The European Commission’s largest annual collection of research and innovations has returned to the 6th edition.
Day 2025 of European Research and Innovation (R&I) will be held in the Square in Brussels from September 16-17, with full digital access available via the official online platform. Whether you’re a veteran researcher, policy maker, startup founder, student, or interested in where Europe is heading, in the hybrid format you can participate and listen.
Join us in a conversation about the future of European science – sign up now and join us online on 2025 European Research and Innovation Day.
High-level speakers, big ideas
This year’s edition arrives at a critical time in EU policy. It will be a suite of flagship strategies including the next long-term budget and startup and scale-up strategies, European life science strategies, AI in science strategies, and European innovation and European research areas. The event will provide timely space for discussion with over 20 sessions designed to tackle these press themes from different angles.
The programme begins with a keynote address from President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, followed by comments from the Commission on Catherine Zaharieva. From there, expect a lively series of panels, workshops and conversations with experts all over the continent and beyond.
Important topics on the agenda
The agenda touches everything from the future of EU research funding to the way Europe becomes a global launchpad for startups and scale-ups. Other sessions will explore ways to support groundbreaking innovation, enhance life sciences, and navigate the opportunities and risks of dual-use technologies.
The focus will also be on strengthening European AI capabilities, improving scientific communication, and increasing industry competitiveness. The panel on advancing Europe for academic freedom, research security, STEM gender equality and 3% R&D investment goals concludes a truly extensive programme.
The sessions span three parallel halls: Golden, Silver and Copper, with all content available for online participants via live streams.
Euronows broadcast journalist Méabh McMahon will return to ease some key panels throughout the event. Known for her keen interview style and a deep understanding of European issues, she will guide a conversation that reaches the heart of EU research and innovation priorities.
Expect candid interactions, sector insights and challenging questions. Everything is intended to open up a dialogue between science and society.
More than just a panel
In addition to the main session, R&I Days 2025 features networking opportunities, a project showcase in an exhibition space featuring cutting-edge research results, and many informal spaces for participants to connect and collaborate.
This program will look at how research can lead to real impact. Topics such as climate resilience, digital sovereignty, and STEM inclusion are explored both in technical and accessible ways. Ensuring voices from all parts of the community can participate.
What panels like “Protecting academic freedom around the world” and “Can Europe afford to ignore the gender gap in STEM?” It highlights the ways in which science policy and social justice intersect more and more. Meanwhile, the sessions on science diplomacy and research security reflect the growing geopolitical tensions and the role that knowledge can play in shaping a safer and more collaborative world.
What is at risk?
Key questions are carried out throughout the event under lively discussion and policy details. How to keep Europe competitive, sustainable, comprehensive and inclusive is rapidly enveloping itself in an era of global change.
Science and innovation are key to this ambition. The EU is investing in research to promote climate action and support green transitions through frameworks like the European Green Trade. In parallel, the EU Digital Strategy sets a vision for technical sovereignty, data security and innovation.
At the heart of this is Horizon Europe, the EU’s 95.5 billion euro research programme. It continues to support cross-border collaborations, from cancer research to renewable energy. And looking to the future, the committee’s proposals for the next Horizon Europe programme after 2028 are set to be featured prominently in discussions.
Space for everyone
One of the characteristics of R&I Days is its inclusiveness. The hybrid format means participants can participate from anywhere in the world and access the panel in real-time or in replays. Live Q&A, chat tools, artificial intelligence and translation features make your experience interactive and engaging.
It also offers an opportunity for early career researchers, startups, civil society groups and citizens to engage. Expect a dedicated moment to celebrate emerging talent, grassroots innovation and citizen science. All the key elements of the EU’s innovation ecosystem.