SSH CENTRE FINAL CONFERENCE.

Shaping the Next European Research and Innovation Framework

As the SSH CENTRE project concludes, we invite you to a pivotal debate on the future of European knowledge. Join us on 28th January (18:00–19:00 CET) to explore how Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) will define the next generation of research priorities and innovation pathways.

Save The Date

📅 Date: 28th January 2026

⏰ Time: 18:00 – 19:00 (CET) Welcoming participants from 17.30

📍 Location: Townhall Europe (Brussels) and online

Important note: This Final Conference is part of the Shared Green Societies Launch Event, which will take place at the same venue and begins at 11:00. Participants of our Final Conference are warmly invited to join the launch as well. Please note that separate registration is required — you can register here.

Final Conference

Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Society
While the recent evaluation of Horizon Europe confirms the immense value of EU research investment, it also highlights a critical challenge: scientific excellence alone cannot address the complex societal implications of disruptive technologies. To navigate the geopolitical and environmental pressures reshaping our future, we must bridge the gap between technical advancement and the social, economic, and political realities they inhabit. This debate serves as a platform to discuss how the next framework can move beyond “siloed” science toward a truly integrated approach.

Designing the 2028–2034 Framework
Looking ahead to the forthcoming programme (2028–2034), it is essential that Europe captures the full spectrum of human knowledge. We will examine the need for co-designing solutions in which researchers, policymakers, businesses, and citizens collaborate from the outset. By integrating SSH into the core of innovation, we can ensure that future discoveries are not just technically sound but are translated into policies that respond to societal needs, support the green and digital transitions, and strengthen Europe’s long-term resilience.

A Collaborative Vision for Europe
Organised by Friends of Europe in close cooperation with the SHARED GREEN DEAL forum, this final event brings together a panel of experts in SSH, innovation, and EU policymaking. Together, we will reflect on the outputs of the SSH CENTRE project and provide the key insights needed to build the European Union we envisioned—one where innovation is human-centered and purposefully designed for the common good.

Panel Speakers

Eszter Lakos

European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

Joy Clancy

Professor Emerita & Senior Researcher

Henriette van Eijl

Head of Unit for Health and Societal Transitions at the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation

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