Transnational Science Cooperation: Fostering Collaborative Research in Europe and Poland

Set against the backdrop of strategic debates about the next European Framework Programme, the two-day event “Transnational Science Cooperation: Fostering Collaborative Research in Europe and Poland” held in Brussels on 23-24 June 2025, offers a timely opportunity to explore how countries like Poland can further integrate into and help shape the future of the European Research Area (ERA). The event aims not only to contribute to deepening R&I cooperation across Europe but also to promote Poland as a compelling partner in collaborative R&I efforts—offering both emerging research excellence and an evolving institutional ecosystem.

Event Concept and Aims

In an era marked by complex global challenges and rapid scientific advancement, the need for strong, strategic collaboration in research has never been greater. The “Transnational Science Cooperation” event emerges as a timely platform to bring together leading voices from across Europe to reflect on the current state and future of collaborative research. At its core, the event seeks to enhance alignment between European and national research policies within the framework of the European Research Area (ERA). By fostering dialogue among policymakers, funding bodies, academic leaders, and research professionals, the conference aims to strengthen cooperation and coherence in research and innovation systems.

Through a series of forward-looking panels and debates, the event addresses the mechanisms by which scientific talent can be more effectively supported and mobilised across borders. It highlights Poland’s increasing visibility as a destination for high-level research and its commitment to improving institutional frameworks and researchers careers. Moreover, the programme underscores the essential role of funding agencies in catalysing transnational projects and the growing importance of research management and administration (RMA) as a driver of excellence and internationalisation. The PolSCA Office of the Polish Academy of Science in Brussel – as a committed event partner – hosts a session on the evolving field of research management, underscoring its mission to support Poland’s international visibility and participation in European R&I initiatives.

Altogether, the event aims to co-create practical pathways toward a more inclusive, interconnected, and impactful European research ecosystem.

What to expect during the event?

The conference unfolds over two days of dynamic sessions that reflect both political ambitions and practical pathways toward a more connected research environment in Europe. The full event agenda is avaialable at the NAWA portal.

Day 1: Strategic Alignments and Research Talent Flows

After opening remarks and keynote addresses, the agenda launches into a high-level policy discussion on bridging national and EU-level research strategies, unpacking the ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027. Participants will reflect on how synchronised frameworks can improve funding coherence, talent circulation, and innovation outcomes. Subsequent panels highlight Poland’s active steps in becoming a magnet for scientific talent, examining how employment conditions and institutional reforms can better support researchers. A key dialogue on brain circulation follows, emphasising the value of reciprocal mobility and balanced researcher exchange in building resilient knowledge ecosystems.

The day concludes with a Polish networking reception.

Day 2: Funding, Policy Visions, and Professionalisation

Day two opens with a discussion on how grant agencies can catalyse global research cooperation, offering tools and experiences that foster international engagement, particularly within EU Framework Programmes. Next, an open debate considers the future of European Framework Programmes, reflecting on emerging priorities, national contributions, and strategic instruments like the Draghi and Letta reports or the Warsaw Declaration. Afternoon sessions focus on strengthening Research Management and Administration (RMA) as a cornerstone of the new ERA. The final debate explores how investing in RMA skills and networks can unlock cross-border cooperation and institutional capacity.

The event closes with a forward-looking reflection on building effective national strategies for internationalisation.

The event agenda includes sessions such as:

1. High Level Policy Panel: Bridging Policies for a Stronger ERA – Aligning EU and National Strategies
2. Poland – Destination for Scientists
3. Brain Circulation in the World of International Science and Research
4. Driving Science Internationalisation: How Grant Agencies Can Foster Global Research?
5. A Path to Strong Innovative European Research Area (hosted by NCBR)
6. Empowering R&I Collaboration in Europe: A New ERA in Research Management (hosted by PolSCA PAS Office in Brussels)
7. Closing Session: Building National Strategies – Does it Really Work?

The event is co-organised by:

• Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)
• National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR)
• Polish Science Contact Agency (PolSCA) of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Brussels

These institutions collaboratively work to promote Polish science internationally, support talent mobility, and foster policy dialogue within the European R&I landscape.