This year, the Free University of Bozen–Bolzano became a member of the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA), Europe’s largest energy research community. As part of this step, unibz has joined two EERA Joint Programmes:

• JP e3s – Energy Systems, Social Sciences & Humanities, represented by Prof. Federica Viganò
• JP Hydropower, represented by Prof. Massimiliano Renzi

What Are EERA Joint Programmes?

EERA Joint Programmes are long-term collaborative research communities that bring together universities, research centres, and technical institutes across Europe. Each Joint Programme focuses on a strategic area of the clean energy transition, coordinating research agendas, aligning national and EU priorities, and developing joint projects.

By joining these Programmes, unibz gains access to:

• Major European research networks
• Horizon Europe project consortia
• Expert working groups and thematic clusters
• Policy discussions shaping the future of the energy transition

First Participation in General Assembly

As a new member, Federica Viganò attended her first General Assembly in October in Vienna, hosted by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology. The meeting gathered partners from across Europe to review ongoing work, plan priorities for the 2026 Work Plan, and strengthen collaboration. The programme also included a Brokerage Event for developing project ideas and partnerships for Horizon Europe calls, as well as a visit to aspern Seestadt, one of Europe’s largest sustainable urban development projects.

For more information, please contact Prof. Federica Viganò. A networking event for interested academic staff is currently being planned.