ISED’s national Horizon Europe Roadshow was established to inform and equip researchers of the tools they need to engage in international research partnerships and fundraising opportunities.
In today’s interconnected world, collaboration between research and innovation is essential to tackling global challenges and promoting our collective knowledge. The partnership with Canada’s Horizon Europe program is a prime example of what collaboration can be achieved, and the Department of Innovation, Science, Economic and Development (ISED) plays a pivotal role in fostering involvement in Canada’s programmes.
To support this initiative, ISED’s Canada Horizon Europe Secretariat has organized a national roadshow to inform and promote the many opportunities available to researchers and innovators across the country. This roadshow is an important step in equipping participants with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexity of the program and fully embrace the possibilities of meaningful international partnerships.
For more information, Maddie Hall from Innovation Platform spoke about ISED and Roadshow, its highlights, and the results of the program.
What was your motivation for organizing Horizon Europe Roadshow, and what was your main purpose?
Canada’s relationship with Horizon Europe opens up exciting new opportunities for research and innovation partnerships with European researchers (and beyond that, we can also work with other relevant countries). ISED’s Canada Horizon Europe Secretariat organized the Roadshow in collaboration with the European Union (EU) delegation after receiving a large amount of questions from Canadian researchers and innovators interested in the programme. The sessions were designed to help them by cultivating a broader awareness and understanding of these new funding and collaboration opportunities.
Hosting interactive sessions across the country allowed participants to receive actionable guidance on fundraising, project management, management, and navigating legal and financial requirements. The session also provided valuable networking opportunities and featured success stories from Canadian researchers who are already participating in Horizon Europe, helping new people and already familiar with the programmes to better understand how to access these opportunities.
Can you explain the important features of Roadshow? What were the outstanding moments and highlights?
Roadshow has gathered an impressive range of expertise to help Canadian researchers connect with opportunities in Europe. Speakers included representatives of the European Commission, members of the EU delegation, and experts from major organizations such as the European Research Council and Euro Access North America. European diplomatic representatives also participated in the sessions in some cities, presenting a “team European approach” and providing direct ground support to Canadian participants.
The event attracted strong interest from the Canadian research community as a whole. Researchers, academic institutions, and private sector innovators came together to learn about these new international collaboration opportunities. Horizon Europe participants share their experiences working with European partners through the programme, demonstrating important opportunities currently open to researchers across Canada. The session was particularly well attended, attracting nearly 600 participants.
What was the outcome? Were there any specific partnerships or projects that have started as a result?
By equipping participants with the right tools and information, Roadshow opened the door for Canadian researchers to access Horizon Europe fundraising opportunities. Participants from a wide range of fields, including artificial intelligence, genomics and marine technology, gained practical knowledge on how to engage in European research partnerships through Horizon Europe.
The impact was clear. Attendees reported confidence in applying new knowledge, and almost all participants reported satisfaction with the session. Also, there was strong Canada participation in subsequent matchmaking events and partner searches. The Canadian Horizon europe Secretariat is gaining interest due to increased website traffic, newsletter subscriptions and direct enquiries. Most importantly, this roadshow helped to build on the broader trend of expanding Canadian engagement within Horizon Europe.
What questions did participants ask about the collaboration between Canada and Horizon Europe? Were there any amazing insights or challenges that were highlighted?
Participants asked practical questions about how they could navigate this new opportunity, particularly how Horizon Europe differs from traditional Canadian fundraising programs. They were also interested in understanding the advantages of Canadian statistical status under Pillar 2. Discoveries and connections with European and international research partners. Navigates the European Commission’s programme management. Access support from Canada’s Horizon Europe Secretariat and the Canadian National Contact Points Network.
The sessions sparked valuable debate about the challenges researchers face, particularly in managing management and legal requirements and complexity. This direct feedback will help the Secretariat better support Canadian participants as they pursue partnerships through Horizon Europe.
Do you show the most promising opportunities for Canadian-Europe collaboration, or which sector or field of research is?
Horizon Europe creates opportunities for Canadian researchers and innovators to tackle key global challenges while advancing Canada’s priorities. Recognizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing these key social challenges, Canada’s Horizon Europe Secretariat supports applicants in a wide range of areas including health, climate, energy, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, quantum, space, agriculture, and bioeconomics.
What’s next for the Canada-Horizon Europe collaboration? Are you anticipating a future roadshow?
Based on the success of the Roadshow, Canada’s Horizon Europe Secretariat continues to support Canadian researchers and innovators. In collaboration with Horizon Europe’s experts and network, the Secretariat is developing specialized technical training and target matchmaking events to connect partners in Canada and Europe. These activities will help Canadian researchers successfully participate in and benefit from these international opportunities.
This article will also be featured in the 23rd edition of Quarterly Publication.
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