How pandemic-driven preprints are driving open scrutiny of research

Covid-19 has changed the way many people live and work. It has also had an impact on the ways many scientists collaborate and carry out their research – and how they release their findings. The need for speed in the fast-changing research landscape of the pandemic put pressure on biomedical researchers to share their work as … Read more

Q&A: We need non-critical raw materials for green tech to flourish

Developing new, green technologies has been hailed as a way to both achieve Europe’s environmental goals and support its economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic. But what type of green technologies do we need and how do we get them scaled up to a point where they can have a real impact? Horizon spoke to Dr Francesco Matteucci, a … Read more

Coronavirus recovery: Europe needs investment on a ‘wartime footing’

Having the euro means that many EU countries are no longer in control over their own currencies and the European Central Bank will play a critical role in Europe’s post-coronavirus recovery, says Prof. Stephanie Kelton. Image credit - European Commission

European governments need to provide investment on a ‘wartime footing’ to stimulate a post-coronavirus economic recovery, but also need to redefine economic success to incorporate climate and social goals, the European Research and Innovation Days conference has heard. Speaking about how Europe can best achieve a sustainable and inclusive recovery, Stephanie Kelton, a professor of … Read more

Leuven named the 2020 European capital of innovation

Leuven, Belgium won the 2020 €1 million iCapital cash prize. Image credit - Wouter Hagens/ Wikimedia, licenced under CC BY-SA 3.0

by Freya Kirk Leuven, Belgium, has been named the 2020 European Capital of Innovation for its use of innovation to improve residents’ lives. The €1 million cash prize, which every year recognises cities’ innovative solutions to social challenges that engage and empower its citizens, was awarded to Leuven in a ceremony with EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel during the EU … Read more

Proposals for Europe’s bold 10-year R&I missions officially handed to Commissioner Gabriel

Following the mission reports handover to Commissioner Gabriel, a final decision on how they can be implemented is expected by the end of 2020. Image credit - European Commission

by Fintan Burke Five ‘mission reports’ outlining ambitious 10-year plans to tackle some of the major challenges faced by Europe were officially handed over to EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel on 22 September at the opening session of this year’s European Research and Innovation Days. The five so-called missions, which have been a year in the drafting … Read more