EMERGE-EU Biodiversity | Study Visit to Brussels

The Polish Science Contact Agency (PolSCA) of the Polish Academy of Sciences, together with Brussels-based research and innovation liason offices, invites researchers to participate in EMERGE-EU Biodiversity, a three-day international networking and study visit dedicated to European research priorities, funding opportunities and collaboration in biodiversity and related environmental sciences.

The programme will bring together researchers from Bulgaria, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Slovakia and the United Kingdom to engage with European research institutions, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for future joint projects. This third edition of EMERGE-EU builds on the pilot study visits dedicated to advanced materials and AI in healthcare organised in 2026.

About the study visit

EMERGE-EU Biodiversity aims to support researchers who are developing their scientific independence and seeking to increase their participation in European research and innovation activities.

Through meetings with European institutions, funding agencies and fellow researchers, participants will have the opportunity to:

• Gain insights into EU biodiversity research priorities and policies.
• Explore European funding instruments, including ERC, EIC Pathfinder, MSCA, COST and Horizon Europe.
• Learn about upcoming research opportunities under the Horizon Europe 2027 Work Programme.
• Present their research interests and identify potential international collaborators.
• Establish connections with researchers and institutions across Europe.

Preliminary programme

Day 0 | Online preparatory meeting

Date to be confirmed, week 11-15 January 2027

Preparation for the study visit, including guidance on networking, matchmaking and presenting research interests.

Day 1 | Monday, 18 January 2027

European research landscape and biodiversity policies

• Welcome and introduction to the study visit.
• Participant introductions and presentations of research interests.
• Overview of the European research and innovation landscape.
• EU policies and priorities in biodiversity research.

Day 2 | Tuesday, 19 January 2027

European funding opportunities and international collaboration

• European Research Council (ERC): funding opportunities and exchange with representatives of the European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA).
• COST: opportunities for international networking and research cooperation.
• European Innovation Council (EIC Pathfinder): opportunities for biodiversity-related research.
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA): funding opportunities for researchers.
• Horizon Europe 2027: upcoming calls and research opportunities.
• International matchmaking sessions and development of potential research collaborations.

Day 3 | Wednesday, 20 January 2027

Institutional study visit

Visit to a Belgian research institution specialising in biodiversity, ecosystems and sustainable development.

The programme is preliminary and may be subject to change.

Who can participate?

The study visit is intended for researchers at the R2 / early R3 career stage who hold a PhD, habilitation or equivalent qualifications and research experience, and are developing or strengthening their independence as researchers.

We particularly encourage applications from researchers working in:

• Biodiversity and ecology.
• Nature conservation and biodiversity restoration.
• Ecosystem functioning and restoration.
• Environmental sciences and sustainable ecosystem management.
• Related research fields addressing biodiversity challenges.

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in European research cooperation, international networking and developing future collaborative projects. Research institutions are encouraged to conduct an internal selection process and nominate candidates whose profiles best match the programme.

Registration and practical information

Dates: 18–20 January 2027

Location: Brussels, Belgium, including a visit to a Belgian research institution

Application deadline: 12 November 2026, 12:00 CET

Available places: Up to four participants from Poland

Participation costs: Travel and accommodation expenses are not covered by the organisers and must be financed by participants or their institutions.

Registration: Interested researchers are invited to submit their applications using the registration form below.

APPLY HERE

Places are limited. Submission of an application does not guarantee participation.

About EMERGE-EU

EMERGE-EU is a study visit initiative coordinated by PolSCA to help researchers strengthen their engagement with the European Research Area.

By combining access to European institutions, expert knowledge and international networking, the initiative supports researchers in developing their careers, identifying funding opportunities and building partnerships for future European research projects.

The Biodiversity edition follows the 2026 study visits focused on advanced materials and artificial intelligence in healthcare.

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19th edition of the V4 Training for Research Project Managers

The 19th edition of the V4 Training for Research Project Managers will take place in Brussels on 23–25 November 2026. The three-day training is addressed to professionals involved in research project management and administration. V4 Training is a joint initiative of the Brussels-based liaison offices of the Visegrad countries: CZELO, NRDIO, PolSCA and SLORD.

The programme combines topics related to European research and innovation policy with practical aspects of research project management and administration. To date, more than 580 participants have taken part in the training. While the initiative originated within the V4 cooperation framework, its alumni community now includes research managers and administrators from across Europe.

