What does Trump 2.0 mean for R&I?

Dive deeper into the systems of power that shape EU Research and Innovation with the INESC Brussels HUB newsletter and podcast.?

In this issue of The Insider Roundup, we explore the most pressing topics for Europe’s Research and Innovation (R&I) landscape. Our lead story, What Does Donald Trump 2.0 Mean for R&I?, explores the potential implications of a second Trump presidency on EU-U.S. collaboration in areas like climate policy, AI ethics, and health research. Tune into our Insider Roundup podcast for an in-depth discussion on this theme, examining key shifts in environmental priorities, ethical standards, and defense strategies that could impact EU R&I partnerships.

Highlights

• Editorial Insight – Engage with our editorial on the importance of including civil society, economic agents, and public entities in discussions around scientific and technological solutions. Learn how initiatives like the INESC TEC Autumn Forum foster public debate on critical challenges facing modern society.

• Key News – From Inês Lynce ’s appointment to Portugal’s National Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation to the highlights of INESC Lisboa's Annual Meeting, we cover the latest milestones and developments within INESC and beyond.

• Out of the Box – Discover unexpected perspectives, from research on domestic cats’ listening behavior to the latest on careers in science and technology policy.

Thematic Areas

• Advanced Computing – Explore breakthroughs in computational science, including advances in neuromorphic hardware, DEI challenges in tech, and data security debates.

• AI & Data Science – This section dives into award-winning AI applications, environmental considerations, and democratizing data access.

• Bioengineering & Health – Discover cutting-edge projects in bioengineering, such as the FAIRY project’s bioeconomy initiatives and breakthroughs in biomedical-supercomputing collaboration.

Transversal Themes

• R&I Policy and Funding – From the latest in Horizon Europe booster services to grassroots grant-writing techniques, this section offers vital updates on policies and funding strategies that are shaping European R&I.

• International Cooperation – See how the EU and international allies are collaborating to tackle global challenges, such as marine plastic waste and advancing the UK’s record R&D investment.

Join us in exploring these developments and understanding the forces shaping the future of R&I in Europe. Read on, and don’t miss the Insider Roundup podcast for a deep dive into what Trump 2.0 could mean for the EU’s science and innovation agenda.

Editorial: Engaging society in the discussion of scientific and technological solutions to relevant challenges

The discussion of the complex problems faced by modern societies, which require interdisciplinary solutions based on science and advanced technologies, cannot be confined to the research environments. Civil society, economic agents and public entities must be called upon to engage in discussions with academia and R&D institutions about ways to enhance knowledge and improve human resource qualifications, aiming for a more cohesive, equitable, safer, more developed, competitive, and resilient society.

The goal of the INESC TEC Autumn Forum is to create a space for public discussion of current, highly relevant topics, bringing together, both as participants and attendees, individuals and institutions interested in listening and contributing to a lively and productive debate on the options available and the paths that can lead to a better future.

The first edition of the Autumn Forum took place in 2015, marking the 30th anniversary of INESC in Porto, with a broad thematic spectrum and parallel sessions, focusing on four areas of particular relevance to our activity:?

• Medicine and Systems Engineering: from prevention to intensive care?

• Revitalising the Maritime Economy: new challenges and mineral resources in the new space of sovereignty?

• Future Energy Systems: the role of electricity?

• The role of Engineering and R&D&I in Social Challenges?

Following the success and interest generated, we decided to turn it into an annual event, each year focusing on a specific theme. Thus, since 2016 (with only one interruption due to the pandemic), the titles of the various editions are practically self-explanatory:?

• The Factory of the Future: which path for 21st-century industry??

• Ocean Engineering: challenges and opportunities?

• The companies shaping digital. The companies being reshaped by digital?

• The digital (r)evolution in Agro-Food and Forestry?

• Artificial Intelligence and Health?

• Accelerating the Decarbonisation of the Economy?

• Innovation Ecosystems: the role of interface entities?

The adopted model has been maintained, and in addition to an institutional opening, the event starts with a morning session featuring one or two keynote speeches, usually with an international guest, followed by a lunch that allows for socialising and networking.?

