Discussing the European Research Area in Helsinki

The 11th annual High Level Workshop on the European Research Area (ERA) takes place today and tomorrow in Helsinki, Finland. Co-organised by Science Europe, the Academy of Finland, and the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, this year’s edition focuses on the role of competitive research funding in supporting research and innovation centres of excellence and competence clusters.

In addition to supporting researchers and research groups to conduct high-quality research projects, many research funders have also supported the creation and development of centres of excellence and competence clusters. These allow researchers and institutes to share best practices, learn from each other, and develop expertise in a much broader way. At the High Level Workshop, participants will look at the strategic dimension of such centres and their contribution to the research and innovation landscape. What has been learned after years of managing such initiatives, and how can funding mechanisms and models be set up to support their development and sustainability?

About the High Level Workshop

The High Level Workshop on ERA offers the heads of Europe’s major research funding and research performing organisations a platform to meet with representatives from national ministries and the European Commission to discuss the progress in establishing the European Research Area. The event is hosted annually by one of Science Europe’s member organisations, and co-organised with its national ministry for research.

Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU

The 2019 edition is hosted by the Academy of Finland in Helsinki. It coincides with the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU, which focuses on a sustainable Europe and sustainable future. The High Level Workshop is organised under the auspices of the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU.