The state of Hessia (Hessen) situated at the centre of Germany is well-known for its pulsating universities of applied sciences, research institutes and universities - some of which are leading in different research fields. Our region offers great research opportunities for scientists and strives to attract talents to Hessia in a number of research fields. Current research priorities of the European Union like digitization, climate and health, and particularly pandemic-related and cancer research, are perfectly matching with Hessia’s research strengths. The institutions of higher education in Hessia carry out research and teach in all major disciplines, achieving a high standard of excellence.
21, Rue Montoyer
1000 Brussels
Belgium
The Commission's Green Deal has brought about a paradigm shift towards an ecologically to an ecologically oriented economy. In Hessia, we consider ecology and economy as a unity. The Hessian Innovation Strategy reflects our approach as one of the most innovative regions in Europe. Resilience, innovative strength and sustainability are therefore important principles of our strategy.
On June 17, ERRIN members and regional stakeholders from across Europe gathered in Brussels for the network's Spring Annual General Meeting (AGM) – an opportunity to take stock of recent achievements, reaffirm shared priorities and engage in timely discussions on the territorial dimension of the EU’s research and innovation funding landscape post-2027. This year's AGM was generously hosted by Wielkopolska Region, Emilia-Romagna Region, the Representation of the State of Hessen to the EU and Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and strategically held in connection to the Smart Specialisation Community of Practice (S3 CoP) 2025 Conference, organised the following day in Brussels.
The NetZeroCities project, in which ERRIN is a partner, has through its Twinning Programme matched 40 Twin Cities from across Europe with the 53 Pilot Cities that were selected earlier this year. ERRIN is pleased to see that 13 of the selected Twin Cities come from ERRIN member regions.
This conference is part of a two-day major event of Hessen, open to ERRIN members, who are very welcome to attend. We offer a particular focus on democracy research, a topic which is highly topical as the new Horizon is being shaped, with a dedicated focus on social sciences and humanities.
This evening event will offer insights and practice-oriented findings from democracy research to support the further development of the European Democracy Shield. A central objective of Hessian initiatives is to strengthen democratic resilience in the face of extremism and polarisation, while fostering stronger cooperation and networks. In this context, the European Centre for Democratic Resilience has recently started its activities, working in close cooperation with the Member States to promote resilient democracies. What opportunities does the Centre open up for the EU and its Member States – and where are further efforts and action required to reinforce the Democracy Shield?
This lunch debate organised by Hessen will reflect on the achievements and challenges of the European University Alliances, in light of the forthcoming EU long-term budget negotiations and the Commission’s proposals for Erasmus+, Horizon Europe and the Competitiveness Fund. The panel will also discuss how to fully unlock the alliances’ potential and secure sustainable structures beyond 2027. Right after the event, participants are invited to a New Year's Reception at Hessen's premises.
This podium discussion will explore how scientific research and its adoption are essential to ensuring the sustainability and long-term viability of the wine sector worldwide. The discussion will be followed by a wine tasting, featuring innovative wines made from alternative grape varieties, disease-resistant cultivars and de-alcoholised options from France, Germany and Australia.