African Space Leadership Institute’s Post

📢 Last week during #RIDaysEU 🙋♀️ Ewa Kocinska-Lange took part in a panel discussion on “R&I in Times of Reconstruction: How R&I Can Help Rebuild Ukraine”. It was moderated by Signe Ratso, Deputy Director-General of DG RTD European Commission, with participation of: Viola von Cramon-Taubadel - MEP | European Parliament Serhiy Tereshko - Deputy Head of Mission of Ukraine to the EU Vaughan Turekian - Executive Director Policy and Global Affairs Division | The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine T Kyosuke Inada - Chief Representative for Europe and Head, France Office | Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)   ⏳ Signe Ratso summed up the last 2 years since Russia started unjustified aggression against Ukraine where at least 35% of research infrastructure has been either damaged or destroyed and Ukraine scientists were relocated within the country or abroad. In response, the European Commission supports Ukraine by: ➡️ signing 85 grants so far with UA participation in #HorizonEU; ➡️ Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions supporting 125 displaced Ukrainian researchers; ➡️ providing access to the European research infrastructure; ➡️ opening Horizon Europe Office in Kyiv providing training and facilitating integration into the European Research Area; ➡️ the EIC for Ukraine action supporting at least 200 Ukrainian deep tech startups with grants and technical assistance.   In the panel discussion, Ewa highlighted some of the lessons learned from Polish-Ukrainian R&I cooperation from the last 2 years: 🔸 adapt to the current needs of Ukraine and current global issues; 🔸 keep developing cooperation with the Ukrainian research community; 🔸 increase Ukrainian participation in Horizon EU and research networks; 🔸 build the expert base to support the R&I community; 🔸 offer study visits, online courses, and exchanges; 🔸 support the reconstruction of R&I infrastructure; 🔸 support involvement of Ukrainian universities in the European University alliances; 🔸 retain the affiliation of Ukrainian researchers with Ukrainian institutions.   As one of the current examples presenting international support Ewa pointed out the Call IMPRESS-U announced in cooperation between researchers from Poland, Ukraine, the USA and the Baltic states 🌐   We need to remember that supporting human capital is crucial for the future of Ukraine and its reconstruction.  

I had the honour to speak at the 2nd Joint Committee Meeting of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement to HORIZON EUROPE and EURATOM Programmes on 12 September 2024. This event was an important step in discussing the needs of Ukraine's science and innovation sector, as well as shaping the next steps of Ukraine's integration into the European Research Area. I presented our organisation's experience participating in the EU Framework Programmes and our activities to assist Ukrainian organisations in participating in Horizon Europe competitions. We plan to develop our activities in the following areas: - Expanding cooperation with innovative structures in Ukraine and the EU - Wider involvement of local organisations  - Advocacy for overcoming formal barriers - Participation in the formation of innovation ecosystems at different levels - Increasing the impact of research results on the development of the Ukrainian economy and society  - Advocacy for accelerating reforms to achieve EU membership The presentation can be found at this link: https://lnkd.in/dyn8qE6U

#REUNIR Video Series are back! 🌍 What sets #REUNIR apart from other projects? In Julia Friedrich's view, a research fellow at the Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi), three key elements make REUNIR truly special: ➡️ Its unique composition. collaborating with partners from Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and the Western Balkans—working together in the composition of the future EU before everyone else gets to. ➡️ Connecting the Western Balkans & Eastern Partnership countries. It’s essential to bring these regions together, fostering deeper communication and mutual learning. ➡️ A forward-looking approach. #REUNIR tackles unforeseen challenges in the region by providing tools and strategies to address sudden developments. This future-oriented mindset is crucial in a fast-changing environment. These aspects make REUNIR a vital project for understanding and shaping the future of the EU and its neighboring regions. Watch the video and stay tuned for more expert insights on this critical topic! Special thanks to Marco Christian P., Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) for preparing the video. #EU #REUNIR #EasternPartnership #WesternBalkans #RegionalSecurity #FutureOfEurope #Ukraine #Moldova #Georgia CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies) Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP) Maastricht University University of Graz International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS) Belgrade Centre for Security Policy School for Policy Analysis NaUKMA IPRE - Institutul pentru Politici și Reforme Europene College of Europe Université Sorbonne Nouvelle REDEMOS Horizon Europe Project European Commission EU Science, Research and Innovation

