Hello and welcome to the December issue of Brussels News Updates, the EuChemS newsletter keeping you in the loop on all Brussels matters impacting the chemical sciences and the latest news on our work, activities and events!

Whilst the holidays may soon be approaching, it has been a busy last four weeks here in Brussels: from significant negotiations and votes on Horizon Europe, to China’s unexpected display of interest in Open Access publishing, to our participation in a plethora of events before the Brussels bubble shuts down over Christmas. Without forgetting news of our January event on “The Periodic Table and us: its history, meaning, and element scarcity”.

And so, before reading on, on behalf of EuChemS, we would like to wish you all, a very Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year! 

You can read the full newsletter online by clicking here.

Horizon Europe - continued

Negotiations surrounding the future EU research framework programme Horizon Europe are progressing although diverging conclusions are slowly being reached between the European Parliament and the Council. In addition, national ministers themselves are split on a number of central issues. At heart of the different viewpoints for Horizon Europe is that of whether to continue maintaining the notion of ‘excellence’ as the central pillar, or whether to shape Horizon Europe as a tool to help fix the research and innovation divide between western and eastern Member States. Read more about the latest progress on Horizon Europe here.

Plan S: China, petitions, events & a GDCh statement

Plan S, the plan initiated by a coalition of European funders (cOAlition S) and supported by the European Commission to encourage a rapid transition to open access publishing continues to make waves within the scientific community. From petitions, China's unexpected interest in Plan S, events in Brussels, a GDCh statement and a public consultation, we've provided you with a quick overview of the latest developments and debates. Click here for the full debrief.

Forums and events - EuChemS attends EFSA Stakeholder Forum, European Parliament Impact Research EU event & ECHA Committee for Risk Assessment meeting

Last month saw the annual European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) Stakeholder Forum, an event which sought to stimulate and simplify dialogue between the European Agency and official stakeholders. The event also aimed to exchange views on EFSA’s ongoing work and plans for the future. The relatively new and bolstered role of academic organisations was recognised by EFSA as a positive and much needed aspect of stakeholder interaction. Full debrief of the meeting here.

EuChemS also attended the high-level conference on how research and innovation affect daily life which was held in the European Parliament. The event, which combined talks with representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament and ministers from EU Member States as well as a range of scientists, explored the major challenges we currently face, and how impact research can and should continue to be fostered in Europe. Read all about it here.

EuChemS attended the European Chemical Agency’s Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) – 47 meeting in Helsinki in November. The RAC prepares the opinions of ECHA related to the risks of substances to human health and the environment, although final decisions are taken by the European Commission. Click here for more information.  

But that's not all! This edition also has articles on:The European Chemistry Thematic Network (ECTN) Administrative Council meeting; InRoad conference, and more!

Read the full article online.

OTHER EVENTS

Launch of the 2019 International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements (IYPT2019)

29 January 2018
Paris, France
Website: https://bit.ly/2DJkkSC

Read the full BNU newsletter here