The 9th BMBF Symposium on European Civil Security Research took place in Brussels from 30th to 31st August. The event provided an opportunity for civil security research stakeholders to network and exchange ideas with high-level representatives from the research and policy communities. In addition, four panels addressed exciting issues in European security research.
The first day was dedicated to the Horizon Europe Research Framework Programme. In the second panel with the contentious title "The Future of European Security Research: The End of the Horizon?" Olivier Onidi and Irene Nordstedt, both members of the European Commission, faced questions from the audience and fellow panellists. The issue of recent budget cuts of ~20% was particularly controversial. Finally, it was noted that a compatible solution supported by all member states would continue to be sought.
The third panel, "Excellent proposal + excellent research = impactful results," addressed the actual proposal process. Among other things, the review process was explained, with the advice to read the reviewer's guide carefully to avoid possible mistakes. On the second day, after a discussion round on the topic "Research and then what? Synergies and connection possibilities", the participants used the opportunity to connect and network. In the "Practitioner Parcours", practitioner networks as well as ForAn had the opportunity to present themselves to the interested audience and answer their questions. The German Aerospace Center, various Fraunhofer Institutes and the Austrian Staff Department for Security Research and Technology Transfer, among others, were particularly interested.
From ForAn's point of view, the event was a complete success. We were able to ask important questions, welcome familiar faces, gain new members and initiate potential cooperation with Austrian colleagues.
