In February of this year, the world changed with russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The repercussions have spread throughout the international scientific community – and especially so in those central and eastern European (CEE) countries nearest to the conflict. In the short term, the crisis has sharpened minds and attention on the importance of solidarity, while raising vital longer-term questions of capacity-building, resilience and security in the region.

With the war appearing unlikely to end anytime soon, how should R&I institutions – both in CEE and elsewhere in the world – plan for the future? What are the implications for industry and investors? Are there some clear, basic principles for scientific sanctions that the research world can adopt – in this, and all future cases of geopolitical tension? On the other hand, what can science diplomacy achieve? Can the Ukrainian situation accelerate lasting change and ultimately deliver the wider, stronger R&I landscape that European policy makers have been dreaming of?

As Europe’s leading media and networking organisation focused on R&I policy issues, Science|Business is uniquely positioned to convene a public debate on these topics with key figures in international R&I policy and practice. On September 7, we invite you to join us, and the members of our Network, for a series of high-level discussions on the future of scientific cooperation in times of conflict. The NRFU will also participate in the event.

The conference will also see the launch of The Widening – a brand-new Science|Business media service which will shine a spotlight on latest R&I dynamics and developments in CEE countries, for the wider benefit of everyone looking to engage in the region.

The conference will be held in Brussels, but the event will be open to the public. To watch the Network conference on September 7 online please follow the link.

We look look forward to seeing you!