This virtual info day aims to inform interested applicants about one postponed and two new ERA call topics in the Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA) Work Programme 2023-2025 (publication expected end of April 2024). The call will open on 15 May 2024 and close on 25 September 2024.  Speakers from the European Commission will present the new call topics and are joined by speakers from stakeholder organisations to further explain the benefits of the proposed actions. Interested applicants will have an opportunity to ask questions during the event using the code #WIDERA in Slido. The livestream is available in the announcement on the research and innovation community platform. Programme 10.00 - 10.30 Experimentation and exchange of good practices for value creation Action that supports translating available scientific knowledge and research results to innovative solutions, including through more experimentation, peer learning and testing of new models as well as trying out good practices in different environments.   Target groups: Academia/Research, industry/SMEs, public administration/policy-makers. 10.30 - 11.30 Science comes to town Action that offers an opportunity for a group of cities to jointly design and implement a vibrant and engaging year-long programme of activities, connecting local R&I communities with citizens and stakeholders around the topic of science and its role in society. Target groups: City authorities in collaboration with universities, research organisations, civil society organisations. 11.30 - 12:30 Talent ecosystems for attractive early research careers – pilot Action that supports organisational change and coordination of measures in academic and non-academic organisations to create a talent ecosystem with a large pool of R&I positions that provide intersectoral career opportunities for R&I talents. Target groups: Universities, research and technology organisations and infrastructures, SMEs/industry, government entities and international organisations, civil society organisations. 

Join the info day to find out more about the CBE JU 2024 call for project proposals and meet other potential applicants. The in-person event will take place on 23 April 2024 in the Charlemagne building in Brussels and will also be streamed online. Registration is free and compulsory to join the event in person Due to security requirements, only confirmed event participants will be able to access the Charlemagne building. You are encouraged to register early to secure a seat at the event by 15 April 2024 at 17:00 CET at the latest. Presentations during the morning session of the info day will cover the call priorities and topics, its rules and conditions, CBE JU-specific call requirements, and the submission & evaluation process. CBE JU project officers will also share tips on how to write a good proposal, based on lessons learnt from past calls. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during a dedicated Q&A session. A large part of the info day will be dedicated to in-person meetings among registered applicants in an assigned meeting area. Participants will be able to engage with European Commission representatives, CBE JU staff, National Contact Points, representatives of other funding programmes and the Research Enquiry Service in the exhibition area.

Science is Wonderful! brings the world of science, research and innovation to the wider public, and in particular to primary and secondary school pupils (approximately 5000 young visitors over two days). Since 2015 this annual science fair interactively showcases Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) research projects and innovations through hands-on experiments, science shows, games and fun, inspiring activities. The event has become the flagship event in Brussels to highlight EU-funded research - showcasing MSCA researchers and the impact their work has on citizens’ daily lives. The European Commission published a call for fellows and alumni of MSCA projects to take part in the Science is Wonderful! science fair (more info). Applications have to be submitted by or involve at least one MSCA fellow or alum. Selected projects will be able to send two people to the fair, including one MSCA fellow/alum and another (MSCA) colleague, team member, coordinator or supervisor of their project. Applications can be submitted through the dedicated form by 16 October 2023. For any questions about the application process, please contact EAC-MSCA-SIW@ec.europa.eu Applicants will be informed in November via email whether their application was successful or not.