The 18th edition, held in March 2026, brought together 37 participants representing 10 European countries. A summary of the spring edition is available HERE.

Further information on the programme and application process for the 19th edition will be published soon.

Horizon Europe 2027: Matchmaking Event for AI, Data and Digital Infrastructure

We invite research organisations, companies and technology users preparing for Horizon Europe 2027 calls in AI, data and digital infrastructure under Cluster 4. The event will take place in Brussels on 12 November 2026. Its main purpose is to connect organisations looking for partners and support the formation of future project consortia.

From Soil to Systems: What Will It Take to Turn Agricultural Innovation into Lasting Change?

Living Labs have become an important part of Europe’s efforts to restore soil health, while artificial intelligence is opening new possibilities for agricultural management. But how can these innovations make a lasting difference beyond individual research projects? This question was at the heart of the conference “From Soil to Systems: Living Labs and Artificial Intelligence for a Sustainable Future of Agriculture”, held in Brussels on 13 October 2026.

Organised by the Polish Science Contact Agency (PolSCA) of the Polish Academy of Sciences, the PAS Committee of Agronomic Sciences and the University of Florence, the event brought together researchers, representatives of European Parliament and European Commission, farmers and innovation practitioners.

Taking the EU Mission A Soil Deal for Europe as its starting point, the conference examined two closely connected questions: how to build lasting innovation ecosystems around Living Labs, and how digital technologies can support more sustainable, resilient agricultural practices.

phot. BXL Frame / Kinga Majewska

The conference opened with remarks from Tomasz Poprawka, Director of PolSCA, Professor Magdalena Frąc, Chair of the PAS Committee of Agronomic Sciences, and Waldemar Dubaniowski, Director of the NCBR Office in Brussels. Aleksandra Ciszewska, representing the office of MEP Krzysztof Hetman, delivered the keynote address.

Beyond project funding: the future of Living Labs

The morning session focused on the achievements of Mission Soil and the longer-term future of Living Labs across Europe.

Cindy Schoumacher from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) outlined the Mission’s progress and its contribution to European soil policy. With the Mission on track to establish more than 100 Living Labs, Europe is developing an extensive network for testing and demonstrating sustainable soil management practices.

Yet establishing the network is only part of the task. The next challenge is to ensure that the knowledge, partnerships and solutions developed through these initiatives continue to deliver benefits once their initial EU funding ends.

This question is particularly relevant as discussions continue on the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10). Living Labs could play an important role in connecting European research priorities with local needs, provided that their activities are supported by appropriate long-term governance and financing arrangements.

Korinna Varga, representing the Agroecology Partnership and the Hungarian Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (ÖMKi), approached the issue from the perspective of co-creation. She explained that Living Labs are most effective when farmers are involved from the outset, helping to define research questions, test solutions and evaluate their usefulness.

This involvement goes well beyond consultation. When farmers participate directly in developing new practices, they are more likely to adopt them and share their experience with others. Equally important is the connection with the surrounding region. Agricultural challenges vary considerably depending on soil conditions, climate, farming systems and local economic circumstances.

phot. BXL Frame / Kinga Majewska

The panel discussion, moderated by Professor Magdalena Frąc, brought together Cindy Schoumacher, Korinna Varga, Professor Joana Falcão Salles from the University of Groningen and Gonçalo Amorim from Food4Sustainability and BGI.

One of the main concerns was the mismatch between the duration of research projects and the time required to observe meaningful changes in soil health.

Professor Falcão Salles explained that while soil microbial communities can respond relatively quickly to changes in management practices, processes such as organic matter accumulation and improved nutrient cycling take much longer. Monitoring these changes over several years is essential for understanding which interventions work, under what conditions and why.

From a business perspective, Gonçalo Amorim stressed the importance of demonstrating tangible benefits to farmers. Successful trials can encourage wider adoption, particularly when they show how sustainable practices reduce production costs or improve farm performance.

However, experimentation involves financial risks that individual farmers cannot reasonably be expected to bear. The discussion therefore explored the need for different funding approaches, including public research support, long-term private investment and mechanisms that recognise the ecosystem services provided by farmers.

phot. BXL Frame / Kinga Majewska

Across the panel, there was broad agreement on one point: Living Labs should be treated as long-term research and innovation infrastructures, rather than activities defined by the lifespan of individual EU projects.

Achieving this will require stronger links with national and regional innovation systems, as well as shared responsibility among research institutions, farmers’ organisations, public authorities and businesses.

