This year, on 24-26 of September, was the first edition of the European Research and Innovation days, an annual policy event of the European Commission. During this event in Brussels, researchers, scientists, innovators and policymakers came together to debate and discuss future research and to set priorities for Horizon Europe 2021-2027.

The event aimed to increase awareness of EU citizens on the importance of research & innovation to overcome challenges in the areas of science, engineering, medicine, as well as wider social and environmental challenges.

Microbiome research is one of the EU’s top priorities and therefore CIRCLES attended the WOW exhibition during the R&I days, to increase awareness of the importance of microbes in food production, food security and climate change mitigation. Also, our CIRCLES stand presented the microbiome test kit; an easy tool for people to test their gut microbiome and to become more aware of its importance to our health.

Marco Candela (University of Bologna) and Quentin Galland (Hague Corporate Affairs), representing CIRCLES at the WOW exhibition

Other stands with representatives from the 4 accompanying projects including MicrobiomeSupport, SIMBA, MASTER, and HoloFood, were explaining to visitors what the microbiome is, where it occurs in the food system, why it is important and how we can take advantage of it to support a more sustainable and future-proof food system.

This first edition of the R&I days was a great success and we hope to see you again next year!