From lasers to life sciences, new plans for European research and technology infrastructure aim to transform world-class science into everyday impacts.
The European Commission has introduced new strategies for research and technology infrastructure to boost innovation and competitiveness in the long term.
This new strategy, published in this year’s age of research and innovation in Brussels on September 16-17, comes at a time when global competition for talent, technology and resources was raging.
As Europe boasts some of the world’s most advanced scientific facilities, research and technology infrastructure serves as the backbone of Europe’s scientific excellence and industrial capabilities.
The resilience of a changing world
The new strategy is welcomed by many in the scientific community.
“As the world is changing rapidly, it is essential to strengthen these infrastructures,” said Antje Keppler, co-chair of the Eric Forum, the coordination platform for the European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERICS).
“By providing scientists with the best sharing tools, sustainable access to essential data and knowledge, we can respond more quickly to the crisis, develop green solutions, and drive healthcare breakthroughs.”
For Keppler, a stronger infrastructure means a more resilient and competitive Europe, bringing real benefits to the happiness, security and prosperity of its citizens.
The message of the new strategy is clear. Europe is set to stay ahead by investing more, opening access to scientists, innovators and society, and increasing its impact on research.
The power behind progress
New strategies are a reminder of what lies behind all medical breakthroughs, climate models, or discoveries about the universe. It reminds us that there is a research infrastructure that empowers research. These are not just buildings and machines, but hubs of knowledge and collaboration that scientists tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time.
Film extreme light infrastructure based in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania. With its world-leading laser facilities, researchers can explore what is being made, develop advanced medical therapies, and perform work that cannot be done without the pioneer’s new materials – such accurate tools.
Allen Weeks, director of the Eric Infrastructure Network and co-chair of the Eric Forum along with Keppler, explained that over 100 of these infrastructures in Europe bring people together.
“They are not just physical spaces, they are networks that allow collaboration across a variety of fields, institutions and borders,” he said.
Another major example is the European Institute of Molecular Biology, which provides cutting-edge facilities for studying genes, cells, and the mechanisms of life at the molecular level. The research promotes health, agriculture and biotechnology innovation.
In Grenoble, France, the European synchrotron radiation facility produces very bright X-ray beams that allow researchers to see matter at the atomic level. From understanding new materials to tracking how disease progresses, facility insights support discoveries in physics, chemistry and life sciences.
These infrastructures are important as they cannot be built and run a single country or university on their own. By pooling expertise and resources, Europe is creating world-class facilities that remain competitive, attract global talent and provide innovations that improve lives.
“We’ve been in a very competitive world these days. Competing in sports, industry and science requires the right tools. European research infrastructure is a key strategic asset,” Weeks said.
Why a new strategy now?
Europe faces a triple challenge, including strong global competition in key areas such as energy, health and digital technology, rapid technological change, and the need for resilience.
All recent high-level reports commissioned by the EU highlight the same points. Europe needs to fill the innovation gap, create an integrated research ecosystem, and enhance control over key technologies and research data.
This means that by taking a comprehensive approach from basic research to technology development, ideas move faster from the lab to the market. Technology infrastructure drives research findings in this market. It also means ensuring that Europe is a magnet for talent and partnerships from around the world.
The new strategy focuses on several priorities designed to make the European research environment stronger, more connected and more impactful.
First, it will significantly increase investment in new world-class facilities. This has been welcomed for weeks.
“Having a more coordinated funding approach allows for better planning and provides access to a wider range of users. The more people who can use these assets, the more competitive Europe is,” he said.
Connecting research with the industry
The strategy also introduces a joint development roadmap to help facilities align with emerging scientific needs and industrial trends.
Jessu Valero, chairman of the European Association for Research and Technology Organisation (EARTO), highlighted how important technology infrastructure is.
“Technology infrastructure is where innovation becomes a reality. They provide important facilities and expertise that will help businesses, especially small businesses, develop, test and expand new technologies,” he said.
He welcomed a new strategy to provide clarity and ambition as to how such infrastructure is supported across Europe. “This is how we bridge the gap: through hands-on collaboration, shared facilities and targeted support.”
Wideer access
Access and visibility are another important focus. Researchers, startups and businesses in Europe and beyond will be able to use these infrastructures and benefit from what they offer.
Not only does it ensure long-term stable access opportunities for top scientists and pioneering developers of new services and products, it is about boosting innovation and creating opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.
Europe already offers something unique with an interconnected network of research infrastructure that spans boundaries and across a variety of scientific disciplines. The new strategy is based on its strengths and ties, along with the “European Choice” initiative launched in May 2025.
An important ambition is to make Europe a global hub for science and innovation. By promoting interconnected facilities, the EU aims to attract top talent from around the world.
“We know that when we have access to the best tools, information and people, everyone can increase the likelihood of discovery,” Weeks said. “That’s what European infrastructure does. They attract top talent and create a positive cycle of innovation.”
Keeping Europe at the forefront
Building talent is at the heart of strategy. The EU aims to train the next generation of professionals to ensure that infrastructure grows and the right skills to serve a diverse user base. At the same time, the management of these facilities is simplified through better EU-level coordination, making them more efficient and user-friendly.
Being digital is another priority. Research infrastructure integrates advanced digital tools and AI and links to initiatives such as Science’s European Strategy, which will be launched in late 2025.
Finally, this strategy will strengthen European control over critical research data, strengthen the role of world-class infrastructure in scientific diplomacy, and build bridges internationally while supporting European interests.
The new strategy already forms action under Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research programme to be implemented until 2027, serving as a blueprint for a new pillar dedicated to research and technology infrastructure for the next programme (2028–2034).
The goal is clear. Keeping Europe at the forefront of science, technology and innovation – for the benefit of all.
This article was originally published in Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation Magazine.
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