Romania and Europe's Technological Future: Dan Discusses Research with ERC Head

Nicușor Dan, President of the European Research Council (ERC), met with Maria Leptin, President of the ERC, on Saturday, June 13. Their productive discussion focused on advancing key technological sectors in Romania, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, energy, cybersecurity, and defense.

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We had a productive meeting with Prof. Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council, one of the most important European institutions dedicated to supporting frontier research and scientific excellence. We discussed the future of European funding for research and innovation, in the context of preparing the next European Union Multiannual Financial Framework and the program that will succeed Horizon Europe.

Dan stressed the strategic importance of research and innovation for Romania's economic competitiveness, security, and strategic autonomy within Europe. He highlighted the ERC's role in funding frontier research based on scientific excellence and the need to maintain and strengthen this principle to leverage Romania's valuable human and research potential. The goal is to build institutions capable of attracting, retaining, and supporting top-tier scientific talent.

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For our country, it is essential that research and innovation are treated as strategic investments in Europe's economic competitiveness, security, and strategic autonomy.

Romania aspires to transition from a mere recipient of developed technologies to a proactive producer of technological progress. This includes advancements in social sciences alongside AI, biotech, energy, cybersecurity, and defense. Leptin also met with representatives of the Romanian Academy, discussing ways for Romanian research institutions to secure more European funding. The ERC president praised the desire to increase the visibility of Romanian research, stating the council is open to quality applications and that success depends on the entire scientific community's involvement.

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The European Research Council finances fundamental research projects in all scientific fields, with scientific excellence as the sole criterion. This principle must be maintained and consolidated, in order to fully capitalize on the potential of research and the valuable human resource from Romania. We must also build institutions in Romania capable of attracting, retaining, and supporting scientific talent of the highest level.