Humanities and social sciences at the heart of Europe's future: Interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges

As negotiations for the next Horizon Europe Framework Programme proceed, the EU must broaden its research priorities beyond economic output and tech-driven competitiveness to include the social dimension of progress. A more inclusive and sustainable research strategy is necessary to address the complex challenges that Europe faces and to secure its social model and global competitiveness.

This STOA workshop will explore integrating social sciences and humanities into the design of key initiatives -- such as the green transition, AI governance, healthcare and security - to align EU research with citizen needs and democratic values, and better inform public policies and drive economic growth. The workshop will also examine the Social Progress Index (SPI) and the 'Sustainable and Inclusive Wellbeing Dashboard' as tools to assess citizens' well-being and inform research priorities.

Programme

15:00 - 15:10 Welcome and introductory remarks

• Lina Gálvez, MEP and STOA Vice-Chair

15:10 - 15:25 Keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Patrizia Nanz, President of the European University Institute

15:25 - 16:05 Panel discussion

• Annelien Bredenoord, President of Erasmus University Rotterdam's Executive Board
• Henriette van Eijl, Head of Unit for Health and Societal Transitions at DG RTD (EC)
• Péter Benczúr, Scientific Officer 'EU Sustainable and Inclusive Wellbeing initiative' at DG JRC (EC)

Moderator: Gabi Lombardo, Director of the European Alliance for Social Sciences and Humanities

16:05 - 16:20 Q&A session

16:20 - 16:30 Closing remarks

• Christian Ehler, MEP and STOA Chair

The event will be webstreamed. Link below.

The event will be held in English only, without interpretation.