The closure of the 4th National Participation Day (15 - 16 May 2024) was marked by a compelling 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, showcasing the remarkable influence of civil society in Ukraine. This event successfully brought together a wide range of national, subnational, and non-state actors, fostering meaningful dialogue within the EUSDR framework and yielding fruitful outcomes. Moreover, the forward-thinking nature of this declaration emphasizes the importance of prioritizing its contents in the EUSDR, as well as in the cities of Kiev, Brussels, and Vienna. The 4th Ukrainian National Participation Day set the stage for a comprehensive dialogue on Ukraine’s future, highlighting the importance of green initiatives, democratic values, and socio-economic innovation. As preparations continue for the upcoming 𝟏𝟏𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐛𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲 (19 June 2024) and 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐔𝐒𝐃𝐑 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 in Vienna, the collaborative spirit and shared vision demonstrated at this gathering promise a brighter, more resilient future for Ukraine and the wider Danube Region. Read the full Declaration here: https://lnkd.in/dfuqzeGm #prosperitythroughdiversity #macroregions4u #danuberegionstrategy #strategies4cooperation #ukraine #institutionalcooperation Foster Europe Foundation for strong European Regions © EUSDR Priority Area 10

📅 🎟️There's still time to register for our upcoming Annual Stakeholder Event, which will take place in London on 12 September 2024. The world is facing significant challenges, the burden of which often falls disproportionately on those living in hashtag #LMICs. Collective action and international cooperation have paved the way for progress. But despite global efforts, advancement toward the hashtag #SDGs has slowed and is even regressing in some areas. We know that research is integral to finding the solutions we need to meet global challenges and set hashtag #InternationalDevelopment objectives on track. Furthermore, research partnership and science diplomacy remain a shared language for cooperation in an increasingly volatile world. As crises converge today, we need commitment to, and investment in, research. This will be vital to deliver a healthier and more equitable tomorrow. Join UKCDR and our expert panel for a timely dialogue on why research and research investment matter now. The panelists will offer a range of perspectives on this topic from across the research ecosystem. The discussion will be moderated by Ehsan Masood, Nature's Bureau Chief for Editorials, Africa and the Middle East. Panelists include: Dr Joanes Atela, Founder and Executive Director, Africa Research and Impact Network Professor Charlotte Watts – Chief Scientific Advisor, FCDO Dr Jaideep Gupte – Director of Research, Strategy and Innovation, Arts & Humanities Research Council Professor Melissa Leach – Executive Director, Cambridge Conservation Initiative and Interim Chair of the Strategic Coherence in ODA-funded Research Board ➡️ https://bit.ly/3W5Dg4V

Keeping Course: Actions and Solutions for a Messy World 📢 CALLING ALL GLOBAL CITIZENS! 🤩 🔔 SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 2024 📝 Register #GTH2024 now via gth2024.com! Join Global Town Hall 2024, a marathon dialogue discussing the world's top-priority challenges through the North-South, East-West perspectives, and world leaders and thought leaders worldwide. Under the theme “Keeping Course: Actions and Solutions for a Messy World,” Global Town Hall invites all global citizens around the world to come together and voice out their aspirations in discussions on world’s pressing issues in this exceedingly turbulent times. IPB will speak about the "Eyes on Palestine and Ukraine: Valuable Lessons for the Present and Future World Order" on Saturday, 7 September 2024, 9 - 10 AM Berlin time / 2 - 3 PM Jakarta time. The ongoing crises in Ukraine and Palestine demand urgent global attention. This session will critically examine the narratives surrounding both conflicts, highlighting international responses. By focusing on the humanitarian impacts and the geopolitical dynamics at play, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities involved. Join us as we bring together diverse perspectives to identify common grounds and discuss pathways towards a more just and equitable global future. This discussion is crucial for anyone concerned with global peace, security, and human rights. #GlobalTownHall #GTH #GTH2024 #NorthSouthEastWest

