Brussels News Update, July 2020
European Highlights, Research, Innovation, Education, Entrepreneurship
EuChemS online 50th anniversary celebration
On Friday, 3 July 2020, the European Chemical Society (EuChemS) held its very first online webinar to celebrate 50 years since the foundation of the Federation of European Chemical Societies (FECS), which is today known as EuChemS.
The rich, diverse and entertaining programme included the premiere of the first EuChemS video, speeches from 17 live speakers, many photographs from the past years of EuChemS, an original international video with congratulations in different languages prepared by the EYCN – European Young Chemists’ Network.
See the article here.
Germany takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union
On 1 July 2020, Germany has officially taken over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from Croatia. The COVID-19 pandemic and its recovery plan are at the heart of the 6-months Presidency of Germany, as its motto indicates: ‘Together for Europe’s recovery.’ Hence, research and innovation are put at the forefront of the Germany’s strategic agenda.
In view of the current global health crisis, the German Presidency announced supporting European research and its scientific community by enhancing online platforms and open access.
New special European Parliament committees
On 19 June, the European Parliament announced having set up special and inquiry committees and a permanent subcommittee. Among them, the new special committee on beating cancer will implement concrete actions in order to prevent and fight cancer. The tasks of this special committee will also be to identify legislation and other measures to deal with cancer, as well as finding solutions to support scientific research in this area. The creation of this Committee is a follow-up to the European Commission Public Consultation on ‘Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan’.
Latest ECHA Committee for micro plastics restrictions
The European Chemical Society attended the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) online meeting of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in June which addressed several pressing issues. Significant topics were discussed, including microplastics restrictions.
On 10 June 2020, after 15 months of joint work together with Member State representatives, ECHA’s Committee on Risk Assessment (RAC) reached a final opinion on microplastics restriction and supports restricting the use of intentionally added microplastics in EU/EEA products, in concentrations of more than 0.01% by weight.
European Research Area: starting from scratch?
On 6 July 2020, the European Commission opened a roadmap on ‘the future of the European Research Area (communication)’: feedback and ideas can be submitted until 3 August. The aim of this initiative is to reboot the European Research Area (ERA) policy, in order to enhance research and innovation within the poorer region of the European Union, from September 2020 onwards.
Open Education for a Better World - OE4BW
The mentoring programme Open Education for a Better World (OE4BW) was held online from 29 June to 2 July 2020. This programme supports the development and implementation of open educational resources (OER). The projects of the OE4BW mentoring programme address topics in relation with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mentees are enrolled worldwide for this purpose. In 2020, they benefited from the guidance of 84 mentors, who helped the mentees to find solutions and foster OER. The mentoring programme supported 82 projects.
Online workshops were held for 4 consecutive days, covering a wide range of topics, such as inclusive education, natural and applied science, art and society, as well as peace and justice.
Read our full debrief here.
ISE Statement for an increase of the Horizon Europe budget
On 14 July, Initiative for Science in Europe (ISE) asked European leaders for an increase of the Horizon Europe budget in general and a specific allocation of additional 5Bn€ to Pillar I.
This statement is published following the cut of 5Bn€ of the Horizon Europe budget for 2021-2027, proposed by Charles Michel, President of the EU Council. This cut would be added to a budget that has already been reduced several times: the EU Commission proposed 94.1Bn€ in June 2018 and 85Bn€ were being discussed in May 2020.
Consultations & Roadmap
European Commission Public Consultations
A number of consultations put forward by the European Commission are currently open:
- ‘Research & innovation – future of the European Research Area (communication)
Deadline: 03 August 2020 - ‘Digital education action plan (update)’
Deadline: 04 September 2020
European Chemicals Agency Consultations
A number of consultations put forward by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) are currently open.
You can take a look at them here.
European Food Safety Agency Public Consultations
A number of consultations put forward by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) are currently open.
You can take a look at it here.
Fundings, Nominations & Awards
Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) open calls
Currently two calls are open:
1. Individual Fellowships 2020
Deadline: 09 September 2020
2. Co-funding of regional, national, and international programmes 2020
Deadline: 29 September 2020
ERC Advanced Grant
Researchers who would like to compete for an ERC Advanced Grant have until 26 August 2020 to apply for the next round of funding.
