Pre-registration is required, and instructions via e-mail for the next steps of the registration process will follow.

Pre-Registration deadline: February 17th, 2020.

Please note that registrations will be possible until the maximum number of participants is reached. Only the registered participants and badge holders can access the meeting venue and other official HR PRES programme venues.

Background information

Addressing the big challenges of the 21st century, such as climate change, the increasing loss of biodiversity and environmental quality, demographic changes, shaping the industrial and digital transitions as well as ensuring the long-term sustainability of the European quality of life requires a new ambition for European science.

Research infrastructures are key elements in providing the necessary data and services for European scientists to conduct cutting-edge research in a variety of scientific fields and for European business to develop new products and services. They foster development of new types of materials enabling their analysis down to molecular level and testing in extreme conditions. They enable the development of new technologies for exploiting various energy sources, developing new treatments for illnesses or making our cities more liveable. They give us tools to understand better our universe, our planet and ourselves as humans.

As European Research Infrastructures form the backbone of our competitiveness in science and innovation, their quality and the ability to provide the needed services and data largely determines our capacity to produce the new knowledge, innovation and understanding that Europe needs to tackle the challenges we face. A new way of working is also necessary, with scientific disciplines joining forces to bring holistic responses.

Our shared investments in Research Infrastructures in the last decades have equipped us with some of the most advanced and sophisticated facilities in the world. It is now vital to harness the full potential of these infrastructures to deal with complex questions and more effectively serve industry, to contribute to education and jobs and to improve citizens’ lives. We need a stronger focus on the direction and societal impact of our shared investments.

Recognising the demand for European science to effectively support the needed economic, social and environmental transitions, the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) in its “White Paper on Future Directions of ESFRI” laid out the specific role research infrastructures can and should play in this context. 

Overview of concept and objectives

The overall objective of the conference is to explore the potential of European Research Infrastructures to make a meaningful impact on the European strategic agendas and identify the ways in which this could be achieved. The outcome of this high-level event will provide a new impetus for the European research infrastructure policy, supporting full realisation of the potential of the European Research Area to drive the necessary changes in our economy and society. The conference will provide a platform for discussion and dialogue between policy, research and industry stakeholders on the changes that are necessary to jointly address the big challenges of our times. It will also increase the visibility of opportunities provided by Research Infrastructures and promote partnership between business and academia.

original source and more information: "European Research Infrastructures for a smarter future" Conference | www.esfri.eu