EARMA at European Research and Innovation Days 2025

EARMA was pleased to participate in the European Research and Innovation Days 2025, held on September 16–17. The annual gathering is the European Commission’s flagship event for R&I policy, bringing together stakeholders from across the continent to reflect on achievements, discuss challenges, and shape future directions.

This year’s programme opened with an address by Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, who set an optimistic tone for the future of European research and innovation. Her call for confidence in Europe’s ability to lead was echoed throughout the event’s panels and dialogues, inspiring a sense of momentum and collaboration.

As part of the Implementation Dialogues, the EARMA Board had the opportunity to engage directly with the Commissioner’s team. These exchanges included discussion of EARMA’s forthcoming position paper on simplification, a contribution aimed at ensuring research managers’ perspectives are considered in the design and implementation of future programmes.

Participation in European R&I Days reflects EARMA’s role in highlighting the essential contribution of research managers and administrators in connecting researchers, policymakers, and society. By bringing the practical expertise of its community into European policy discussions, EARMA continues to advocate for stronger, more effective research systems.

The association thanks the organisers and participants for two days of valuable insights, ideas, and connections, and looks forward to carrying this momentum into the months ahead.