Written by Barbara Nicoletti.
The Ispra site of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) is European Commission’s third-largest site. Originally established for nuclear research, it has evolved into one of Europe’s leading research campuses today, with cutting-edge laboratories and unique research infrastructure. The site provides science-based responses to policy challenges related to sustainable resources and transport, space, security, energy efficiency and climate change, as well as nuclear safeguards and security.
The STOA Panel and the JRC have a unique partnership that enhances the crucial role of evidence-informed policy-making at EU level. Interaction includes regular exchanges of views, co-organised events and visits, through which the STOA Panel and the JRC cooperate to share knowledge between the institutions, providing opportunities for debate, and supporting evidence-based EU policymaking.
The visit began with a welcome address by Bernard Magenhann, JRC Director-General, and an introductory presentation on the JRC’s mission, organisation, and activities at the JRC Europa Science Experience, an interactive entry point to the research site.
JRC experts provided specific examples of JRC’s scientific work in support of policymaking by presenting the JRC activities related to the circular and bio-based economy, from raw materials, to products and waste, and the ‘Sevilla Process‘, through which the European Commission leads the science-based co-creation of environmental norms for and with European industry.
The visit continued with a tour of the Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, where interdisciplinary studies are conducted on nanomaterials, nanomedicines and therapies, as well as health surveillance technologies, advanced materials, and micro(nano)plastics. The delegation also visited the European Interoperability Centre for Electric Vehicles and Smart Grids, which combines four laboratories gathering knowledge and test facilities on energy efficiency, hybrid exhaust emissions, electromagnetic compatibility, smart grids and battery testing.
The afternoon programme included visits to additional cutting-edge laboratories. At the Microwave Signature Laboratory, the delegation learned about the JRC’s research into space, connectivity and quantum. The visit to the European Crisis Management Laboratory provided direct experience of the monitoring, modelling, analysis and estimation work done by the JRC to enhance crisis responses to various types of emergencies, including security issues, natural and man-made hazards, or health crises.
These visits gave the STOA members the opportunity to witness the innovative research shaping EU policies and address questions directly to JRC experts. Inspiring discussion took place in a cooperative and informal setting about some of the most pressing challenges facing the EU, helping to explore ways in which research and technology can help address these issues.
The STOA delegation greatly appreciated JRC’s warm welcome, confirmed the importance of the visit in deepening the longstanding STOA-JRC cooperation, and emphasised the relevance of independent scientific advice in informing EU policymaking.
Participants:
European Parliament
- Christian Ehler, Chair of STOA Panel
- Lina Galvez, Vice-Chair of STOA Panel
- Pierfrancesco Maran, STOA member – EMPL
- Brando Benifei, STOA member – INTA
- Barbara Nicoletti, STOA Unit
Joint Research Centre
- Bernard Magenhann, Director-General
- Matthias Oel, Deputy Director-General
- Sabine Henzler, Director for Strategy and Impact:
- Alessandra Zampieri, Director for Sustainable Resources
- Ciaran Nicholl, Director Health and Food
- Francesca Campolongo, Director for Digital Transformation and Data
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