Politecnico di Milano Establishes Strategic Liaison Office in Brussels

Politecnico di Milano Launches Brussels Liaison Office

The Politecnico di Milano has officially opened its liaison office in Brussels, a significant step aimed at enhancing the university's engagement with European institutions and strengthening its role in EU research and innovation programs.

Addressing Key Challenges in EU Research

At the recent event titled From Knowledge to Impact: Research and Innovation in Partnership with Society and Industry held at the European Parliament, the delegation from Politecnico introduced the office's mission and activities. This initiative responds to the strategic needs emerging from the European Union’s upcoming research framework programs.

The new Brussels office is designed to communicate with EU institutions and ensure that Politecnico di Milano positions itself effectively in future funding opportunities, particularly as the current national recovery and resilience plan (PNRR) concludes. With the European Commission preparing for the next funding cycle, which is a key lever for research financing, establishing a structured public liaison in Brussels aims to preemptively address EU research and innovation policy priorities.

Building on Established Success

Politecnico di Milano has already demonstrated remarkable success in securing funding from EU research initiatives. It is the leading Italian university regarding funds obtained under the Horizon Europe program, having successfully engaged in 389 projects worth about 185.68 million euros. Furthermore, it has been awarded 44 projects under the European Research Council (ERC), amounting to a total of 44.65 million euros, underlining its status as a frontrunner in high-level research.

Between 2021 and January 2026, Politecnico di Milano also received funding for 29 proposals from the European Innovation Council (EIC), achieving a success rate of 10.7%, which is one of the highest in Europe. This funding success forms a solid foundation for the strategies being implemented by the newly established office.

A Strategic Approach to Inclusivity

According to Donatella Sciuto, the rector of Politecnico di Milano, the decision to open the Brussels office stemmed from a commitment to enhancing the university's contribution to European research agendas. She mentioned, “We are not just asking what we can gain; rather, we are questioning how we can contribute to the decision-making table.”

This reflective approach aims to solidify the university’s presence and influence in discussions that shape European research and innovation policies at a time when Europe faces significant technological challenges.

Enhancing Collaborative Networks

The Brussels liaison office's role is as a strategic hub linking the university with the broader European research and innovation ecosystem. It facilitates ongoing dialogue with EU institutions and supports the design of strategic research and innovation programs. This office will help researchers with structured guidance as they engage in EU programs, especially concerning upcoming planning cycles.

Additionally, it fosters better relationships between universities, research teams, and the European industrial landscape, encouraging international partnerships and high-impact research and innovation projects, such as the new strategic European partnership on advanced materials.

Impact on Future Collaborations

During the European Parliament event, representatives from the European Commission, Members of Parliament, and leaders of significant European research and innovation bodies engaged in dialogue about the challenges facing the next European planning cycle. The discussions highlighted the essential roles that universities and the research industry play in addressing these challenges.

With the launch of this liaison office, Politecnico di Milano aims to solidify a long-term strategy that not only enhances its scientific competitiveness but also amplifies its influence in shaping EU research and innovation policies.

The establishment of this office marks a pivotal moment for Politecnico di Milano as it strives to become a more integral part of the European research environment at a critical time for the future of knowledge in Europe.