Nuclear, medicine, digital, space, defence, electronics, and more – since its creation in 1945, the CEA has been behind many great scientific discoveries and technological innovations. This progress has helped us to meet the challenges of the last eight decades and change our daily lives forever.

The recent attacks against science and universities in the United States are the latest evidence of how quickly academic freedom can be eroded. In this Guild Lecture on Academic Freedom, and the ensuing panel debate, we will discuss how Europe should respond to these attacks. How can the EU support researchers at risks and better protect academic freedom in this new geopolitical context? This event launches a series of annual lectures on Academic Freedom on 20 May, the International Academic Freedom Day which also holds historical significance for Marie Skłodowska-Curie’s legacy and for transatlantic academic collaboration.

In the wake of the Communication on a Blueprint for the European degree presented by the Commission in March 2024, the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU has tabled a Resolution and a Recommendation, setting a timeline for the implementation of a European degree label, outlining the next steps towards a joint European degree, and asking Member States to facilitate transnational cooperation through improved quality assurance procedures . As both texts are soon to be submitted to the Education Council, four organisations – CRASP, France Universités, CDEFI and EUA – are organizing a joint seminar in order to assess the position of EU Member states, by confronting the viewpoints of National Rectors’ Conferences with the expectations of European universities alliances and European umbrella organizations.

ONLINE CONFERENCE

The Université de Lorraine (UL) is organising an event on the competitiveness of industry in Europe. In a context of heightened tensions, rising customs duties, higher energy prices in Europe than elsewhere, the challenges of industry in Europe are crucial, especially if we are to achieve an industry 5.0 that can also develop in the service of European sovereignty.