CANCELLATION OF WIDENING MEASURES? 👀 A debate is heating up in the European research community about the future of the widening measures in the next framework programme, FP10. They aim to close the east-west gap in research and innovation, but while some advocate their continuation with modifications, others propose their removal altogether.   Denmark supports their cancellation: - They undermine principles of excellence - They are not optimal ➡️ It is recommended to create a separate programme to be financed by regional cohesion funds.   Concerned Central and Eastern European countries are opposed: - Widening measures have had some positive effects, participation of countries has increased - Cohesion funds alone are not enough ➡️Internationalisation in research and innovation is important and Horizon Europe is the ideal tool for this.   A more unified European position will be published by the European Research Area and Innovation Committee of member state representatives this June.

📢 Save the Date for our upcoming X Space: "Italy-Africa Summit: A Reflection from African CSOs” 🗓️ Date: Friday, 2 February 2024 ⏰ Time: 18H30 - 20H00 EAT 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dCPqRn47 As professionals committed to #sustainabledevelopment and global cooperation, we invite you to join a thought-provoking X Space discussion. We'll delve into the intricacies of the Mattei Plan, recently proposed at the Italy-Africa Summit, and critically assess its potential impact on Africa's future. Key Discussion Points: - Understanding the Mattei Plan - Evaluating the Impact on African Development and Sustainability - Inclusion of African Voices: A Partnership or a Presumption? This event is a must for professionals, #policymakers, and advocates passionate about shaping a #sustainable and #equitable global future. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in this crucial conversation about Africa's role and rights in international partnerships. Mark your calendars and join us for a session of insightful dialogue. https://lnkd.in/dCPqRn47

🌍 Introducing the EU-Balkan Observatory! 🌍 The EU-Balkan Observatory, an initiative of the Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg (iASK), is dedicated to researching the unique cultural and geographic complexities of the Balkan region in the European context. Building on years of research through the iASK Polanyi Centre, which led to over 200 publications and research projects, this platform will continue exploring the region’s rich history, politics, and social dynamics. 🔍 You can find: - Reports, research papers, and articles on topics like history, memory politics, populism, reconciliation efforts, EU integration, and environmental activism in the Balkans. - Calls for papers and conference announcements. - The latest news and updates on important developments in Southeastern Europe. 📢 Call to Action: We invite scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in the complex dynamics of the Balkans to visit our website. Stay informed about cutting-edge research, and participate in discussions that shape the future of the region: https://lnkd.in/dfXpr98t

Appointment to AU-ASRIC 4IR Working Group Our CEO, Prof. Dr. Anica Peters has been appointed to the African Scientific, Research and Innovation Council’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (ASRIC 4IR) Working Group for Africa. She will represent Southern Africa and the group will be responsible for developing the 4IR Strategy for Africa. The primary objective of this strategy is to provide actionable insights and recommendations for African policymakers, stakeholders, and decision-makers to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the 4IR. The strategy will in addition aim to articulate a strategic roadmap for African nations to navigate the complexities of the 4IR, leveraging its opportunities while mitigating its risks. The African Scientific, Research and Innovation Council (AU-ASRIC) is a continental platform to mobilize African research excellence, innovation for dialogue and voice of the scientific community in building and sustaining continental research-policy nexus to address Africa’s socio-economic development challenges. #4IR #CEO #NCRST #appointment #AfricanResearch #strategy #policymakers