Living Labs in action: lessons from European projects

The discussion was followed by presentations illustrating how Living Labs are already working with farmers to address practical challenges.

Shamina Imran Pathan from the University of Florence presented findings from LEGUMINOSE, a European project exploring cereal–legume intercropping. Drawing on field trials involving 189 farms, the project has examined how growing different crops together can improve productivity, yield stability and crop quality.

The results presented in Brussels pointed to benefits particularly under warm, dry and low-input conditions. They also demonstrated that the success of intercropping depends heavily on crop combinations, management decisions and local environmental conditions.

Professor Józef Chojnicki from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences introduced the Grójec Living Lab, developed within the LivingSoiLL project. Located in one of Poland’s major apple-growing regions, the initiative brings researchers and local stakeholders together to investigate soil health in permanent crops.

With 14 experimental sites in the Grójec area, the Living Lab provides an example of how a European research initiative can be closely aligned with the needs of a particular agricultural region.

Luís Martins from Food4Sustainability presented LILAS4SOILS, a project testing carbon farming practices through five Living Labs operating across six European countries. Its activities cover 100 demonstration sites and 20 carbon farming practices, with the aim of generating evidence that can support more sustainable soil management and wider adoption by farmers.

phot. BXL Frame / Kinga Majewska

Although the projects differ in their agricultural focus and geographical coverage, they share a common approach: involving farmers directly in experimentation and generating results that can be tested and applied under real farming conditions.

AI and agroecology: finding the right balance

The afternoon session turned to digital technologies and artificial intelligence, examining their potential to support soil health, crop diversification and agricultural decision-making.

Francesco Iadecola from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) presented European research and innovation initiatives supporting the digital transformation of agriculture.

His contribution also highlighted a persistent challenge: despite considerable investment in new technologies, their uptake across the farming sector remains uneven.

For many farmers, particularly those operating small and medium-sized holdings, the cost of digital solutions remains a major obstacle. Limited technical knowledge, insufficient support and uncertainty over data ownership can further discourage adoption.

Bruno Steinkraus, Founder and CEO of Soilytix GmbH, explored how digital technologies can turn soil monitoring data into practical recommendations for farmers. He presented an approach combining satellite imagery, climate projections and laboratory analysis of soil properties, including its microbiome, to identify areas at risk and support more targeted soil management.

A central point of his presentation was the importance of soil biology. While changes in soil organic carbon and other physical or chemical properties can take years to become apparent, microbial indicators may offer earlier insights into the effects of agricultural practices. Bruno Steinkraus also discussed how AI could use comparable soil data to develop tailored management recommendations, from crop rotation to fertilisation strategies. He highlighted the role of Living Labs in generating consistent, long-term datasets, allowing AI models to learn from real field conditions and improve their recommendations over time.

The session also featured Jacek Podlewski, President of CGFP, who presented an AI-powered decision-support system and its practical application in the company’s operations.

phot. BXL Frame / Kinga Majewska

The subsequent panel, moderated by Shamina Imran Pathan, brought together Francesco Iadecola, Guillaume Provoost from Belgium’s Inagro and Jacopo Goracci from Tenuta di Paganico in Italy.

Their discussion moved beyond the potential of AI to examine how digital technologies perform in the realities of farming.

One important question was whether precision agriculture and agroecology are naturally converging. The panel suggested that, although there are clear opportunities for cooperation, the relationship is far from straightforward.

Digital technologies are often developed for relatively standardised production systems. Agroecological farms, by contrast, may combine different crops, livestock, agroforestry and complex ecological interactions. Tools designed for uniform conditions can therefore struggle to reflect the diversity of real agricultural systems.

Drawing on his experience at Tenuta di Paganico, Jacopo Goracci argued that technology should adapt to the complexity of farming rather than require farmers to simplify their operations. Digital solutions may offer considerable benefits for tasks such as grazing management, soil monitoring and resource planning, but only if they are practical and proportionate to the farm’s needs.

The discussion also addressed the question of trust.

Farmers need to understand how digital tools reach their recommendations, how their data is used and whether adopting a particular technology will deliver measurable benefits. Transparent systems, clear data-sharing arrangements and opportunities to learn from other farmers were identified as important factors in encouraging adoption.

The panel also challenged the idea that there could be one universally useful AI application for agriculture.

