Danish EU Presidency to Spotlight Research Assessment Reform and Innovation Priorities

Research Assessment Reform on Danish EU Presidency Agenda

The Danish presidency of the Council of the EU member states, running from July to December, is setting its policy priorities with a clear focus on research and innovation. These priorities will be officially announced later this month, but several key events related to research assessment reform and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in science are already planned.

EU presidencies rotate every six months, organizing political and policy work within the Council. While Denmark works in a trio with Poland and Cyprus for an 18-month period, the main themes guiding this trio are security, competitiveness, and European democracy.

Senior European Parliament officials will soon visit Copenhagen to support the preparation of Denmark’s presidency. Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, will meet with Parliament President Roberta Metsola and others to align on priorities.

Roberta Metsola commented: “Denmark takes the EU steering wheel at a time of war on our continent, global trade tensions and economic pressure. Security, sustainability and competitiveness are the right focus. From strengthening our defence to cutting red tape for business, from energy security to digital leadership—Europe must act.”

Research-Focused Events Under the Danish Presidency

Denmark’s Ministry of Higher Education and Science has outlined several upcoming events that will address vital aspects of research and innovation across the EU. Highlights include:

• 16-17 July: An informal meeting of research and innovation ministers will feature high-level political discussions on the future of EU research, innovation, and competitiveness.
• 18-19 September (Lyngby): A conference focused on attracting and retaining research talent, emphasizing the role of universities.
• 24-26 September (Copenhagen): Discussions on digitalisation and wellbeing in education.
• 8-9 October (Copenhagen): A life sciences summit offering input into the upcoming European life science strategy, with a focus on clinical and translational research.
• 20-21 October (Aalborg): A conference on space-related research and innovation.
• 22-23 October (Copenhagen): A conference on research and technology infrastructures aimed at shaping a new strategy.
• 3-4 November (Copenhagen): An event focused on the use of AI in science, contributing to the development of an EU strategy for artificial intelligence.
• 10-12 November (Copenhagen): A conference on quantum technologies.
• 3-4 December (Copenhagen): Discussions on reforming research assessment processes.
• 17-18 December (Frederiksberg): An event exploring how science diplomacy can bridge divides and foster cooperation.

The Ministry emphasizes that these activities will support European cooperation in research, innovation, and space, which are essential for addressing shared challenges and boosting the EU’s growth, competitiveness, and security.

For professionals interested in the intersection of AI and research, the Danish presidency’s focus on AI in science aligns with the growing importance of artificial intelligence tools. Learning about these developments can be enhanced by exploring targeted AI courses and certifications, such as those available at Complete AI Training.