Currently two calls are open:
1. ERC Advanced Grants
Deadline: 26 August 2020
2. Proof of Concept Grant
Deadline: 17 September 2020
More information about it here.
EuChemS Events
In the current environment and status of COVID-19, some events recognised by EuChemS are being postponed or cancelled.
EuChemS Events calendar is being updated on a regular basis.
If you planned to attend an event, you can check more about it here.
18th Ružička days – “Today science – tomorrow industry”
16-18 September 2020, Vukovar Croatia
Website: see here
Austrian Young Chemists Summit - YC Summit
20-23 September, Online Event
Website: see here
2020 EuChemS General Assembly
24 September 2020, Online Event
Website: www.euchems.eu
Read the full BNU newsletter here
EuChemS aisbl - Rue du Trône 62, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; www.euchems.eu. Produced for EuChemS by Nineta Hrastelj, Laura Jousset and Jelena Lazić. This newsletter has been carefully prepared and only contains correct information to the best of EuChemS´ knowledge, however this does not exclude the possibility of existence of incorrect information. EuChemS cannot be liable for the use or misuse of any information, whether correct or incorrect, present at this newsletter. Intellectual property belongs to its rightful owners, always explicitly traceable on each article. Compilation Copyright © 2020 EuChemS
Céline Wittwer, SCS
22.07.2020
Update of the SCS Bylaws
On June 24, 2020, the SCS General Assembly approved unanimously the completion of the bylaws and agreed to underline the society’s efforts for equality of all its members. SCS members come from diverse cultures and we welcome and value the varied experiences that they bring with them. Inclusivity and diversity form the basis of the vibrant field that we work in and this must be promoted both at individual and institutional levels to allow the chemical sciences in Switzerland to prosper and grow.
The two following paragraphs were included in the bylaws:
Article 2, “Purpose”:
2.2 The Society actively supports equality for all its members.
Article 4, “Joining the Society”
4.2 Membership is open to everyone who identifies with the aims and values of the Society.
Download the bylaws on: scg.ch/about
David Spichiger, SCS
14.07.2020
Philippe Moreillon neuer Präsident der SCNAT
Phillipe Moreillon als neuer Präsident der SCNAT
Philippe Moreillon wurde an der virtuellen Delegiertenversammlung zum neuen Präsidenten der SCNAT gewählt. Er folgt am 1. Juli auf Marcel Tanner, der neu das Präsidium des Dachverbandes Akademien der Wissenschaften Schweiz übernommen hat. Die SCNAT hat zudem Felicitas Pauss und Peter Lippuner zu Ehrenmitgliedern ernannt.
Der neu ernannte Präsident betonte, wir müssten die künftigen Herausforderungen inter- und transdisziplinär angehen. Nur so, zusammen mit den Akademien der Wissenschaften, könnten wir die Gesellschaft unterstützen, eine lebenswerte Zukunft zu schaffen. Als bisheriger Vizepräsident sorgt Philippe Moreillon für Kontinuität in der strategischen Führung der SCNAT. Der renommierte Mikrobiologe wirkte als Professor und Vizerektor an der Universität Lausanne. weiter lesen
Céline Wittwer, SCS
01.07.2020
25 years Chemistry - A European Journal
Brussels News Update, June 2020
European Highlights, Research, Innovation, Education, Entrepreneurship
Join EuChemS 50th anniversary online celebration
To mark its 50th anniversary since the foundation of the Federation of European Chemical Societies (FECS) in 1970, the European Chemical Society is pleased to organise an online birthday celebration.
The event will be held online on Friday 3 July 2020, from 10:00 to 11:30 (CEST – Brussels time). You are invited to join us, please register here.
See the article here.