In the afternoon, the format changes, with two panels featuring national or international guests, usually moderated by one of our researchers (the only role INESC TEC takes in the event). Before the closing, a distinguished gest is invited to provide a brief critical summary of the most important points discussed, and the event comes to an end with an intervention by the president of INESC TEC and, in all previous editions, the participation of a government official.?

This year, we reach the 9th edition of the Autumn Forum, dedicated to critical infrastructures, their security, and resilience.?

The issue of critical infrastructures is undoubtedly a particularly pertinent topic, at a time when the threats of war, terrorism, and climate change transformations could jeopardise sectors such as energy (electricity, oil, and gas), communications (telecommunications, internet), transport (roads, railways, airports), water (supply and sanitation), health (hospitals, health systems), and other essential services, with severe consequences and disruption to the normal functioning of society.?

As we believe the event may be of interest to a broader community than those present in the room, we ensure online broadcasting, although without online translation into English.

However, later on, the event will be available on INESC TEC Youtube channel with English subtitles (where the previous editions can also be found).

Pedro Guedes de Oliveira

INESC TEC

The Insider Roundup: What Trump 2.0 means for R&I

This week’s episode of The Insider Roundup podcast tackles a question on everyone’s mind: What could a second Trump presidency mean for Europe’s science, technology, and R&I future??

We dive into the possibilities, drawing lessons from Trump’s previous term and looking at what a policy shift might mean for EU-U.S. collaboration.

Highlights include:

• Environmental Challenges – How could Trump’s likely return to fossil fuel priorities and climate regulation rollbacks disrupt EU climate goals?

• AI and Ethics – With the U.S. potentially prioritizing rapid tech advancement over ethical AI, where does that leave Europe’s data privacy and security standards?

• Defense and Health – As the U.S. may lean more heavily into defense R&I, what does that mean for joint health research projects and public health initiatives in Europe?

Tune in to explore how Europe can navigate a changing U.S. landscape, secure strategic autonomy, and lead in sustainable, ethical innovation – all while adapting to a shifting global order. This episode offers a must-hear analysis for anyone invested in the future of EU research, policy, and technological resilience.

The Insider Roundup is an overview of the main news covered in this edition with an analytical focus. You can listen to the podcast version here (https://pod.co/the-insider ) or wherever you get your podcasts! Also available on:?

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Special mentions

Bridging Knowledge and Innovation: Inês Lynce joins the National Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation

Carlos Oliveira , Adélio Mendes, Amélia Moreira Inês Lynce . INESC Brussels HUB Chair of the Board and INESC-ID ’s President became the ninth figure in science, technology, and innovation to be called to the stage at the Técnico Innovation Centre on the afternoon of November 5. In a ceremony attended by the Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro; the Minister of Economy, Pedro Reis; the Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation, Fernando Alexandre; and the Secretary of State for Science, Ana Paiva , an INESC-ID researcher, the 21 new members of the National Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation (CNCTI) were formally appointed.

This advisory body is tasked with supporting the development and sustainability of the national scientific and technological system, fostering the internationalization of Portuguese science, and promoting Portuguese as a working language in scientific fields, as outlined in the Diário da República . It is also responsible for providing scientific advice and enhancing cross-sectoral and inter-ministerial coordination in science and technology policies. Additionally, the CNCTI is expected to collaborate in parliamentary debates on science, technology, and innovation whenever requested by the Assembly of the Republic.

During her mandate, Inês Lynce , a Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico specializing in Artificial Intelligence, and National Director of the Carnegie Mellon Portugal Program , aims to promote “scientific excellence and talent attraction and retention.”

Read the full story here .

2nd Annual Meeting of INESC-ID Lisboa, October 25, 2024

INESC Lisboa annual meeting, which took place at the Crowne Plaza Caparica Lisbon on October 25, 2024, brought together researchers and partners from INOV INESC Inova??o , INESC-ID and INESC Microssistemas e Nanotecnologias for engaging discussions and collaborative sessions aimed at promoting innovation and strengthening our community.