Differences in soil types, cropping systems, climate and farm management mean that a model developed for one location may not perform equally well elsewhere. Effective digital solutions must therefore be adaptable, accessible and designed around users’ actual needs.

Ultimately, the discussion returned to a straightforward principle: AI should help farmers make better-informed decisions, not take those decisions away from them.

From research results to lasting impact

The discussions in Brussels showed how much progress Europe has made in connecting soil science, agricultural innovation and practical experimentation. Mission Soil and European partnerships have helped establish networks, develop new knowledge and bring researchers into closer contact with farmers.

At the same time, participants identified several issues that will determine whether these investments have a lasting impact.Living Labs need continuity beyond individual funding cycles. Promising agricultural practices require long-term monitoring and credible evidence. Digital technologies must become more affordable, transparent and relevant to different farming systems.These questions are becoming increasingly important as the EU prepares its next research and innovation framework.

The conference also made clear that technological development alone will not deliver the transition towards sustainable agriculture. Progress will depend on the ability to combine scientific evidence, farmers’ practical knowledge, appropriate investment and supportive public policies. The value of agricultural innovation ultimately lies not in how advanced a solution is, but in whether it works in the field and can be adopted by the people who need it.

The event concluded with a networking session, offering participants an opportunity to continue the discussions and explore potential cooperation across research, policy and agricultural practice.

We thank all speakers, panellists and participants for their contributions and for making the conference a valuable forum for discussion.

phot. BXL Frame / Kinga Majewska

Here you can view the PRESENTATIONS

EMERGE-EU Biodiversity: Join Our Study Visit to Brussels!

How can researchers build international partnerships, explore European funding opportunities and turn their ideas into collaborative projects? From 18 to 20 January 2027, the Polish Science Contact Agency (PolSCA) of the Polish Academy of Sciences, together with Brussels-based research and innovation liason offices, will organise the third EMERGE-EU study visit, this time focusing on biodiversity. Applications are open until 12 November 2026, 12:00 CET.

EMERGE-EU Biodiversity will bring together researchers from Bulgaria, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Slovakia and the United Kingdom for three days of expert discussions, institutional visits and networking in Brussels and Belgium.

Following the 2026 editions dedicated to advanced materials and artificial intelligence in healthcare, the initiative continues to support researchers seeking to strengthen their position within the European research and innovation landscape.

Biodiversity on the European research agenda

Protecting and restoring biodiversity remains an important priority for European environmental and research policy. Under Horizon Europe, research in this field addresses challenges ranging from ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss to nature restoration and sustainable environmental management.

The EMERGE-EU Biodiversity study visit will offer participants an opportunity to explore these priorities from a European perspective, gain a better understanding of available funding instruments and establish connections that could lead to future collaborative projects.

Three days of learning, networking and collaboration

The programme will combine discussions with representatives of European institutions and research funding organisations with opportunities for direct exchange among participating researchers.

The first day will introduce the European research and innovation landscape, with particular attention to EU biodiversity policies and research priorities.

On the second day, participants will explore funding and networking opportunities offered by the European Research Council (ERC), European Innovation Council (EIC Pathfinder), Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and COST. The programme will also address upcoming opportunities under the Horizon Europe 2027 Work Programme.

A dedicated international matchmaking session will allow researchers to present their interests, exchange ideas and identify potential partners for future projects. The visit will conclude with an institutional visit to a Belgian research organisation working on biodiversity, ecosystems and sustainable development.

Participants will also be invited to an online preparatory meeting ahead of the visit, including guidance on making the most of the networking and matchmaking activities.

Who should apply?

The study visit is designed for researchers at the R2 / early R3 career stage, particularly those holding a PhD, habilitation or equivalent research qualifications and experience, who are developing or consolidating their scientific independence.

We particularly welcome researchers working on biodiversity, ecology, nature conservation, ecosystem functioning and restoration, and related environmental sciences.

The programme is especially relevant for those interested in expanding their European networks, identifying research funding opportunities and developing ideas for international collaboration. Research institutions are encouraged to identify and nominate candidates whose research profiles align with the programme and who could benefit from the contacts and experience gained during the visit.

Registration open until 12 November!

Places are limited, with up to four places available for participants from Poland. Travel and accommodation costs must be covered by participants or their institutions.

The study visit will take place on 18–20 January 2027, in Brussels and at a Belgian research institution.

Interested researchers are invited to complete the application form available on the event page by 12 November 2026, 12:00 CET.

