Medfarm strengthens its European engagement through visits to Brussels and Ghent

From 21 to 24 October, a delegation from the Disciplinary Domain travelled to Brussels and Ghent to establish contacts and learn more about Horizon Europe, the European framework programme for research and innovation. The delegation included the vice-rector’s management team, vice-deans, heads of department, and representatives from the Faculty Office.

The goals included increasing understanding of the EU’s research programmes, to encourage Medfarm researchers to apply for EU funding – thereby strengthening the University’s position in the European research landscape. It was also about providing opportunities for heads of department to enhance collaboration between departments.

A full day on EU research and innovation frameworks

We began in Brussels with a full-day programme at The Guild. In addition to their representatives, we also met with officials from the European Commission – some of whom are key actors in the European research landscape.

Jan Palmowski, Secretary-General of The Guild, opened the day with a presentation on the network’s role in influencing EU research policy. He emphasised the importance of member universities actively participating in policy development on research funding and EU priorities. This was followed by a series of sessions providing in-depth knowledge of the EU framework programme for research and innovation.

Representatives from Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and the European Research Council (ERC) outlined opportunities for researchers to apply for their grants. The MSCA team stressed that their programme is primarily a research and training initiative rather than a mobility scheme. The ERC presented its new initiative, ERC+, which will become its largest individual grant scheme. Discussions focused on how universities can better support researchers in the application process and what structures can increase success rates.

After lunch, Medfarm research adviser Erik Ullerås gave an engaging presentation on Horizon Europe’s Health Cluster, followed by a meeting with Niklas Blomberg, Executive Director of the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI).

Blomberg described how IHI collaborations between academia, industry, and society can drive innovation in pharmaceuticals, medical technology and healthcare. As an example, he mentioned that the IHI and EDCTP3 partnerships have played a key role in developing new combination treatments for tuberculosis. He also highlighted that IHI projects have resulted in many highly cited publications.

The Guild’s research policy expert Julien Chicot concluded the day with a forward look at the next framework programme FP10 and the ERA Act initiative, designed to strengthen the European Research Area. Despite the late hour, the delegation showed great interest in these future perspectives.

Visit to the European Parliament and meeting with SWERI

The second day began with an inspiring visit to the European Parliament, where we received a presentation on the EU’s structure and decision-making processes, followed by a visit to the Chamber during an ongoing session. The group was particularly impressed by the simultaneous interpretation available in all official EU languages. The visit was also marked by a sense of reflection – especially at a time when the principles of democracy are being challenged in many parts of the world.

We then met with Sweden’s Research and Innovation Office (SWERI), operated by the Swedish Research Council and Vinnova in Brussels. Ellenor Devine, Head of SWERI’s research office, explained how Swedish higher education institutions can strengthen their collective voice in EU matters and the role SWERI plays in this effort.

After lunch, we travelled to Ghent University (UGent), where collaboration within the ENLIGHT network was the main focus, along with discussions about research support. UGent welcomed us with a presentation on how ENLIGHT can serve as a platform for joint research initiatives and student exchanges. UGent’s central and local EU teams then presented their support structures for researchers applying for and managing EU projects. Uppsala followed up with a comparative presentation on its own research support organisation.

Strengthening collaboration in Ghent

The third day was devoted to meetings at Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent), where we were welcomed by Dean Piet Hoebeke and Research Directors Hans Van Vlierberghe (medicine) and Dieter Deforce (pharmacy). Uppsala’s Vice-Rector, Mats Larhed, presented Medfarm’s research strategy in medicine, pharmacy, and life sciences.

We then met UGent researchers in a joint networking session focused on research areas where both universities have strong expertise and clear synergies. The session included topics such as clinical pharmacology, chronic pain, nursing science, cancer, medical imaging, infectious diseases, and precision medicine. The session was highly appreciated and resulted in several stimulating discussions and new contacts for potential future collaborations.

After the meeting, we were given a guided tour of UGent’s new research hub, The Core, which functions as an open workspace for research – a shared environment where different research groups share laboratory equipment and technology platforms in a large, collaborative lab space. A particularly interesting feature was the large panoramic window separating the lab from the open office area, adding a new dimension of transparency and innovation. Through the window, staff can observe the laboratory work directly from their desks.

Reflections and the road ahead

A few weeks after returning home, there is much to reflect on and many contacts to follow up, ensuring that the experiences from the trip translate into both research support and concrete collaborations.

There are great opportunities for Uppsala’s researchers to further position themselves in the EU’s research and innovation framework programmes, not least as the upcoming FP10, set to launch in 2028, is expected to include a substantial increase in research funding. As one of Europe’s leading research environments in medicine and pharmacy, Uppsala stands to benefit greatly from being an active part of the European research dialogue and continuing to improve support for researchers seeking EU funding.

Louise Hernander and Anna Lobell