MIRRI-ERIC present at the 3rd ESFRI Stakeholder Forum Meetup

MIRRI-ERIC present at the 3rd ESFRI Stakeholder Forum Meetup

Under the thematic “Sustainability of the Research Infrastructure ecosystem”, the 3rd ESFRI Stakeholder Forum Meetup happened last week, between June 10 and 11, and MIRRI-ERIC was present and represented.

The event took place in Kraków, Poland, during the Polish presidency of the Council, and MIRRI-ERIC was represented there by the Chief of Operations Officer, Ashley Novais. Were present at the venue stakeholders from across Europe to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and advance long-term strategies for research infrastructures.

The core focus of the forum was the long-term sustainability of Research Infrastructures (RIs), with particular attention to the challenges of aligning funding sources across regional, national, structural, and EU levels, as well as enhancing engagement with industry. Stakeholders emphasised that fragmented or poorly coordinated funding streams often hinder the strategic planning and operational stability of RIs.

The doors opened up with ESFRI Chair José Luis Martínez Peña welcoming the diverse community of RI stakeholders and inviting everyone to engage in meaningful discussions on long-term sustainability, funding synergies, and collaboration across sectors. Discussions addressed the practical barriers to securing sustained investment, including the need to better leverage synergies between public funding and industry collaboration, and to create integrated approaches that drive both innovation and resilience in the RI ecosystem.

MIRRI-ERIC prepared a video summarising its work, which was shown in a section designed to inform stakeholders about the current initiatives. Briefly, MIRRI-ERIC will present the same video publicly.

The ESFRI Stakeholder Forum is a key platform to interact with European RI stakeholders, raise awareness across the R&I ecosystem, and facilitate cooperation and mutual learning. The Meetup of the Forum is a regular event that gathers diverse participants, including research infrastructures, policymakers, research organisations, and higher education institutions.

Newly appointed Communication and Impact Officer of MIRRI-ERIC

Braga (Portugal), 22 of May 2025Newly appointed Communication and Impact Officer of MIRRI-ERIC   

We are pleased to welcome Sara Gonçalves as our new Communication and Impact Officer.  After five years in journalism, always directed to life sciences themes, Sara accepts now a new challenge on the field of science communication. Her contribution will strengthen MIRRI-ERIC’s commitment to disseminate awareness around the importance of microbial resources for the bioscience and bioindustry communities.

With background in a communication field and always attentive to life sciences issues, Sara will play a key role in optimizing MIRRI-ERIC’s both internal and external communication, aiming to strengthen the connection between all stakeholders.

As MIRRI-ERIC’s new Communication and Impact Officer, Sara brings expertise in social sciences and new insights on how research infrastructures should communicate to different public. All this work as part of the Communication and Impact Office will be held within the seamless operation of MIRRI-ERIC’s Central Coordinating Unit, located at University of Minho.

We are confident that Sara’s skills in communication and measurement of social and economic impacts will greatly support MIRRI-ERIC’s mission of advancing research and collaboration in Europe, disseminating our accessible resources, data, and services. Welcome aboard, Sara!

Upcoming Event: MALDIBANK Project Kick-Off Meeting

Braga (Portugal), 09 of May 2025Upcoming Event: MALDIBANK Project Kick-Off Meeting

MIRRI is pleased to announce the official kick-off meeting of the MALDIBANK EU Project, which will take place from 13 to 15 May 2025 in Braga, Portugal.

As the coordinator of this ambitious initiative, MIRRI will host the consortium partners to lay the groundwork for MALDIBANK — a new European project dedicated to designing and implementing an open-access microbial databank.

The MALDIBANK databank will serve as a crucial resource for the categorisation and characterisation of microbial strains, supporting scientific work across fields such as ecosystem research, environmental monitoring, and public health.

This kick-off meeting will focus on:

  • Defining the project’s strategic roadmap;

  • Aligning methodologies for microbial data collection and sharing;

  • Establishing principles for data openness, interoperability, and FAIR practices.