Join EMERGE-EU Biodiversity and take the next step towards new European research partnerships!

Find out more and apply on the event page

From First Conversations to Joint Projects: Why Take Part in European Brokerage and Matchmaking Events?

How do you find the right partners for an international research project? Where do you start when building a consortium, and how can you attract the interest of organisations abroad? The answers to these questions often emerge not from reading call documents, but from conversations with potential partners. This is precisely what European brokerage and matchmaking events offer researchers looking to take part in Horizon Europe projects. 

Researchers from three institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS) experienced this first-hand at international events held recently in Paris and Brussels. They represented different research disciplines and arrived with different expectations, but their experiences point to a common conclusion: stepping outside your usual research circles, presenting your expertise and meeting potential collaborators can open up opportunities for future projects. 

A Good Project Needs the Right Partners 

Even the strongest research proposal depends on having a team capable of delivering it. In Horizon Europe, finding partners with complementary expertise can be just as challenging as preparing the proposal itself. 

Brokerage events can help shorten this process. They bring together researchers, businesses, public institutions and other organisations interested in international collaborative projects. Some participants are looking for partners to join consortia already taking shape, while others arrive with a research concept they hope to develop further. 

The greatest value often lies in the conversations themselves. A fifteen-minute meeting may be enough to establish whether research interests overlap, identify missing expertise in a consortium or see whether there is a basis for working together. Not every contact will lead to an immediate result, but even a short conversation can open the door to a future project. 

And potential partners are not always found within one’s own discipline. Sometimes, talking to researchers or organisations from a completely different field reveals applications for existing research that had not previously been considered. 

You Don’t Need a Fully Developed Project to Start a Conversation 

One question researchers may ask before attending a matchmaking event is whether their project concept is sufficiently developed and whether they have something concrete to offer potential partners. 

Yet these events can be equally valuable at a much earlier stage. They offer an opportunity to test whether a proposed solution addresses the needs of potential end users, identify the expertise required to develop it further and gauge interest from other organisations. 

A good example comes from Ewa Zduńczyk of the Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, PAS, and Denis Cerić of the Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization, PAS. Both attended “The New Era of European Borders and Defence Innovation”, held in Brussels on 23–24 September 2026. 

The event explored opportunities for research and project collaboration in border security and defence innovation, including under Horizon Europe and the European Defence Fund. Its programme combined expert presentations, institutional pitches and individual matchmaking meetings. 

For Ewa Zduńczyk, one of the main objectives was to present her institute as a potential partner not only in biomedical research, but also in security-related projects. The institute has expertise and existing solutions in the detection and identification of biological threats, which could be applied, among other areas, to the protection of the EU’s external borders. 

The event provided an opportunity to introduce this work to potential partners and discuss it with organisations from different sectors. Particularly valuable were the face-to-face conversations with companies, research organisations and representatives of bodies supporting innovation and collaboration.

Ewa Zduńczyk 
Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences 

“People attend matchmaking events because they want to make connections, so finding partners feels easier and more natural.”

This experience also illustrates how brokerage events can reveal new applications for research that has been pursued for years. Expertise developed primarily for one field may turn out to be highly relevant in another.

Look for Partners Beyond Your Own Research Field 

Interdisciplinary collaboration is an important part of Horizon Europe. Developing a new technology is often only one element of a project. Social and economic analysis, regulatory expertise, research into user behaviour and assessments of the impact of proposed solutions may be equally necessary. 

This is why researchers should not necessarily limit their search for collaboration opportunities to the calls that most obviously match their institution’s profile. 

This was one of the messages shared by Dr Vitaliy Krupin from the Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development, PAS, who attended the “Net4Society Matchmaking Event for 2026 Cluster 2 Calls” in Paris on 1–2 June 2026. 

Organised by Net4Society, the international network of National Contact Points for Cluster 2, the event brought together researchers and organisations interested in the Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society calls under Horizon Europe. More than 350 participants from over 40 countries attended. 

Dr Krupin was invited to speak at a session dedicated to preparing successful project proposals. Drawing on the experience of his institute in international research consortia, he highlighted the role of social sciences and humanities (SSH) in European collaborative projects. 

One of his central messages was that SSH researchers should look beyond Cluster 2 when seeking opportunities in Horizon Europe. Their expertise is also needed in projects addressing climate, energy, agriculture, industry and technology, where understanding social behaviour, governance and economic implications can be essential. 

