Periodic Reporting for period 2 - NeurotechRI (European University of Brain and Technology - Research and Innovation)
Reporting period: 2023-10-01 to 2025-03-31
Neurotech Research and Innovation (NeurotechRI) brings together seven research-intensive universities in Europe to transform cooperation in research and innovation in the European University for Brain and Technology (NeurotechEU). We
propose an actionable and sustainable plan to develop a pan European, inter-institutional and inter-sectoral strategy to help Europe realize its full potential in the global knowledge economy. Pushing the boundaries of fundamental research and
applied science will mobilize innovation ecosystems, including the NeurotechEU ecosystem we are forming while actively engaging citizens to transform how we innovate, educate and impact the society at large. Our primary objectives for the next three years are:
1. Formation and implementation of a scalable and modular governance organization for multi-institutional, international and intersectoral research collaboration and cooperative innovation.
2. Creation of an integrated, long-term and sustainable RI strategy for systemic impact.
3. Formulating an action plan for sharing resources to foster scientific cooperation and innovation cooperation regardless of borders.
4. Development of joint structures with external stakeholders in order to foster (RI) collaboration with other European Universities Alliances and universities in Europe.
5. Fostering academia business cooperation to facilitate professionalization among researchers and enhance innovation capacity.
6. Supporting a balanced circulation of knowledge and researchers to counteract the brain drain.
7. Fostering diversity, gender equality and inclusiveness in research and innovation for the equitable workforce and sustainable growth.
8. Mainstreaming Open practices in education, research and innovation.
9. Engagement of citizen, civil society and public authorities in research and innovation.
10. Promotion of fair and transparent practices to help the Alliance to achieve all of its goals.
propose an actionable and sustainable plan to develop a pan European, inter-institutional and inter-sectoral strategy to help Europe realize its full potential in the global knowledge economy. Pushing the boundaries of fundamental research and
applied science will mobilize innovation ecosystems, including the NeurotechEU ecosystem we are forming while actively engaging citizens to transform how we innovate, educate and impact the society at large. Our primary objectives for the next three years are:
1. Formation and implementation of a scalable and modular governance organization for multi-institutional, international and intersectoral research collaboration and cooperative innovation.
2. Creation of an integrated, long-term and sustainable RI strategy for systemic impact.
3. Formulating an action plan for sharing resources to foster scientific cooperation and innovation cooperation regardless of borders.
4. Development of joint structures with external stakeholders in order to foster (RI) collaboration with other European Universities Alliances and universities in Europe.
5. Fostering academia business cooperation to facilitate professionalization among researchers and enhance innovation capacity.
6. Supporting a balanced circulation of knowledge and researchers to counteract the brain drain.
7. Fostering diversity, gender equality and inclusiveness in research and innovation for the equitable workforce and sustainable growth.
8. Mainstreaming Open practices in education, research and innovation.
9. Engagement of citizen, civil society and public authorities in research and innovation.
10. Promotion of fair and transparent practices to help the Alliance to achieve all of its goals.
At this final review, significant work has been performed towards all project objectives. A brief summary is provided below:
1. Governance Structure: NeurotechRI established a modular and scalable governance model to coordinate multi-institutional, international, and intersectoral research collaboration within the alliance.
2. RI Strategy: A long-term, sustainable research and innovation (RI) strategy was created to ensure systemic impact and integration beyond the project's duration.
3. Resource Sharing: A concrete action plan was developed to standardise and facilitate the cross-border sharing of research infrastructures and resources among alliance partners.
4. External Collaboration: Collaborative structures and digital platforms like NEURICOO were developed to engage external stakeholders and expand RI collaboration with other European alliances.
5. Academia-Business Cooperation: A strategic framework and portal were established to promote cooperation between academia and business, enhancing professionalisation and innovation capacity.
6. Brain Circulation: Strategies and infrastructures were implemented to ensure equal opportunities and mobility for researchers, helping counteract brain drain across partner institutions.
7. Equity and Inclusion: Gender equality, diversity, and inclusiveness were promoted through strategic assessments and commitments like the Gender Equality Manifesto signed by all rectors.
8. Open Science: Open science practices were mainstreamed through an alliance-wide strategy, a network of ambassadors, and a dedicated online course to promote transparency and accessibility.
9. Societal Engagement: Citizens and public authorities were engaged in neurotechnology R&I through initiatives like the Brain Museum and planned surveys addressing societal concerns.
10. Fair and Transparent Practices: The alliance fostered transparency and collaboration through distinct project governance structures and leadership in sharing best practices via the FOREU4ALL initiative.
1. Governance Structure: NeurotechRI established a modular and scalable governance model to coordinate multi-institutional, international, and intersectoral research collaboration within the alliance.