Prof. Leonel Sousa , President of INESC-ID Lisboa , opened the day with insights that set a collaborative tone, while Prof. Arlindo Oliveira , President of INESC, highlighted the essential role our institutes play in advancing research and development initiatives. Dejan Milojicic joined the event as a special guest, offering insights on technological megatrends that significantly enhanced our discussions.

Out of the box

Your Cat Is Listening to You

Thirty-one Japanese house cats recently participated in an experiment. Animal behavior researcher Saho Takagi recruited 23 of them from cat cafés near Tokyo, and eight friends volunteered their pets: 20 tomcats and 11 queens, most of them roughly around the age of 4. A behavioral scientist researching animal cognition at Azabu University in Japan, Takagi is convinced that domestic cats are adapting to life with their human companions in surprising ways...?

Read the full article, by Elena Kazamia , on Nautilus. Direct link to the article here .

Who Does Science and Technology Policy?

To celebrate the magazine’s fortieth year of publication, the Issues team wanted a better understanding of who does science and technology policy, and what it means to even say you’re doing it. Between May 15 and August 15, 2024, Issues ran a survey to gain a deeper understanding of the field of science and technology (S&T) policy today, including career paths, motivations, activities, and opinions on how the field is changing.

Read the article by Josh Trapani and Katherine Santos Pavez , Issues in Science and Technology . Direct link to the article here .

"Out of the box” is a section about... those different, geeky ideas we all love.

Thematic Areas

Advanced Computing

This collection dives into critical topics in computational science, from advancing software reliability with formal methods to emerging neuromorphic computing technologies. It also raises pressing societal issues: strengthening DEI in computational fields, the influence of global politics on hate networks, and securing data in the era of confidential computing. Together, these articles offer insights into how advanced computing shapes both technological progress and societal challenges, urging a proactive stance on innovation and ethics in the digital age.

Formal methods are not just for developing critical software. An INESC TEC researcher explained why at an international conference (INESC TEC)

The state of DEI in computational science (nature computational science)

Neuromorphic Hardware and Computing 2024 (nature portfolio)

How U.S. Presidential elections strengthen global hate networks (npj complexity)

Confidential Computing or Cryptographic Computing? (Communications of the ACM)

Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

This section highlights innovations and discussions in AI and data science, covering award-winning research in AI applications, from epilepsy detection to smart cities and virtual fitness solutions. Emerging topics include the role of data in drug discovery, AI’s environmental impact through e-waste, and the democratization of knowledge through global datasets. Engaging topics on AI in sports, robust documentation, and copyright issues in video games underline the field’s expanding influence. This compilation emphasizes AI’s transformative power and calls on stakeholders to engage with these advancements shaping our digital future.

Ruxandra Barbulescu and Alessandro Gianola recognized with the Outstanding PC Member Award at ECAI 2024 (INESC ID)

We entered a virtual gym: in this case, a TV is not an obstacle to an active life (INESC TEC)

Smart cities feature INESC TEC technology. Spoiler alert: cars don’t get in (INESC TEC)

INESC TEC researcher's work in epilepsy earns him award for Innovation in Artificial Intelligence at the largest technology fair in the world (INESC TEC)

The future of machine learning for small-molecule drug discovery will be driven by data (nature computational science)

E-waste challenges of generative artificial intelligence (nature computational science)

Information Warfare (npj complexity)

AI and the democratization of knowledge (scientific data)

A global dataset of 7 billion individuals with socio-economic characteristics (scientific data)

AI Judging in Sports (Communications of the ACM)

The Importance of Robust Documentation in Software Development (Communications of the ACM)

Empower Diversity in AI Development (Communications of the ACM)

‘Cheat Engines’ and Copyright in Video Games in the EU (Communications of the ACM)

Improved collection of data on sustainability thanks to the new Farm Sustainability Data Network (European Commission)

Commission launches public consultation on the rules for researchers to access online platform data under the Digital Services Act (European Commission)

Bioengineering and Health Technologies

This section presents transformative research in bioengineering and health technologies, spotlighting INESC’s interdisciplinary work. Projects range from the FAIRY project, which leverages yeast to advance bioeconomy and healthcare applications, to bridging biomedical engineering with supercomputing to accelerate medical research. Additionally, initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in marine science emphasize INESC’s commitment to addressing broad societal challenges in health and environmental sustainability. This content invites stakeholders to explore these collaborative advances shaping a more inclusive, sustainable future in health innovation.

