for Research in the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the EU, who presented current information related to the process of preparing the next framework program Horizon Europe. Among other things, we talked about a recruitment to the Mission Boards, structural changes in the European Commission or the Advancing Europe package, which aims to build network connections, cooperation as well as training and mobility of researchers. The theme of the second meeting, held on 24th June, was the construction of the Horizon Europe’s second pillar – this construction was presented by PolSCA team. Therefore, the issues of clusters, missions and partnerships were brought up, and the emphasis was put on participation in the European Research and Innovation Days, which will take place in Brussels on 24-26 September. What is more, PolSCA team pointed out some communication and promotional activities undertaken in recent weeks, addressed to representatives of the Polish scientific community.
The next meeting is scheduled for 12th July.