For more information, please consult the MALDIBANK Press Release_Final.

MIRRI-ERIC Showcases Microbial Innovation at EU-LAC ResInfra Plus Study Visit

Braga (Portugal), 11 of April 2025MIRRI-ERIC Showcases Microbial Innovation at EU-LAC ResInfra Plus Study Visit

 This week, MIRRI-ERIC was honoured to contribute to the Study Visit organised in the framework of the @EU-LAC ResInfra Plus project, hosted by UVEG-CECT in Valencia.

As part of this international initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation between research infrastructures in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, Ana Portugal Melo, Executive Director of MIRRI-ERIC, has presented today MIRRI’s mission and activities as a European hub for microbial, genetic, and data resources.

Her presentation also highlights the MICROBES-4-CLIMATE project, coordinated by MIRRI-ERIC, which harnesses microbial biodiversity to address climate change challenges across agricultural and forestry ecosystems. 🌱🌍

We thank the organisers and participants for the inspiring discussions and for fostering a shared vision of global scientific collaboration.

MICROBES-4-CLIMATE project launches its 1st Transnational Access (TNA) Open Call

Braga (Portugal), 31 of March 2025MICROBES-4-CLIMATE project launches its 1st Transnational Access (TNA) Open Call

MIRRI-ERIC, the coordinator of the MICROBES-4-CLIMATE project, is pleased to announce the launch of the first Transnational Access (TNA) Open Call. Open from March 31st to June 30th, 2025, this call will provide researchers across Europe with access to cutting-edge Research Infrastructures (RIs) to advance innovation in microbial and environmental sciences.

The MICROBES-4-CLIMATE TNA Programme aims to foster collaboration and accelerate scientific progress by offering researchers access to state-of-the-art infrastructures, data, and expertise. Users from academia, non-profits, and industry can apply.

Researchers from academia, non-profits, and industry are encouraged to participate, particularly those working at the intersection of microbial sciences and environmental sustainability. The programme’s goal is to bridge gaps in scientific research by facilitating access to advanced resources and promoting cross-border collaborations.

By participating in the TNA Programme, users can leverage cutting-edge infrastructures, obtain scientific and technical support, and develop innovative projects addressing global challenges related to microbes and climate change.

For more information, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, please here.

MIRRI-ERIC is hiring a Communication and Impact Officer

Braga (Portugal), 31 of March 2025MIRRI-ERIC is hiring a Communication and Impact Officer

The Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure – European Research Infrastructure Consortium (MIRRI-ERIC) is seeking a Communication and Impact Officer  (CIO) to lead the communication and dissemination activities of our pan-European research infrastructure. The CIO will work closely with the Executive Director and other senior executives to enhance the organisation’s visibility, engage with diverse stakeholders and monitor the scientific and societal impact of MIRRI-ERIC’s work.

MIRRI-ERIC is a pan-European distributed research infrastructure dedicated to the preservation, investigation, and valorisation of microbial resources and biodiversity. By bringing together the largest collections of microbial resources in Europe, MIRRI-ERIC supports researchers, institutions, and industries in addressing global challenges in health, agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability.

We are a motivated and collaborative team working at the forefront of microbial research, united by the ambition to amplify the value and visibility of one of Europe’s most extensive collections of microbial resources. MIRRI-ERIC plays a crucial role in supporting researchers and innovators in unlocking the potential of microbes to address global challenges in health, food systems, and the environment.

By joining us, you will help shape how MIRRI-ERIC communicates its impact to the world. Together, we can elevate the voice of microbial science, foster public engagement and contribute to a more informed, healthier, and sustainable future for all.

The full call and application details are available here.