INESC-ID coordinates FAIRY Project to Support Yeast-based Bioeconomy and Health (INESC ID)

There are bridges uniting biomedical engineering and supercomputing - INESC TEC researchers flew to Barcelona to cross them (INESC TEC)

Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in interdisciplinary marine science (npj ocean sustainability)

Electronic systems, Microelectronics and Optoelectronics

INESC MN’s involvement in the Microelectronics Agenda places it at the heart of Europe’s strategic efforts to build resilience and innovation capacity in semiconductor technologies. This section underscores INESC Microssistemas e Nanotecnologias ’s role in advancing micro and nanoelectronics, vital for sectors from telecommunications to advanced computing. With Europe’s emphasis on establishing a robust semiconductor ecosystem, INESC MN’s contributions align closely with EU goals, offering essential insights and opportunities for stakeholders invested in Europe’s digital autonomy and technological leadership.

INESC MN in the Microelectronics Agenda (INESC MN)

Power and Energy Systems

This section explores cutting-edge advancements in energy systems, spotlighting innovative approaches to empower sustainable energy practices. Highlights include INESC TEC’s solution enabling households to support the European power grid, demonstrating local participation in energy stability. At Enlit Europe, INESC TEC reinforced its influence within Europe’s energy sector, showcasing technologies aimed at advancing efficient and resilient energy systems. Additionally, advancements in battery management through machine learning and electrostatic generators for IoT nodes underscore the push towards optimized energy storage and smart device integration. The European Commission’s updates on sustainable energy policies reflect the broader ambition to transform the EU’s energy landscape through inclusive and efficient solutions.

Supporting the European power grid from our homes? Yes, it is possible – and this INESC TEC solution proves just that (INESC TEC)

Enlit Europe: INESC TEC with a consolidated presence at the largest European event on energy solutions (INESC TEC)

Synergizing physics and machine learning for advanced battery management (nature communications engineering)

Electrostatic generator enhancements for powering IoT nodes via efficient energy management (nature microsystems & nanoengineering)

European Sustainable Energy Week 2025: Commission opens applications to host a policy session (European Commission)

Independent expert report outlines R&I pathways towards system transitions in energy and mobility (European Commission)

Robotics

INESC TEC’s robotics advancements continue to set records and address sector-specific challenges. In a landmark achievement, INESC TEC’s robots reached a depth of 830 meters in one of the largest global robotic exercises, pushing the limits of underwater exploration, INESC TEC’s innovative use of drones and automation technologies is revolutionizing precision agriculture, with applications designed to tackle unique challenges in the wine sector. This section shows how robotics is both expanding the boundaries of exploration and offering tailored solutions for critical industries.

Once again, INESC TEC broke the Portuguese record with robots descending to a depth of 830m in the largest robotic exercise in the world (INESC TEC)

Drones, automation and sensing: here are INESC TEC’s solutions to the challenges of the wine sector (INESC TEC)

Industry, Systems Engineering and Management

INESC TEC is at the forefront of supply chain and manufacturing innovations, driving efficiency and resilience through automation and connectivity. In supply chain optimization, INESC TEC’s technologies enable enhanced sorting, organizing, and palletizing processeshe TestBed 5G initiative, INESC TEC plays a crucial role in advancing 5G pilots to bolster the manufacturing industry, supporting digital transformation in real-world applications. This section shows how INESC TEC’s work aligns with broader EU goals to modernize industry, enhance digital resilience, and ensure competitive advantage in global markets.

Sorting, organising, palletising: INESC TEC technology paving the way to an optimised supply chain (INESC TEC)

TestBed 5G: INESC TEC in half of the pilots that aim to boost the manufacturing industry (INESC TEC)

Transversal Areas

R&I Policy: Shaping the Future of European Research and Innovation

This section provides a comprehensive look at key updates in R&I policy and governance. INESC ID’s Inês Lynce has joined Portugal’s National Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation, highlighting efforts to strengthen the link between knowledge and policy. Across Europe, new policies are being crafted to address challenges like the erosion of academic freedom and calls for more private R&D investment to boost competitiveness.

