Working Group Leaders
Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of the Science & Education for Society Working Group.
Science & Education for Society
The Science & Education for Society Working Group addresses topics related to the concept of place-based universities and engagement with society and citizens while also working on the role of education (both VET and Higher Education) in the Research and Innovation Smart Specialisation Strategies (RIS3) as well as education and skills for research and innovation. The Working Group facilitates information sharing, knowledge development, and aims to strengthen existing and build new relationships with the EU institutions. Facilitating project development is also part of the Working Group's scope. For this purpose, the Working Group assesses the interest of the membership for specific calls under Erasmus+ and support in the most efficient way the members in building consortia, primarily with the ERRIN online tool for project development.
ERRIN Contact
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Strengthening skills governance in regional innovation ecosystems: lessons learnt and remaining challenges
As the activities of the EU Year of Skills came to an end in April 2024, the Science and Education for Society Working Group is organising a Working Group meeting to reflect on the lessons learnt
The Pact for Skills for CCIs - What next after the Year of Skills?
The European Year of Skills is coming to an end after the Pact for Skills Forum (21- 22 March) and the Closing event, taking place on 30 April, which will reflect on the achievements of the past year
Policy & Smart Specialisation WGs meeting: Widening in FP10 and impact on cohesion policy post-2027
The topic of widening gathers high attention in the discussions around the next European Framework Programme for R&I, raising questions with the potential to influence not only the Widening sub-
WG Related Events
SEFS WG meeting: COST info session
During this information session ERRIN members will be able to explore COST, including benefits and ways of involvement. COST speakers will highlight the opportunities for different regional stakeholders and outline how engagement in COST can serve as a stepping stone to the Horizon Europe projects.
Defending academic freedom by supporting students at risk. Towards a European approach?
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) and the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) are organising the joint event 'Defending academic freedom by supporting students at risk. Towards a European approach?'
Technology for society: Are we getting it right?
EuroTech Universities Alliance organises a high-level event exploring the benefits and limitations of technology for society. It will offer an opportunity to engage in a discussion with citizens, policymakers and researchers.
European Universities Initiative Brokerage event
Following the latest developments of the European Commission regarding the European Universities Initiative (EUI), there will be new calls for new EUI alliances to be funded under Erasmus+ starting from next year. The Universities Informal Liaison Offices Network, UnILiON, invite ERRIN members to participate in a brokerage event on the morning of 4 November.
Connecting social innovation in Scotland and the UK
How can we create a more connected UK social innovation ecosystem with stronger transnational ties to Europe and beyond? This event will mark the beginning of the SI Connect initiative in the UK and will bring together social innovation leaders, researchers and practitioners in Scotland.
New European Research Area – Towards a Responsible Knowledge-Driven Society of the 3rd Millennium
The Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is organising a conference on the new European Research Area as one of its flagship events in the field of research and innovation. The event will be held in a hybrid format (both physically and virtually).
WG Documents
ERRIN Year in review 2022
The ERRIN Year in review 2022 is out! Read the report to see the numerous activities ERRIN and its members have been involved in throughout the year.
WG Related Content
Exploring Synergies between European Partnerships and EU Missions – Mutual Learning Event
ERRIN and the TRAMI project are organising a Mutual Learning Event aiming to explore synergies between European Partnerships and EU Missions. The event will take place on Wednesday 7 February from 9:00 to 12:00 (CET) at the NCBR Brussels Office, Rue Belliard 40, Brussels.
Danish VR company looking for partners to develop online teaching experience focusing on biodiversity challenges
A Danish film company is looking for partners to join them in their Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership project, focussing on the development of a VR educational experience. The material will include an educational segment and an interative VR challenge, where students will apply their knowledge to ensure the species' survival.
The City of Marseille is looking for a consortium to prevent and reduce food waste
The city of Marseille is looking to join a consortium by offering sites for experimentation on food waste reduction and prevention in its school canteens.
Partner search for Erasmus+ project: Circular Economy in Construction Education (CE2)
We are currently five Danish partners searching for new partners for an Erasmus+ project under Alliances for Education and Enterprises. The project Circular Economy in Construction (CE2) focus on creating learning experiences that are attractive to both school- and job-based target groups. CE2 tackles the deep gap between visions for the future built environment and the day-to-day work at a construction site.
The European Heritage Hub project is looking for good practices
The European Heritage Hub is collecting good practices to share throughout Europe and beyond! Administrations of a city or region are asked to submit highlights of their work in heritage in the context of the ‘triple transformation ’ – green, digital and social – of our society. Ten practices will be selected for publication and promotion through the European Heritage Hub. Cities whose good practices are selected also get the opportunity to host a peer learning visit with a delegation of 20 participants funded by the project (3 peer learning visits will take place between Q2 2024 and Q1 2025).
Regional innovation highlighted in Council conclusions on R&I
On 8 December, the Council of the EU approved conclusions on strengthening the role and impact of research and innovation in policymaking – a priority file for the Spanish Presidency of the Council. A stronger role for local and regional innovation to strengthen competitive R&I is featured in the conclusions as one of the three mutually complementary dimensions.
Latest Updates
- By Elena Nielsen
Didactic tools for digital teaching at universities of applied science
In response to the Erasmus+ call on Strategic Partnerships – COVID-19 on digitalisation, VIA University College is looking for partners to strengthen digital online learning tools and methods. The aim of this project is to develop dialogic and collaborative didactic strategies, methods and technologies for teaching and learning at European universities of applied science.
- By Hilary Webb
Regions to play a greater part in the updated plan for the European Research Area
This week the European Commission published the long-awaited updated plan for the European Research Area (ERA) where the regional and local level plays a more prominent role in enhancing R&I&D collaboration, echoing several points in our position paper adopted earlier this year.
- By Hilary Webb
Contribute to EIT's Regional Innovation Scheme - three consultations launched
EIT has launched three consultations, including surveys to inform its regional development and higher education activities.
- By Hilary Webb
Science meets Parliaments/Science meets Regions - Final report published
The Joint Research Centre's flagship initiative 'Science meets Parliaments/Science meets Regions' aimed to stimulate policymakers' engagement with the best available scientific evidence. The final report of the project is available now.
- By Hilary Webb
Accelerating education for the SDGs in universities: new guide published
The Sustainable Development Solutions Network has published a new guide on helping universities and other higher education institutions to help society achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- By Hilary Webb
Stakeholder survey on Pact for Skills ahead of November launch
As part of the European Skills Agenda it was announced that a Pact for Skills will be officially launched in November, a stakeholders' survey is now underway to collect valuable feedback.