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Research data, software and digital analysis tools are often held by different institutions across Europe. The European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) connects these resources to help researchers find and use them more easily. Thirteen additional hubs have now begun operating within the network, supporting collaboration across countries and scientific disciplines.

On 16 October 2026, the European Commission published updated ERA Living Guidelines on the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in research. The recommendations are aimed at researchers, research organisations and research funding organisations. New areas of focus include agentic AI and the use of AI in peer review and the evaluation of funding proposals.

The European Commission is seeking feedback on possible changes to the EU copyright framework. The targeted consultation focuses on the use of copyright-protected content in generative artificial intelligence (AI), research and other areas. It aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Europe’s cultural and creative sectors and facilitate research and innovation. Interested stakeholders can contribute until 3 November 2026.

The European Partnership FOREST officially launches in Helsinki on 13 October 2026, marking the start of a new European research and innovation initiative focused on climate-resilient forests, sustainable forestry and the circular bioeconomy. Supported by Horizon Europe, the ten-year partnership has a total budget of approximately €233 million, including €70 million in EU funding. Its first joint call, with a funding volume of more than €40 million, opens up new opportunities for international research and innovation projects in Europe's forest-based sector.

The European Commission launched the European Water Academy on 21 September 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen skills in the water sector and bring research closer to practice. As a flagship action under the European Water Resilience Strategy, it connects universities, research institutions, businesses, water utilities and public bodies. Its goal is to better protect Europe’s water resources through knowledge transfer, training and collaboration.

On 8 October 2026, the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) and the Centre for Research and Technology-Hellas (CERTH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the aim of further developing their long-term cooperation in the areas of research, innovation and technology transfer in the field of green hydrogen. The signing took place during the Greek Orthodox Metropolis ceremony to mark the awarding of the Golden Cross, First Class, to the Bavarian Minister-President, Dr Markus Söder. The Greek Deputy Prime Minister, Kostis Hatzidakis, also attended the ceremony.

Bavaria and Québec are deepening their cooperation in science and research. On 5 October 2026, Bavaria’s Science Minister Markus Blume and Québec’s Chief Scientist Prof. Jérôme Dupras signed a joint declaration establishing a strategic innovation partnership. A concrete component of this partnership is joint research funding for AI-powered and human-centred robotics. The Scientific Coordination Office Bavaria–Québec/Alberta/International at the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) is responsible for implementation on the Bavarian side.

A new European research and innovation partnership, “Resilient Cultural Heritage”, was launched in Marseille on 29 September 2026 with a total budget of €215 million. The ten-year initiative receives €65 million in funding from the EU's Horizon Europe programme. Its aim is to better protect Europe's cultural heritage from the impacts of climate change and other environmental pressures. The partnership will launch joint transnational calls, creating new funding opportunities for international research and innovation projects.

Seventeen institutions from Munich’s innovation ecosystem have joined forces to form the Women Entrepreneurs Alliance (WE Alliance). The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) is one of its members. Together, the partners aim to better connect and increase the visibility of existing services for female entrepreneurs and facilitate access to advice, networks, financing and funding.

The European Commission is providing an additional €500 million for Horizon Europe in 2026 and 2027. This brings the budget of the EU’s research and innovation programme for these two years to around €14.8 billion. At the same time, the Commission is expanding the 2026–2027 work programme with two new cross-cutting calls focusing on areas including biodiversity, artificial intelligence, energy, innovative SMEs and the translation of research results into market-ready innovations.