DCU Researchers Visit to Brussels

On 21 and 22 November Professor Alan Harvey, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at DCU, accompanied by Dr. Ana Terres, Director of Research Support and Richard Stokes, Director of Innovation, lead a delegation of academic members of DCU staff to Brussels. The purpose of the visit was to learn more about EU research funding policy, and how to participate in the new EU framework programme for research and innovation – Horizon 2020 that will run from 2014 to 2020 with a budget over €70 billion.

The 2-day visit involved informative presentations on research funding schemes (e.g. European Research Council, opportunities for SMEs, Marie Curie Actions, Future and Emerging Technologies, COST actions, etc.) and a chance to engage with the experts from across the different services of European Commission. The visit was hugely successful and most of the attendees agreed that the H2020 had now been "demystified".

Horizon 2020 is part of Europe 2020 strategy for growth and jobs in Europe. For the first time all EU research and innovation funding schemes come together under a single programme. Horizon 2020 aims at tackling real societal challenges by closing the gap between research and market, helping to turn scientific ideas into real commercial products.

Horizon 2020 will be launched in Brussels and in Ireland on 10th December 2013. Click here for further information.