Commission invites top experts to shape new research and innovation missions

The European Commission launched today a call for experts to join ‘Mission Boards’, which will advise the Commission for the identification and implementation of missions in Horizon Europe, the next EU research and innovation programme.

These missions will be high-ambition, high profile initiatives, to find solutions to some of the major challenges faced by European citizens, with a clear target that captures the imagination of citizens at large.

There will be five ‘Mission Boards’, one for each of the following areas:

• Adaptation to climate change including societal transformation;
• Cancer;
• Healthy oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters;
• Climate-neutral and smart cities;
• Soil health and food.

The first task of the ‘Mission Boards’ will be to identify and design one or more specific missions for each of the mission areas, in consultation with stakeholders and citizens.

Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation said:

"My dream with our missions is that by rallying efforts and creating a strong push across the entire science and innovation landscape we will solve some of the biggest issues affecting the well-being of our citizens - like taking out cancer. It is an ambitious but realistic dream and with the right people on our ‘Mission Boards’, we will be a lot closer to succeed."

Missions will be implemented through a systemic approach, combining new knowledge and technology with business model, finance, regulatory, governance, skills and social innovation.

The ‘Mission Boards’ will be comprised of high-level independent experts, who will help shape the missions including their respective objectives, indicators and timelines. The Commission is looking for individuals who can bring strategic skills and expertise, from across the spectrum of possible fields to support the work of the missions, and with profiles from industry, innovation and business; academia and research; policy makers and practitioners; end-users and key stakeholders. 

The call for applications is available online. The deadline for applications is 11 June 2019. Each of the ‘Mission Boards’ shall consist of up to 15 members.

Background

The establishment of the ‘Mission Boards’ is a key step towards the implementation of Horizon Europe, following the partial political agreement reached in April 2019 between the European Parliament and the Council.

Missions are one of the main novelties of Horizon Europe to make a real difference in the lives of citizens and society as a whole. They boost the impact of EU-funded research and innovation by having ambitious, measurable and time-bound goals around issues that affect citizens’ daily lives.

More information

Horizon Europe - the next research and innovation framework programme