The European Commission organized the European Research Area (ERA) conference “Fostering Greater Integration. Advancing Competitiveness,” held 18-19 September 2024 in Brussels.

The conference gathered policymakers, academics, and industry experts to discuss the future of European research and innovation, success stories and lessons learnt after four years of revamping the European Research Area. The event was opened by Janez Potočnik, former EU Commissioner for Science and Research, and Marc Lemaître, Director-General at DG Research and Innovation.

Lea Primožič, InnoRenew CoE’s professional associate for public relations, attended the conference and presented the InnoRenew project which is among successful European projects. The InnoRenew project was part of the ERA Conference exhibition, which was officially opened by Marc Tachelet, Director of the European Research Executive Agency (REA).

Additionally, Iliana Ivanova, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, addressed the audience and highlighted ambitions and challenges for the future of ERA and the role of R&I policy in advancing European sustainable competitiveness.

The conference also featured parallel sessions on reforming research assessment, advancing non-animal testing in biomedical research, and enhancing trust in science through citizen engagement.

At the last day of the conference Lea Primožič, together with Lukáš Masopust from HiLASE project, and Agne Dobranskyte-Niskota from the European Research Executive Agency (REA), visited the premises of REA and meet with the InnoRenew project officer Doru Leonard Irimie.