The experience of the Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development also shows how a research organisation can gradually strengthen its position in international consortia. The institute’s journey began in 2017 with a relatively small role in a Horizon 2020 project. Over time, the team gained experience, built trust among its partners and took on greater responsibility for tasks and work packages. 

Dr Vitaliy Krupin 
Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development, Polish Academy of Sciences 

“A small role in a project is not a small opportunity. It is an investment in connections, credibility and experience that makes future projects possible.” 

From an Initial Contact to a Concrete Project Concept 

Brokerage events can produce tangible results, even if these are not always immediately visible. 

During the Paris event, Dr Krupin held both scheduled bilateral meetings and additional discussions with representatives of organisations from across Europe. His new contacts included institutions from Belgium, France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Türkiye, Greece and Cyprus. 

Two conversations led to preliminary concepts for joint research proposals. The first, with a representative of Edinburgh Napier University, concerned youth employment, including in rural areas. The second, with a representative of the Turkish regional administration, explored systemic approaches to providing care for older people, also including rural communities. In both cases, the expertise of the Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development in rural studies could provide a valuable contribution to a future project. 

Moreover, within just two weeks of the event, Dr Krupin received follow-up messages from more than five participants expressing an interest in further collaboration. 

Of course, these conversations do not yet amount to established consortia or secured funding. They do, however, demonstrate how a well-used brokerage event can lead to further discussions, the exchange of research ideas and the development of joint proposals. 

How to Make the Most of a Matchmaking Event 

Simply attending an event does not guarantee valuable new contacts. Preparation makes a considerable difference. 

It is worth reviewing the list of participating organisations in advance, exploring their profiles and identifying those whose research interests or expertise could complement your own. Scheduling one-to-one meetings before the event is generally more effective than relying entirely on chance encounters during coffee breaks. 

Equally important is being able to present your institution’s expertise clearly and concisely. Potential partners need to understand not only what your research team does, but also what it could contribute to a joint project. 

A short presentation, examples of previous research achievements, a clear description of your areas of interest and concise information materials can all help. 

Dr Denis Cerić 
Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization, Polish Academy of Sciences

Dr Denis Cerić, from the Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization, PAS, shared his experience of attending the Brussels event “The New Era of European Borders and Defence Innovation”. 

For him, participating in an event focused on border security was not an obvious choice at first. The subject might have seemed somewhat removed from traditional geographical research. Yet geography provides valuable insights into the spatial, social and economic dimensions of borders, as well as the impact of new security solutions on border regions. 

In his presentation, “From Border Lines to Border Systems”, he introduced the institute’s expertise in land and maritime border studies, cross-border cooperation, mobility, and spatial and territorial analysis. 

He also held three scheduled bilateral meetings with representatives of Empedus, Luna Robotics and Oost NL, while additional contacts emerged through informal conversations. A leaflet prepared in advance, outlining the institute’s expertise and potential contribution to future consortia, proved useful in presenting its research capabilities.

 It is also worth remembering that the conversation does not end when the event does. Following up with new contacts, sharing additional information, clarifying common research interests or arranging another online meeting can make the difference between a brief introduction and a lasting collaboration.  

As Ewa Zduńczyk points out, the full value of participating in a matchmaking event can only be assessed over time. For now, her priority is to follow up with potential partners and continue the conversations started in Brussels.

The Benefits That May Take Time to Emerge 

Not every brokerage event results in an invitation to join a consortium. Not every promising conversation turns into a joint proposal. But that does not mean attending was a waste of time. 

An event may help researchers better understand the European research landscape, discover emerging priorities in their field, learn about upcoming funding opportunities or test a project concept against the experience of other organisations. 

There is also the question of visibility. By actively participating in international events, researchers and their institutions become more familiar to potential partners and project coordinators. 

During his presentation in Paris, Dr Krupin placed particular emphasis on trust. The experience of his institute suggests that invitations to join new consortia often grow out of previous successful collaborations. Partners who deliver their work on time, contribute meaningful expertise and actively engage in proposal development are more likely to be invited to work together again. 

Networking is therefore worth approaching not as a one-off attempt to find a project, but as part of the longer process of building professional relationships and research partnerships. 

How PolSCA Supports Researchers in Building European Partnerships 

Supporting Polish researchers in their participation in international brokerage and matchmaking events is part of the work of the Polish Science Contact Agency (PolSCA) in Brussels. 

