Ciência e Sociedade

From plants and waste to everyday products: boosting Europe’s bioeconomy

EU-funded researchers are developing alternatives to fossil-based materials, from packaging to fertilisers. Their work could cut Europe's reliance on oil and gas and inspire international cooperation.

The patients missing from clinical research

Clinical studies do not always accurately reflect the people who will ultimately receive new treatments. Researchers across Europe are exploring how to close the gaps and make clinical research more representative and inclusive.

From talking plants to smarter insulin pumps: young scientists shine in 2026

At this year’s EU Contest for Young Scientists, teenagers unveiled inventions that could save lives, deepen our understanding of a decades-old maths puzzle and even listen to plants.

Beyond ‘eat less, move more’: building the bigger picture on childhood obesity

Researchers across Europe are pooling data and expertise while working with schools, hospitals and families to find better ways to tackle childhood obesity.

Tackling the invisible pollution in homes, schools and workplaces

We spend most of our time indoors, but how much do we know about the air we breathe? EU-funded researchers are looking for answers and practical ways to improve it.

New climate models are zooming in on regional risks

More detailed climate models are helping researchers explore how climate change may affect particular regions and how human actions shape the risks ahead.

Open source tech helps farmers put more trust in digital tools

Researchers, farmers and tech companies are developing open-source tools to tackle crop disease, irrigation and patchy internet, making digital farming cheaper, more practical and easier for farmers to trust.

Using AI to stay one step ahead of dementia

New AI-based diagnostics could help identify people at risk of dementia earlier, opening up more opportunities for monitoring, intervention and support.