Monthly focus

Science diplomacy – research across borders

01 April 2015

Collaborative research is strengthening ties between the EU and its neighbouring countries. Image credit: MODIS

Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, welcomed Ukraine as a full member of Horizon 2020 last month.

Climate change, war, water security, energy – these are issues that cross borders and span continents. That’s why science diplomacy is bringing together researchers to help solve problems that politics frequently struggles to address.

During April, we delve into some of the cross-border research projects that are uniting scientists and helping to bridge divides between countries.

We also find out how science diplomacy can help create the conditions for sustainable development to the east and south of the EU, and we follow Commissioner Moedas as he travels to Amman in Jordan to foster research cooperation between the EU and the Middle East.

The end of a conflict marks only the beginning of a restoration period. Image credit - Fernand and Cuville, public domain

social sciences

19 March 2018

Peacebuilding in conflict zones demands people-centric approach

The challenge of how to rebuild society following conflict is a difficult question that arises all too frequently, but recent studies have demonstrated that putting people at the centre of the process and enabling cooperation on politically neutral issues can help build peace.

Water resources can create conflict when they cross borders. Image: courtesy of Ralf Ludwig

policy

27 April 2015

Mediterranean states must work together to adapt to water scarcity – Prof. Ralf Ludwig

Countries in the Mediterranean need to work together to manage water resources in the face of climate change, according to Professor Ralf Ludwig, who coordinated the EU-funded CLIMB project.

Understanding the Atlantic Ocean requires cooperation between nations. Image Credit: Shutterstock

environment

17 April 2015

Mapping the Atlantic – EU, US and Canadian scientists take on the final frontier

The EU is teaming up with the US and Canada to make the first ever full map of an ocean floor, and they hope it will help to understand issues like climate change better.

Dr Koutchouk outlined progress with the SESAME synchrotron during an event called 'Building together knowledge-oriented and forward looking EU’, held in Brussels on 31 March. © European Union 2015 – EP

interview | policy

14 April 2015

Middle East particle accelerator shows positive power of science – Dr Jean-Pierre Koutchouk

The SESAME synchrotron in Jordan shows that science can make positive things happen among countries in a region which is facing political tensions, according to Dr Jean-Pierre Koutchouk, coordinator of the EU-funded CESSAMag project.

Science diplomacy was discussed during a joint meeting between ITRE European Parliament committee on research and the AFET committee on foreign affairs. Image: © European Union 2015 - EP

policy

01 April 2015

Science is a common language – Commissioner Moedas

Science can bring together countries which are in conflict with each other, Europe’s Research Commissioner told an event in Brussels on collaboration between the EU and neighbouring countries.

The agreement signed by Commissioner Moedas and Minister Kvit means Ukraine is an associated country to Horizon 2020, joining states like Iceland, Turkey and Israel. Image: EBS

policy | horizon 2020

20 March 2015

Ukraine chooses Horizon 2020 as its first EU programme

Ukrainian researchers will be able to take full advantage of the EU research fund, known as Horizon 2020, after the country signed up to its first EU programme.

Recommended for you

Taking stock: Where next for research?

The world looks very different from this time last year. The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the centrality of science, research and innovation, accelerated some changes already in the works, but also exposed our weaknesses. In September, Horizon looks at how the pandemic is reshaping Europe in areas including health research, work, tech, transport and food – and how research can contribute to Europe’s recovery over the coming years. We will also be covering the European Research & Innovation Days at the end of the month, which will bring together scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs and citizens to debate how research and innovation can ensure that the transition to a post-coronavirus society is sustainable, inclusive and resilient.

Our shifting surface

In August, Horizon looks at one of the features that makes Earth unique and habitable: plate tectonics. We explore what we know – and still don’t know – about how the shifting plates beneath our feet shape our planet. We speak to researcher Dr Kate Rychert, who wants to understand what makes a plate plate-like, and delve into one of the outstanding mysteries in the subject – how and why plate tectonics began. We find out about the link between mountain formation, erosion and climate change, and we look at what moonquakes and marsquakes can reveal about tectonic activity elsewhere.

The Mexican Tetra cave fish is brighter and has more sensitive taste buds than fish of the same species that live in rivers, but unlike those, it cannot regenerate heart muscle. Image credit - H.Zell/Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 3.0

Secret of how fish repair their hearts could help cardiac patients

The ability of certain fish to heal damage to their hearts could lead to new treatments for patients who have suffered heart attacks and may also help to unravel how the lifestyle of our parents and grandparents can affect our own heart health.

If different industries share resources, data, and materials - an approach known as industrial symbiosis - then the whole ecosystem could become more sustainable. Image credit - Frans Berkelaar/Wikimedia, licensed under CC by 2.0

How waste CO2 is helping to turn renewable energy into liquid fuel

Storing power generated by strong winds or bright sunshine by turning it into liquid fuel such as methanol can help to ensure green energy does not go to waste, without having to rely on batteries.