EuChemS endorsed the Statement on inclusion and diversity in the chemical sciences
On 15 June 2020, the European Chemical Society endorsed the Statement on inclusion and diversity in the chemical sciences of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
EuChemS participated in the #EUvsVirus Matchathon
Following the #EUvsVirus Hackathon, the European Commission organised the #EUvsVirus Matchathon on 22-25 May. The goal of the Matchathon was to connect the 120 winning teams from the hackathon with investors, corporates, public authorities (including hospitals), academia, and research institutions. During this event, the winning teams were able to discuss their needs and secure deals with partners, to have their innovative ideas developed and commercialised.
The closing ceremony was held online on 2 June 2020, with the presence of Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.
Read more here
A look at the 6 months Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union
On 1 January 2020, Croatia took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from Finland.
‘A strong Europe in a world of challenges’ was the motto chosen by Croatia before starting its Presidency, and what a challenge Covid-19 has been. The six-months agenda was disrupted by the pandemic and forced Croatia to adapt it to the worldwide crisis: the Council is currently analysing and assessing the Recovery plan for Europe proposal issued by the European Commission. What is more, this Presidency was the first for Croatia since the country joined the European Union in 2013.
See the article here.
ITRE Committee votes to join trilogue negotiations on Horizon Europe
On 4 June 2020, the Industry Committee of the European Parliament has voted to enter into interinstitutional negotiations for five multiannual financial framework files (MFF).
Together with the Council of the European Union and the European Commission, the ITRE Committee can start negotiations on Horizon Europe and other pieces of legislation where it is the lead committee.
Read more about it here.
On the ERC Executive Agency (ERCEA)
The ERCEA supports operationally the ERC Scientific Council. Based in Brussels, the ERCEA is also in charge of the day to day administration of the European Research Council (ERC). Among the many activities conducted by the ERCEA, it is also responsible for the peer review process.
Read more about it here.
Report on illegal and ineffective disinfectants to the European Chemicals Agency
On 5 June 2020, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) warned about the increasing commercialisation of non-compliant disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a press release, ECHA indicates that twenty Member States of the European Union have reported to ECHA and the European Commission about the growing number of illegal and ineffective hand disinfectants available on national markets.
Consultations & Roadmap
European Commission Public Consultations
A number of consultations put forward by the European Commission are currently open:
- ‘2030 Climate Target Plan’
Deadline: 23 June 2020 - ‘Waste shipments – revision of EU rules’
Deadline: 30 July 2020 - ‘Adapting to climate change – EU strategy'
Deadline: 20 August 2020
European Chemicals Agency Consultations
A number of consultations put forward by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) are currently open.
You can take a look at them here.
EFSA Public Consultation on ‘the draft scientific opinion on update of the risk assessment of nickel in food and drinking water'
Deadline: 15 July 2020
You can take a look at it here
Fundings, Nominations & Awards
Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) open calls
Currently two calls are open: the individuals fellowships 2020 and the co-funding of regional, national and international programmes 2020.
More details here.
ERC Advanced Grant
Researchers who would like to compete for an ERC Advanced Grant have until 26 August 2020 to apply for the next round of funding.
More information about it here.
EuChemS Events
In the current environment and status of COVID-19, some events recognised by EuChemS are being postponed or cancelled.
EuChemS Events calendar is being updated on a regular basis.
If you planned to attend an event, you can check more about it here.
50th anniversary celebration
3 July 2020, 10 - 11.30 am, Online Event
Website: www.euchems.eu
2020 EuChemS General Assembly
24 September 2020, Online Event
Website: www.euchems.eu
8th EuChemS Chemistry Congress (ECC8)
28 August – 1 September 2022
Lisbon, Portugal
Website: www.euchems2022.eu
Read the full BNU newsletter here
EuChemS aisbl - Rue du Trône 62, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; www.euchems.eu. Produced for EuChemS by Nineta Hrastelj, Laura Jousset and Jelena Lazić. This newsletter has been carefully prepared and only contains correct information to the best of EuChemS´ knowledge, however this does not exclude the possibility of existence of incorrect information. EuChemS cannot be liable for the use or misuse of any information, whether correct or incorrect, present at this newsletter. Intellectual property belongs to its rightful owners, always explicitly traceable on each article. Compilation Copyright © 2020 EuChemS
Céline Wittwer, SCS
23.06.2020
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