For the event on border security and defence innovation, participants from PAS institutes received organisational support from the PAS Office for International Cooperation and PolSCA. Preparations also included an online consultation on institutional presentations, networking and matchmaking meetings. 

Dr Krupin’s participation in the Net4Society event in Paris was supported and coordinated by PolSCA, with assistance from the PAS Scientific Centre in Paris and in cooperation with the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR). 

Funding opportunities can also make participation more accessible. One example is the NCP_WIDERA.NET Travel Grants scheme, which provides eligible applicants with financial support for travel and accommodation costs when attending qualifying brokerage events. 

Combined with practical organisational assistance, such support can help researchers connect with international partners, explore opportunities for collaborative research and become more actively involved in European projects. 

Taking the First Step 

Researchers do not need a complete project proposal or an extensive network of international contacts to benefit from a European matchmaking event. What matters is knowing their own strengths, having an idea of where they would like to develop collaboration and being open to conversations. 

The experiences of researchers from PAS institutes show that these events can generate new project concepts and valuable contacts, while also offering fresh perspectives on how existing research might be applied. 

Sometimes, the most important outcome is simply meeting someone who, a few months later, gets in touch with an invitation to prepare a proposal together.

It is therefore worth keeping an eye on upcoming brokerage and matchmaking events, including those that may initially seem outside your institute’s usual areas of research. Your next European project partner might be closer than you think. 

Podsumowanie: PolSCA Masterclass w Sopocie. Od planowania do realizacji projektów badawczych z wykorzystaniem metodyki PM²

Wrzesień i październik 2026 roku upłynęły pod znakiem kolejnych dwóch edycji PolSCA Masterclass. Tym razem uczestnicy spotkali się w Instytucie Oceanologii PAN w Sopocie, gdzie 21–22 września oraz 5–6 października odbyły się warsztaty pogłębione z zarządzania projektami badawczymi z wykorzystaniem metodyki PM². Warsztaty stanowiły część cyklu PolSCA Masterclass, skierowanego do pracowników instytutów i jednostek Polskiej Akademii Nauk. Podobnie jak podczas wcześniejszych edycji, nacisk położono na praktyczne zastosowanie metodyki PM², opracowanej przez Komisję Europejską, z uwzględnieniem specyfiki projektów badawczych finansowanych w ramach programu Horyzont Europa.

Exploring the Role of AI in Research – Annual Conference of the V4 R&I Liaison Offices in Brussels

Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly visible part of research, from developing project ideas and preparing proposals to the way research organisations manage and support their work. This year’s annual conference of the V4 R&I Liaison Offices in Brussels will look at where AI is already changing research practice, what questions these changes raise, and how they are being experienced. On 20 October 2026, the Brussels-based research and innovation liaison offices of the V4 countries will hold the next edition of their annual conference. This year’s event, entitled “Exploring the Role of AI in Research”, will bring together perspectives from the Visegrad region and place them within the broader European discussion on the use of artificial intelligence in research.

AI is already influencing how researchers develop, refine and present project ideas, while research organisations are increasingly exploring its use in administrative and support processes. At the same time, new questions are emerging around responsible use, the skills needed to work effectively with AI, its possible role in proposal evaluation, and the growing pressure on researchers and support structures as application volumes continue to rise.

The conference will address, among other issues, how AI may shape proposal preparation and evaluation, where the boundaries lie between legitimate support and undue influence, and what kinds of institutional support are needed as researchers adapt to changes in efficiency, integrity and day-to-day work. The aim is not to provide ready-made answers, but to compare practical experiences from the V4 countries and contribute them to the wider European debate on the role of AI in research.

The event is jointly organised by the Czech Liaison Office for Education and Research (CZELO), the National Research, Development and Innovation Office of Hungary (NRDIO), the Polish Science Contact Agency of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PolSCA), and the Slovak Liaison Office for Research and Development (SLORD).

The V4 liaison offices organise this conference every year, each time focusing on a topic of current relevance to European research and innovation policy. Last year’s edition explored how research and innovation can contribute to a fair green transition. You can read the summary of the 2025 V4 conference here.

The detailed programme available HERE.

From Soil to Systems: Living Labs and Artificial Intelligence for a Sustainable Future of Agriculture

Soil is rarely at the centre of conversations about the future of agriculture. We tend to focus on food production, resilience, new technologies, competitiveness and security. Yet all of these questions begin with the same basic resource: healthy soil. Its condition shapes biodiversity, water retention, crop quality and the long-term viability of farming systems.