At the EU level, recent initiatives focus on bridging the “innovation gap” through strategic investments, while Horizon Europe’s updated booster services support researchers in transforming their findings into impactful applications. Meanwhile, global topics—such as the potential impacts of Trump’s policies on science and climate action—are closely monitored, with the upcoming COP29 expected to shape international climate collaboration. This section invites INESC stakeholders to stay informed and engaged with the evolving R&I policy landscape.

Bridging Knowledge and Innovation: Inês Lynce joins the National Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation (INESC ID)

New-era policies aim to halt erosion of academic freedom (Peter Maassen, University World News)

Joint FP10 Paper of MANUFUTURE, EFFRA and EIT Manufacturing (MANUFUTURE, EFFRA, EIT Manufacturing)

Zaharieva gets good marks from Brussels’ research bubble (Science Business)

Assessing the Trump factor in US science: fear and uncertainty (Science Business)

What Trump Can—And Probably Can’t—Do to Reverse U.S. Climate Policy (Scientific American)

Your 2024 Election Rundown, from Immigration to Education (Scientific American)

Trump’s shadow looms at climate summit: what COP29 could deliver (nature magazine)

EU leaders focus on ‘innovation gap’ after competitiveness deal (Research Professional News)

European economy ministers call for urgent private R&D investment (Research Professional News)

Horizon Europe booster refreshed to maximise research impact (Research Professional News)

New Booster services help EU-funded researchers bring their results to use (European Commission)

Kubilius pledges to develop critical technologies in Europe (Research Professional News)

World Intellectual Property Indicators 2024 (WIPO)

CERN Council selects Mark Thomson as next Director-General, starting in 2026 (CERN)

Strengthening Europe’s civil and military preparedness and readiness: Report by Special Adviser Niinist? (European Commission)

R&I Funding: Supporting Diverse Research Needs and Strategic Investments

This section focuses on funding strategies for maximizing research impact across diverse sectors. It covers grassroots grant-writing approaches to empower researchers in smaller institutions, EU initiatives supporting global climate goals through COP29, and the European Green Deal's backing of R&I financing. With the recent U.S. election, there’s also a call for more EU investment in R&D to stay competitive. Topics include interdisciplinary funding needs under FP10, consultations on open-access models, and effective goal-targeting for funding success. These highlights encourage INESC stakeholders to explore funding strategies and policies to support impactful, inclusive research across Europe and beyond.

Grass-roots grant-writing approaches can help researchers at small institutions to succeed (nature magazine)

EU to support continued global climate action and push for ambitious finance and investment goals at COP29 (European Commission)

How EU Green Deal R&I funding and policy is backing COP29 (Science Business)

Call for more EU investment in R&D after Trump win (Science Business)

Academy urges government to harness social science research (Research Professional News)

FP10 must look for innovation in every discipline (Research Professional News)

EU-funded open access project consults on diamond proposals (Research Professional News)

Targeting your aims and objectives (Research Professional News)

Budget commissioner-designate plays down talk of competitiveness mega fund (Science Business)

Funding Radar: This week’s round up of digital-related calls (Science Business)

Pro tip: study EU policy to understand research programming (Science Business)

International Cooperation: Strengthening Global Ties in Research and Sustainability

This section highlights recent efforts to foster international collaboration in R&I. The UK has announced a record ￡20.4 billion R&D investment in its Autumn Budget, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and scientific advancement. Meanwhile, the EU-India Trade and Technology Council is addressing environmental challenges, particularly marine plastic litter, with joint efforts to develop assessment and monitoring tools.

UK Government backs UK R&D with record ￡20.4 billion investment at Autumn Budget (UK Government)

EU-India jointly discuss Assessment and Monitoring tools for marine plastic litter under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (European Commission)

Note: Various articles of our newsletter are part of the “Funding Newswire” section in Science Business. In this section you can find the latest news in research funding, from calls to policy updates and its implications.?

INESC is part of the Science Business Network, so you get free access to this section by signing up with your institutional email (it must be an email address from any of the 5 INESC institutes).

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