Polish Presence at the EBC Brain Awareness Week Event 2025 – From Engagement to Partnership

On 18 March 2025, one of the key events of Brain Awareness Week – „Brain Health Plans Summit: Towards the Establishment of National Brain Plans in Europe and Beyond”, – took place in Brussels. Organised by the European Brain Council (EBC) and hosted by MEP Aurelijus Veryga, the summit brought together representatives from the scientific community, policymakers, patient organisations, and European institutions, all united around the idea of developing and implementing national brain health plans.

Advancing Food Systems in Europe – summary of the event and the materials available now!

Organized under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the event “Advancing Food Systems in Europe” brought together leading figures in science, policy, and innovation to shape the future of food systems across Europe – emphasizing health, sustainability, trust, and cross-sector collaboration. The event exemplified how Poland’s and European research is contributing to diet-centred disease prevention, sustainable agriculture, and responsible innovation across Europe. It also offered an opportunity to discuss policy priorities and directions for food research in the coming years, incl. Poland’s contributions to FutureFoodS Partnership under Horizon Europe.

EIC Pathfinder Masterclass for PAS Institutes – Event Summary

The EIC Pathfinder Masterclass brought together 50 representatives from the worlds of science and innovation to jointly explore the intricacies of successfully applying to the prestigious EIC Pathfinder program. The event served as an inspiring platform for exchanging knowledge, experiences, and strategies that can bring Polish Academy of Sciences’ research institutes closer to becoming European leaders in breakthrough innovations.

On March 20, 2025, the EIC Pathfinder Masterclass workshop was held at the Institute of Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS) in Warsaw. It was organized by the PolSCA PAS Office in Brussels, in cooperation with representatives of the European Innovation Council (EIC), the National Contact Point, and experts from Polish research institutions. Co-organizers included the Institute of Physics PAS and the Centre for Theoretical Physics PAS. The event aimed to enhance the application effectiveness of Polish research institutes, particularly PAS institutes, in EIC Pathfinder program calls. It gathered 50 scientists, experts, grantees, and representatives from administration and innovation support institutions.

​The European Innovation Council (EIC) has announced the selection of 31 groundbreaking research projects under the EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2024 call. University of Łódź among the beneficiaries!

The European Innovation Council (EIC) has announced the selection of 31 groundbreaking research projects under the EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2024 call. These projects aim to achieve breakthroughs in five strategic areas and were chosen from 401 eligible proposals. Collectively, they will receive nearly €116 million in EU funding, averaging €3.73 million per project.

Among the beneficiaries, higher education institutions constitute 38%, private organizations 34%, and research institutions 23%. Notably, the University of Łódź has been awarded funding for the Bio4Pack project—Biodegradable Bio-based Bioactive Packaging Technology for Supporting Food Safety. This project focuses on developing biodegradable, bio-based, and bioactive packaging solutions to enhance food safety. Congratulations to the University of Łódź for this achievement!

For more information, please refer to the European Commission’s announcement: EIC Pathfinder Challenges: €116 million awarded to pioneering research projects – European Commission

Focus on MSCA – Study Visit for Polish Research Organizations in Brussels

On 27–28 March 2025, the Polish Science Contact Agency (PolSCA) of the Polish Academy of Sciences organized a dedicated study visit to Brussels under the title of “Focus on MSCA”. The initiative brought together representatives of Polish research organizations aiming to deepen their understanding of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) within the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation – Horizon Europe.

What Kind of Event Was it?

This two-day study visit was part of PolSCA’s ongoing “Focus on MSCA” series, designed to provide tailored insight into EU programmes supporting researcher mobility, career development, and international collaboration. Set in the heart of the EU capital, the event offered a strategic blend of information sessions, best practice sharing, and direct exchanges with EU institutions responsible for implementing and managing MSCA schemes.

EIC Pathfinder Masterclass – workshops for Institutes of Polish Academy of Sciences

The EIC Pathfinder Masterclass aims to enhance the Polish innovation ecosystem by providing detailed insights and practical guidance on the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder instrument. This event, designed for Institutes of Polish Academy of Sciences, will bring together key representatives from the Polish innovation landscape, researchers, innovators and expers to discuss support mechanisms and strategies for successful grant applications.

EIC Pathfinder Masterclass is a unique event aimed at strengthening the Polish innovation ecosystem. Thanks to detailed information and practical guidance on the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder instrument, participants will be better prepared for successful grant applications.

What can you expect?

Expert knowledge.
Participants will have the opportunity to listen to presentations and advice from leading experts in the field of innovation, including representatives of the European Innovation Council, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and experienced applicants and evaluators.
Practical tips.
During the workshop session, participants will receive practical advice on preparing EIC Pathfinder applications, including information on the strengths and weaknesses of applications and the steps necessary for their successful submission.
Networking.
The event will bring together key representatives of the Polish innovation landscape, researchers, and innovators, creating an excellent opportunity to establish valuable contacts and exchange experiences.
Individual support. 
Participants will have the opportunity to present their project ideas and receive personalized feedback from experts, increasing their chances of success in grant applications.
Comprehensive approach.
The event program is designed to maximize the positive impact on participants by combining informational sessions, discussions, and practical workshops.

