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Politecnico di Milano Opens Office in Brussels

The Politecnico di Milano has recently marked a significant milestone by launching its Brussels Liaison Office. This new office is dedicated to enhancing the university's communication and collaboration with European Union institutions, focusing on participation in European research and innovation programs. The official unveiling took place at the European Parliament, coinciding with an event titled From Knowledge to Impact: Research and Innovation in Partnership with Society and Industry, which gathered key figures from European institutions, academic researchers, university faculty, and other innovation stakeholders.

The purpose of this new strategic office is not just to increase the visibility of the Politecnico di Milano but also to serve as a proactive player in shaping the future of European research policy. As the current National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) approaches its conclusion, the next EU Framework Programme is poised to be the primary source of research funding. Thus, the establishment of a structured liaison in Brussels is a timely move to identify and align with the evolving priorities of the EU's research and innovation landscape.

Currently, the Politecnico di Milano holds a prestigious position as Italy's leading university in securing funding under the European Horizon Europe initiative with 389 projects amounting to approximately €185.68 million. Furthermore, the university has earned 44 European Research Council (ERC) projects valued at €44.65 million during the 2021-2027 Framework Programme, demonstrating its commitment to groundbreaking research. Notably, from 2021 to January 2026, the Politecnico achieved a significant milestone by garnering funding for 29 proposals under the European Innovation Council (EIC), showcasing a success rate of 10.7%, one of the highest in Europe.

Rector Donatella Sciuto emphasized the strategic importance of this office by stating, "Europe is at a crucial junction regarding advanced research and competitiveness—two areas that are intricately linked. Our overarching question was not what we could gain from this situation but rather what contributions we could make to the decision-making processes." Her comments underline the goal of establishing strong connections with European research institutions and ensuring a robust presence in defining continental research priorities.

The Brussels Liaison Office aims to create a strategic nexus between the Politecnico di Milano and the broader European research and innovation ecosystem. It will facilitate ongoing dialogues with EU institutions, contributing to the formulation of strategic agendas in research and innovation. Additionally, the office intends to provide researchers with enhanced support when engaging with EU programs, especially as new planning cycles come into effect.

Moreover, the office seeks to fortify relationships between universities, research teams, and the European industrial landscape. It will play a pivotal role in promoting participation in international collaborations and advancing high-impact research initiatives, exemplified by projects like the European Strategic Partnership on Advanced Materials IAM.

During the inauguration event at the European Parliament, discussions included representatives from the European Commission, Members of Parliament, and leaders of major research and innovation institutions, all contributing to a shared understanding of the challenges ahead for the next European planning cycle and the roles that universities and industries can play.

The launch of the Brussels Liaison Office represents a long-term strategy for the Politecnico di Milano to bolster its scientific competitiveness, foster deeper engagement with European decision-makers, and actively contribute to the shaping of EU policies concerning research and innovation—essentials for the future of knowledge-based Europe.