Newly appointed Chief of Operations Officer of MIRRI-ERIC 

Braga (Portugal), 4 of March 2025Newly appointed Chief of Operations Officer of MIRRI-ERIC   

We are pleased to welcome Ashley Novais as new Chief of Operations Officer.  Ashley brings extensive experience in life sciences, technology and strategic development within the European funding frameworks, strengthening MIRRI-ERIC’s commitment to advancing microbial resources and services for the bioscience and bioindustry communities.

With a strong background in strategic development and operational excellence, Ashley will play a key role in optimizing MIRRI-ERIC’s initiatives, fostering international collaborations and ensuring the sustainable growth of the infrastructure.

As MIRRI-ERIC’s new Chief of Operations Officer, Ashley brings  expertise in grant-seeking, European funding frameworks and strategic resource management. With a strong track record in coordinating complex research initiatives and fostering international collaborations, Ashley ensures the seamless operation of MIRRI-ERIC’s Central Coordinating Unit activities. Her ability to oversee budgets, streamline administrative processes and align financial strategies with research goals highlights her strong organizational and managerial skills. Additionally, her experience in engaging stakeholders, securing funding and advancing MIRRI-ERIC’s mission contributes to the infrastructure’s sustainable growth and impact in microbiology and biotechnology. 

We are confident that Ashley’s skills will greatly support MIRRI-ERIC’s mission of advancing research and collaboration in Europe. Welcome aboard, Ashley!

 

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Elisabete Machado as the new Secretary of MIRRI-ERIC.

Braga (Portugal), 02 of January 2025We are pleased to announce the appointment of Elisabete Machado as the new  Secretary of MIRRI-ERIC.

Elisabete holds a degree in Communication Sciences with a specialisation in Public Relations from the University of Minho and a postgraduate qualification in Human Resource Management. Her professional background includes extensive work within academic institutions, where she has developed strong competencies in coordination, strategic planning and student services.

In recent years, she has been a key figure in Braga for the National Higher Education Admission Competition and the main contact for several special admission processes. Her work has included advising a broad range of students and supporting institutional procedures, particularly for international applicants.

MIRRI-ERIC is confident that Elisabete’s experience and expertise will add considerable value to the organisation as it continues to strengthen its operations and expand its strategic initiatives at the European level.

We warmly welcome Elisabete to the MIRRI-ERIC team and look forward to her contributions to our growing community.

Newly appointed Project and Financial Manager of Microbes 4 Climate coordinated by MIRRI – ERIC

Braga (Portugal), 11 of November 2024 – We announce with great enthusiasm the appointment of Dalila Guedes Ferreira Henriques Fernandes as the new Project and Financial Manager of the Project Microbes 4 Climate, coordinated by MIRRI – Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure.

Dalila’s academic journey is marked by significant achievements, including a degree in Biochemistry, a Master’s in Cardiovascular Physiopathology, and the impending completion of her Ph.D. in Molecular BioSciences (MolBioS) at Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Her diverse expertise spans biochemistry, molecular biology, and microbiology, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific complexities central to the success of interdisciplinary research.

The new Project and Financial Manager has proven excellence in coordinating multifaceted scientific projects, including protein structure analysis and molecular modulation assays. Her ability to oversee resources, manage timelines, prepare detailed reports for academic committees and funding agencies highlights her strong organizational and leadership capabilities. Dalila has also demonstrated exceptional leadership through the supervision of students and coordination of lab teams, inspiring and guiding diverse groups toward scientific excellence.

Dalila’s appointment marks a key moment in advancing the Project Microbes 4 Climate, aligning her expertise with MIRRI-ERIC’s mission to enhance microbial research and address global climate challenges. We are confident that Dalila’s contributions will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and advancing the project’s objectives of fostering climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

We warmly welcome Dalila Fernandes as she embarks on this exciting new chapter with MIRRI-ERIC. Her passion and expertise will propel microbial research forward, fostering innovation and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. The work Dalila will develop as Project and Financial Manager reflects her commitment to discovery and transformative solutions. We look forward to collaborating with Dalila, embracing opportunities to learn, grow, and innovate together, and celebrating the meaningful impact we will create.