If you are an employee of the Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences, join us on 20 March 2025 at the Institute of Physics PAS in Warsaw and take advantage of this unique opportunity to enhance your competencies in innovation and EIC Pathfinder grant applications.

Registrator form available only for employees at PAS Institutes.

Agenda

For more: » EIC Pathfinder Masterclass – workshops for Institutes of Polish Academy of Sciences

Event Summary

HE Navigators MeetUP – network in person meeting Warsaw

We would like to invite you to a stationary meeting of members of the Navigators network, in Warsaw. During the meeting we will connect with Brussels to present the key priorities of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council. It will also be an excellent opportunity to network with other members of the Navigators network. You can’t miss it!

2 March 9:00 AM

Warsaw, Institute of Physics PAS, al. Lotników 32

AGENDA

An upcoming meeting of the network of research managers and administrators across institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, known as the Horizon Europe Navigators, will be dedicated to strengthening cooperation between network members through personal participation in the event. In addition, we will connect with Brussels to familiarise participants with the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council related to science and research and innovation policy.

Participants in the meeting will have the opportunity to listen to the Research Attaché of the Polish Representation to the EU, who will present the aforementioned priorities, plans and events promoting Polish science. She will also point out key legislative initiatives at the EU Council level, which – under the Polish Presidency – will set the course of Europe in the field of research and innovation.

During the tele-bridge we will also invite the Hungarian Research Attaché to present recently published European Competence Framework for Research Managers (RMA).

Green Horizons Matchmaking: Building Partnerships for Sustainable Food Systems

Partners from 6 IGLO offices representing the following European countries: Austria, France, Spain, Latvia, Slovakia and Poland are organising a matchmaking event to network partners interested in applying for research projects on topics such as biodiversity, sustainable agriculture and food systems, plant and animal health and resilience in the face of climate change. The participants from Poland represent universities, PAS institutes and SMEs.

The agenda for the event includes:

• an information session on the place of Cluster 6 in EC policy delivered by DG RTD,
• guidance on preparing project proposals and specific call requirements shared by the Austrian NCP,
• pitching session for all participants to present project ideas and organizations’ potential,
• pre-booked 1:1 meetings with other researchers and company representatives.

The matchmaking event aims at promoting cooperation in the area of research and innovation in sustainable agriculture, food systems, plant and animal health, biodiversity and resilience in the face of the climate change. Yet, the short-term objective is to facilitate formation of new project consortia in the upcoming Cluster 6 calls.

The list of participants is now closed, recruitment information has been published HERE.

Advancing Food Systems in Europe

The event under the patronage of the Minister for European Union Affairsduring the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2025

The event, titled Advancing Food Systems in Europe – research & innovation for healthier, sustainable and resilient future, coorganized by PolSCA Office, PAS, in Brussels, East Poland House, and Brussel’s Office of the National Centre for Research and Development will give an opportunity to discuss recent achievements in food research, showcase examples of successful SMEs in the sector and finally give a platform to talk about the future directions of food R&I.

The event is held under patronage of the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU and will be opened with an address from Marcin Kuchciński, Marshal of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship. its agenda is divided into three sessions:

• Session I – CONSUMER TRUST AND ADVANCES IN FOOD & HEALTH RESEARCH – during which 4 leading scientists in food studies will present their respective research areas: food production, technology and marketing as well as personalized nutrition and medicine;
• Session II – INNOVATION IN FOOD – PERSPECTIVE OF INDUSTRY – where selected start-ups and SMEs from Poland and across Europe will showcase cutting-edge products and technologies;
• Session III – POLICY – WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR FOOD RESEARCH – designed to address future challenges of the food systems in Europe, especially in the area of research innovation.

With the Polish Presidency’s priorities emphasizing seven dimensions of security, two of them focusing on food production and health the event not only brings to Brussels Polish experts in these fields but also European stakeholders and policy makers: Directorate General for Research and Innovation, EIT Food, FutureFoodS Partnership and JPI Healthy Diet, Healthy Lives.

The full agenda of the event and the registration link can be found HERE

Media patronage:

• Forum Akademickie
• Fundacja Edukacyjna “Perspektywy”

Advancing Food Systems in Europe – register now!

On 17 March 2025, in Brussels, East Poland House, PolSCA Office of the Polish Academy of Sciences and Brussel’s Office of the National Centre for Research and Development organize jointly an event entitled Advancing Food Systems in Europe – research & innovation for healthier, sustainable and resilient future that will gather researchers, innovators, and policymakers to explore the intersection of food production and health. The event has received the patronage of the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU.

This initiative will feature researchers from leading institutions such as Polish Academy of Sciences, the Medical University of Bialystok and the Aarhus University. The event aims to strengthen collaboration across Europe, drive innovation in food products, and support the development of healthier dietary solutions.

The Polish Presidency’s priorities emphasize seven dimensions of security, with two key areas focusing on food production and health. In this context, we aim to foster stronger connections between Polish researchers, innovators, and policymakers in the field of healthy food and their European counterparts.