University of Groningen explores European horizons

The University of Groningen wants to participate in the long-term EU programme Horizon 2020. This programme enables academics to conduct research within European consortia, funded by the European Union. The University will present its research opportunities from the perspective of the Sustainable Society research spearhead, which dovetails very well with Horizon 2020, during a working visit to Brussels on 20 and 21 November. The Groningen delegation will be headed by Rector Magnificus Elmer Sterken.

The delegates from the University of Groningen will be holding talks with representatives from organizations such as the DG Research & Innovation, umbrella organization Neth-ER and the Permanent Representation of the Netherlands in Brussels. The various aspects of sustainable society research will be presented in a number of short pitches during a plenary public meeting. Lectures will be given by representatives of the DG Research, Ghent University and the head of the Estonian Research Council, and the audience will comprise representatives of Brussels-based research organizations, as well as interested companies (TNO) and ministries (OCW).

The University of Groningen expects this visit to result in a better understanding of the current state of affairs and the opportunities offered by Horizon 2020. The aim is to expand our network in Brussels and to present ourselves as an interesting player and potential project partner.