Stay connected:

 

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/microbes4climate 

Twitter: twitter.com/microbes4climate

Instagram: instagram.com/microbes4climate

An ERIC FORUM Position Paper about the Role of ERICs in the 10th Framework Programme (FP10)

A position paper was published in April 2024 focused on the role of European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs) in the European Commission’s upcoming funding programme. The 10th Framework Programme (FP10), scheduled for implementation from 2028 to 2035, will build upon the successes of its predecessors, Horizon 2020 (FP8) and Horizon Europe (FP9), by the ERIC FORUM.

ERICs are increasingly recognized as vital instruments for achieving meaningful scientific, technological, and societal impact.

This position paper identifies six key areas for consideration: funding, consolidation, structural support, governance, innovation, and access, and also highlights the continuous support of ERICs under the 9th Framework Program (FP9), which allowed these consortia to expand their operations and further enhance their contributions to advance science in the European Research Area. ERICs have evolved beyond their original mandate of providing basic research services; they now play a crucial role in addressing broad societal challenges and aligning with the European Union’s policy objectives. As stated in this position paper, “ERICs now offer services that support not only basic research but also initiatives that address significant societal issues, aligning with EU policy goals and serving as key instruments in translating these policies into actionable, impactful outcomes.”

It is also emphasized that financial support from Member States is still linked to the initial remit of ERICs. It calls on the European Commission to work with Member States to secure enhanced national funding through Structural Funds, where applicable.

It also stresses that additional direct support from the European Commission would strengthen the mission and impact of ERICs, expanding their reach and visibility across Europe and beyond.

This position paper advocates for recognizing existing ERICs as Strategic Assets and calls for greater focus on new initiatives that bring together existing infrastructures, rather than funding projects aimed at establishing new ERICs.

As highlighted in the paper, “Together, ERICs offer the broadest range of services to scientific communities, spanning disciplines from social, life, and environmental sciences to astronomy, physics, and engineering.”

One of the key issues raised in the paper is the need to distribute Research Infrastructure costs more equitably, particularly to enhance the involvement and impact of Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. It is therefore recommended that FP10 includes additional calls under the Widening Instrument to encourage participation and development of national nodes within ERICs, as well as support and access for countries that are not yet ERIC members.

The paper further suggests that FP10 should provide support for ERICs to refine their governance structures, allowing them to remain agile and responsive to an evolving research environment. This type of funding is typically outside the scope of most ERIC operational and research budgets.

As noted in the paper, “Additional funding for governance development and management training could significantly improve ERICs’ effectiveness.”

Another important area highlighted is the integration of ERICs with industry. The paper calls on FP10 to continue funding initiatives (such as INFRATECH) that foster stronger connections between research infrastructures and the private sector. Further EC support to raise awareness and promote critical interactions between ERICs and industry, especially through initiatives like the European Innovation Council, is encouraged.

“Funding instruments that promote cooperation between ERICs, industry, and the public sector will help realize the full potential of ERICs, leveraging their unique assets and legal structure,” the paper asserts.

The paper also stresses that FP10 funding should ensure that researchers can fully benefit from the services provided by ERICs, with access to these services not contingent on the availability of additional funding.

The paper concludes by calling for funding mechanisms that enable European researchers to take full advantage of the broad range of services offered by ERICs, thereby unlocking their full potential. “For researchers to fully benefit from the ERIC services now available to them, funding for access to and use of these services (including physical, remote, and virtual access) must be continuously available at the European level.”

In conclusion, the ERIC FORUM asserts that FP10 will play a pivotal role in securing the future success of all 28 ERICs and that ERICs are essential for achieving the ambitious goals of the European scientific community.

The ERIC Forum is a collective body representing ERICs and ERIC projects aiming to advance the operations of ERICs and strategically contribute to the development of ERIC related policies.