INESC Brussels Hub Winter Meeting 2025

The INESC Brussels Hub Winter Meeting 2025 will take place on March 6, 2025, at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). Registrations are now open and can be completed until March 1, here.

This year, the event will focus on aligning European and national strategies for the sustainability, governance, and funding of Research and Technology Infrastructures (RTIs).

On this occasion, European and national policymakers, research and technology infrastructure managers, and representatives from funding agencies will come together to discuss the evolving policy landscape and identify strategic investment models for RTIs.

Additionally, an afternoon workshop will take place to assess critical needs in the in the governance and funding system of infrastructures.

Beyond the discussion on national and European research and innovation policies, this event will also mark a special milestone: the celebration of INESC TEC’s 40th anniversary.

Agenda: (available for download here)

Policy, Governance and Funding for Research and Technology Infrastructures

Morning: High-Level Open Session – Policy, Governance, and Funding for RIs and TIs

Objective: Discuss the evolving European and national policies for Research and Technology Infrastructures, their governance models, and investment frameworks.

09:15-09:45 Welcome and Opening Remarks

- Representative of University of Porto (TBC)

- João Claro (President and CEO of INESC TEC)

- Ana Paiva (Secretary of State for Science)

09:45–11:15 High-Level Policy Dialogue: Aligning EU, National and Regional Infrastructure Strategies

- Dominik Sobczak (Deputy Head of Unit, RTD.E1, European Commission) – EU perspective and presentation of the Expert Group on Technology Infrastructures (EGTIs) Report (January 2025)

- Elena Hoffert (Vice-Chair of ESFRI – European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures) – The RI Landscape Analysis, role and future of RIs, ESFRI Roadmap 2026. The French Case – The French policy for RIs (TBC)

- Madalena Alves (President of FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia)

- Silvia Garcia (Executive Board Member, ANI – Agência Nacional de Inovação)

- Ricardo Simões (Head of Innovation, CCDR-Norte – Norte Portugal Regional Coordination and Development Commission)

Moderator: Arlindo Oliveira (President of INESC Holding)

11:15–11:45 Coffee Break & Networking Informal discussions among participants

11:45–12:45 Strengthening the RI & TI Ecosystem: Governance, Sustainability, and Funding Strategies

Panel discussion with European policymakers, infrastructure managers, and funding agencies

Key themes: Multi-level alignment, RTIs and R&I ecosystems, RTIs and competitiveness, RTIs in FP10

- Bertrand Bouchet (Director of CEA EU Representation)

- Ana Teresa Freitas (Coordinator of Life and Health Technology, INESC ID)

- Ana Portugal Melo (Executive Director of MIRRI)

Moderator: José Carlos Caldeira (Advisor to the Chairperson at INESC TEC)

Sum up and closing: Inês Lynce (Chair of the Management Committee of the INESC Brussels HUB, President of the Board of INESC ID)

13:00–14:30 Networking Lunch

Afternoon: Needs Assessment Workshop (in partnership with RITIFI Project)

Objective: Validate critical gaps and funding needs for RIs and TIs, fostering collaboration and cross-sector synergies.

Moderators: Sophie Viscido (Technopolis) and Ricardo Migueis (INESC Brussels HUB)

14:30–14:45 Introduction and Methodology Overview

Quick session explaining the objectives and interactive methodology

14:45–15:15 Presentation of Findings: 

Needs Assessment - Summary of identified gaps and challenges

- Mentimeter consultation (live participant feedback)

15:15–16:15 Case Study Panel

Key Case Studies - Short presentations on infrastructure needs, funding, and sustainability

- Selected case study leaders & external experts

15:45–16:00 Coffee Break & Networking

16:00–17:15 Interactive Discussion: Addressing Needs & Policy Recommendations

- Mentimeter session: Prioritizing needs

- Breakout discussions: groups discuss key areas: Funding, Governance, Cross-border Collaboration

- Final consolidation of recommendations

17:15–17:30 Closing & Next Steps

More information here.