On 13 October 2026, PolSCA PAS Office, the Committee of Agronomic Sciences of PAS and University of Florence will host a conference in Brussels on soil and plant health, and their role in the future of European agriculture.

Bridging the Gap: Policy, Research and Living Labs

The event will take the EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe” as its starting point. As one of the five Horizon Europe Missions, it has helped bring soil health into a broader policy and research debate. Just as importantly, it has moved that debate closer to practice: to farms, regions, field trials and collaborative projects involving farmers, researchers, businesses, public authorities and civil society organisations.

A central theme of the conference will be Living Labs. Rather than treating them as another Brussels policy term, the event will look at what they mean in practice: testing ideas in the places where they are expected to work. In fields, on farms and within local innovation ecosystems, it becomes much easier to see which solutions can make a real difference, and which remain convincing mainly on paper.

Technology and Data in Sustainable Agriculture

The conference will also look at artificial intelligence and the growing role of data in agriculture. Digital tools can help monitor soils, crops and agroecosystems, support precision farming and improve decision-making. At the same time, they raise practical and political questions: who controls agricultural data, who benefits from it, how can digital tools respond to the needs of users, and how can technology support sustainability rather than simply add another layer of complexity?

The event will bring together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, businesses and civil society organisations. It will also refer to ongoing work under European partnerships.

The conference follows on from “Advancing Food Systems in Europe”, organised by PolSCA Office in March 2025.

Draft agenda

09:30-10:00 | Registration and welcome coffee 

10:00-10:15| Opening of the conference   

10:15-10:30 | Keynote address   

10:30–12:15 | Session I 

From the Mission Soil to Lasting Innovation Ecosystems: The Future of Living Labs in European Agriculture 

This opening plenary session will explore the evolution of the EU Soil Mission from a research and innovation initiative into a catalyst for long-term systemic transformation in agriculture. The discussion will examine how Living Labs have emerged as key instruments for co-creating, testing and scaling sustainable agricultural solutions, while fostering collaboration among farmers, researchers, businesses and public authorities. Looking beyond Horizon Europe, the session will address how Living Labs can be embedded within agricultural innovation ecosystems and what role they may play in shaping priorities and implementation mechanisms under FP10. Particular attention will be given to governance models, sustainability of funding, and pathways for maintaining impact beyond the lifetime of Mission-funded projects. 

The session will contain keynote opening, strategic introduction to the agroecology living labs ecosystem, panel discussion and showcase session.

13:30 – 15:00 | Session II 

Smart Agroecosystems: Harnessing AI Tools and Crop Diversification for Soil Health  

This session explores the synergy between digital innovation and agroecological practices, focusing on the combined potential of AI tools and crop diversification strategies, such as inter-cropping and the integration of legumes, to evaluate and enhance soil health. The discussion addresses key policy directives, environmental impacts, and practical on-farm challenges associated with digital agriculture. By examining both the opportunities and risks of intelligent agroecosystem monitoring, this session aims to bridge policy, scientific innovation, and practical implementation. Attendees will gain insights into the European Strategy for AI in Science, followed by an extended, interactive panel discussion featuring agricultural practitioners.  

The session will consist of keynote strategic opening, panel discussion and showcase session.

15.00 – 15.15 | Closing session 

15:15 – 17:00 | Networking

Full agenda here: Agenda

Satellite Brokerage Event: Partnering for Nature, Agriculture and Resilience

On 12 October 2026, the day before the conference, the NCBR Office in Brussels will host the international brokerage event “Partnering for Nature, Agriculture and Resilience”.

The event is aimed at researchers, project managers and organisations interested in building consortia for selected 2027 calls under Horizon Europe Cluster 6. The programme will include project idea pitches, a consortium-building workshop and networking opportunities.

Participants are welcome to attend both events. Separate registration is required.

Open registration

Registration is now open. You can register to the conference via registration form: From Soil to Systems – Registration form. The registration form remains open until 6 October 2026.

From projects to scientific ecosystems. Brussels workshop advances the debate on a European Excellence Initiative for FP10

How can Europe give excellent research teams the time, scale and freedom needed to pursue ambitious scientific agendas across borders? This question was at the centre of the European Excellence Initiative workshop, jointly organised by the Permanent Representation of France to the European Union and the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the European Union, in collaboration with the Polish Science Contact Agency (PolSCA) of the Polish Academy of Sciences.