FORTHEM Policy Dialogue, organized by the the FORTHEM Alliance, in cooperation with the Regional Representation of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate to the EU in Brussels and Johannes Gutenberg-University in Mainz.
15 September 2026
9:30 – 13:00 CET
online
Europe’s future competitiveness depends not only on market-oriented innovation, but also on strong universities, excellent research environments and transnational academic cooperation. University-led research creates the knowledge base, critical expertise and talent pipelines on which innovation depends.
Universities and the European University Alliances therefore play an essential role in connecting education, research and innovation, addressing societal challenges across borders and disciplines, and strengthening Europe’s long-term research and innovation capacity. Their fundamental importance must continue to be recognised and supported by future European funding instruments.
This need has become even more relevant in light of discussions on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework. The proposed closer connection between Horizon Europe and the future European Competitiveness Fund may place greater emphasis on competitiveness, industrial priorities and higher technology readiness levels. This opens new opportunities but also raises the question of how university-led collaborative research can remain visible, relevant and fundable in the future European funding landscape.
Against this background, the event will explore how FORTHEM, other European University Alliances and the higher education sector more broadly can find a meaningful place in this evolving scenario.
Agenda
| 09:30 – 10:00 |
Welcome & Keynote Prof. Dr. Stefan Müller-Stach Vice president for Research and Academic Careers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Universities at the Heart of Europe's Competitiveness Building Knowledge, Talent and Resilience for the Future |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Claudia Siegel Policy Officer and Seconded National Expert, Common Strategic Planning & Programming Service, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission. Siegel engages in the preparations for the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.2028 in sight. Key points of the next Horizon Europe programme |
| 10:30 – 11:00 |
Jimmy Bruun Felthaus Minister Counsellor for Research and Innovation at the Permanent Representation of Denmark to the EU. During the Danish EU Presidency, he led the first Council negotiations on the next Horizon Europe programme (2028–2034). The role of universities in the next EU R&I funding landscape - based on insights from the Horizon Europe negotiations |
| 11:00 – 11:15 | Short break |
| 11:15 – 11:45 |
Maria Mecenero Policy Officer, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission. Mecenero works on the European Research Area (ERA), with a focus on strengthening the links between research, innovation, and higher education. Bridging the gap. Universities in the European Research Area (ERA) |
| 11:45 – 12:15 | Thomas Estermann Director for Governance, Funding and Public Policy Development, European University Association (EUA). His work focuses on university funding, governance, and public policy across European higher education.Towards a Sustainable Funding Architecture for deeper European Collaboration |
| 12:15 – 12:45 |
Doris Alexander Associate Director for European Engagement, Trinity College Dublin; Co-Director of CHARM-EU; Chair of the FOR-EU4ALL Research & Innovation Topical Group. The strategic value of European Universities alliances in building Europe’s knowledge future |
| 12:45 – 13:00 | Closing Reflections |
From Collaboration to Competitiveness?