The institutional mission of the vice-rectors for research of Tuscan universities took place in Brussels recently, featuring a comprehensive programme of meetings dedicated to the future of European policies on research, innovation and competitiveness. The visit was coordinated by TOUR4EU, the association that brings together the seven Tuscan universities and Regione Toscana in their pursuit of European research opportunities.
Representatives from the universities included Debora Berti and Marco Pierini (University of Florence), Federico Cantini (University of Pisa), Donata Medaglini (University of Siena), Caterina Toschi (University for Foreigners of Siena), Andrea Mina and Giuseppe Turchetti (Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies), Tommaso Gili (IMT Scuola Alti Studi Lucca) and Lorenzo Bacci, head of the University Education and Research Support Unit of Regione Toscana.
On 23 February the discussion began at the European Parliament, at the invitation of Tuscan MEP Dario Nardella. The meeting started with the presentation of the joint position paper on the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2028–2034 (FP10) and the nascent European Competitiveness Fund. Also present at the meeting were MEPs Sandro Ruotolo, Elena Donazzan and Benedetta Scuderi, who are currently involved in parliamentary work on Horizon Europe, competitiveness and cultural policies, in a direct dialogue with the Tuscan university system.
The debate focused on some key priorities for the future of European research, such as strengthening collaborative research, simplifying administration, facilitating technology transfer, attracting talent, and the contribution of Tuscan universities to European competitiveness. “Europe that invests in research invests in its own future,” said Robert Burmanjer, president of TOUR4EU. “With €173 million secured and almost 400 projects approved, the Tuscan university system is demonstrating its ability to contribute to the development of FP10.”
Over the next few days, the delegation met with representatives of the European Commission and EU executive agencies. They discussed Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, ERA policies and Horizon Europe opportunities in clusters dedicated to health, inclusive societies and culture. They also talked about the prospects for the future FP10 proposal and the Competitiveness Fund.
On 25 February, the European Committee of the Regions hosted a seminar dedicated to the Tuscan healthcare system as a model of excellence and attractiveness for investment and talent mobility. The seminar highlighted good practices in regional innovation ecosystems, as well as the contribution of universities to strengthening the European dimension of health and research.
During some institutional events, the delegation was joined by Cristina Manetti, Regional Councillor for Universities and Relations with European Institutions, and by the President of Regione Toscana, Eugenio Giani. Both were in Brussels for a parallel agenda of meetings.
The mission ended on 26 February with a meeting between the delegation and alumni of Tuscan universities who are now working in European institutions in Brussels, primarily in the fields of European policy, interest representation and research. The Cesare Alfieri Alumni Association and the Sant’Anna Alumni Association, both of which have chapters in Brussels, also contributed to the initiative. The meeting concluded with a speech by H.E. Francesco Varriale, the Consul General of Italy in Brussels.