2. RI Strategy: A long-term, sustainable research and innovation (RI) strategy was created to ensure systemic impact and integration beyond the project's duration.
3. Resource Sharing: A concrete action plan was developed to standardise and facilitate the cross-border sharing of research infrastructures and resources among alliance partners.
4. External Collaboration: Collaborative structures and digital platforms like NEURICOO were developed to engage external stakeholders and expand RI collaboration with other European alliances.
5. Academia-Business Cooperation: A strategic framework and portal were established to promote cooperation between academia and business, enhancing professionalisation and innovation capacity.
6. Brain Circulation: Strategies and infrastructures were implemented to ensure equal opportunities and mobility for researchers, helping counteract brain drain across partner institutions.
7. Equity and Inclusion: Gender equality, diversity, and inclusiveness were promoted through strategic assessments and commitments like the Gender Equality Manifesto signed by all rectors.
8. Open Science: Open science practices were mainstreamed through an alliance-wide strategy, a network of ambassadors, and a dedicated online course to promote transparency and accessibility.
9. Societal Engagement: Citizens and public authorities were engaged in neurotechnology R&I through initiatives like the Brain Museum and planned surveys addressing societal concerns.
10. Fair and Transparent Practices: The alliance fostered transparency and collaboration through distinct project governance structures and leadership in sharing best practices via the FOREU4ALL initiative.
The Neurotech Alliance is advancing beyond the state of the art in institutional transformation within university research and innovation. This is achieved through a defined process with several key actions:
Institutional Transformation:
Initiatives for institutional change include establishing a joint graduate school, a joint Research Infrastructure (RI), academia-business cooperation via the NeurotechRI Hub, revising HR strategies for researchers, promoting open science, and developing Gender Equality Plans (GEPs). These have been (re)defined to complement the distinct roles of NeurotechEU and NeurotechRI.
Sustainability Strategy:
The sustainability strategy is crucial for the Alliance's long-term impact, aiming to extend Neurotech collaboration beyond the project's lifespan. This strategy is seen as a community approval metric and is complemented by continuous efforts to secure cooperation opportunities.
Intersectoral and Borderless Cooperation:
Progress in institutional transformation at the RI level is integral, with actions from the first objective fostering this development. The Alliance's approach may also serve as a valuable model for other similar initiatives.
Infrastructure and Resource Sharing:
Impact is generated through sharing within the Alliance, benefiting its students and staff, and externally, aiding European research groups through Transnational and Virtual Access Activities.
Cooperation and Governance Model:
The NeurotechRI project aims to exemplify successful cooperation and governance alignment. Continuous evaluation of practices across Work Packages will culminate in a sustainability plan offering recommendations for scaling up this model.
Knowledge Dissemination:
The Alliance is committed to sharing lessons learned, actively participating in forums like FOREU2, and engaging with entities such as the Coalition of the Willing and the Community of Practice, enhancing its impact and fostering continuous improvement.
Overall, the Alliance's work packages contribute to a multifaceted impact, aiming for a transformative model in research and innovation that promotes sustainability, cooperation, and open science, setting a benchmark for institutional change.
Institutional Transformation:
Initiatives for institutional change include establishing a joint graduate school, a joint Research Infrastructure (RI), academia-business cooperation via the NeurotechRI Hub, revising HR strategies for researchers, promoting open science, and developing Gender Equality Plans (GEPs). These have been (re)defined to complement the distinct roles of NeurotechEU and NeurotechRI.
Sustainability Strategy:
The sustainability strategy is crucial for the Alliance's long-term impact, aiming to extend Neurotech collaboration beyond the project's lifespan. This strategy is seen as a community approval metric and is complemented by continuous efforts to secure cooperation opportunities.
Intersectoral and Borderless Cooperation:
Progress in institutional transformation at the RI level is integral, with actions from the first objective fostering this development. The Alliance's approach may also serve as a valuable model for other similar initiatives.
Infrastructure and Resource Sharing:
Impact is generated through sharing within the Alliance, benefiting its students and staff, and externally, aiding European research groups through Transnational and Virtual Access Activities.
Cooperation and Governance Model:
The NeurotechRI project aims to exemplify successful cooperation and governance alignment. Continuous evaluation of practices across Work Packages will culminate in a sustainability plan offering recommendations for scaling up this model.
Knowledge Dissemination:
The Alliance is committed to sharing lessons learned, actively participating in forums like FOREU2, and engaging with entities such as the Coalition of the Willing and the Community of Practice, enhancing its impact and fostering continuous improvement.
Overall, the Alliance's work packages contribute to a multifaceted impact, aiming for a transformative model in research and innovation that promotes sustainability, cooperation, and open science, setting a benchmark for institutional change.