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The African Network of Living Labs (ANoLL) now connects 47 active Living Labs across 22 African countries. The network emerged from the Horizon Europe research and innovation project INCiTiS-FOOD, in which the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) is a project partner. Its official launch was celebrated in Ibadan, Nigeria, on 3 November 2026. ANoLL aims to sustain collaboration and knowledge exchange beyond the project’s completion in December 2026.

Since 14 October 2026, Hungarian entities previously subject to funding restrictions have once again been eligible to receive EU funding under Horizon Europe. The change applies to new proposals, grant agreement preparation and ongoing research and innovation projects. The applicable eligibility conditions continue to apply.

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 has launched a new initiative to support artificial intelligence (AI) research across Europe at the European AI in Science Summit 2026 in Dublin. As part of RAISE (Resource for AI Science in Europe), companies and philanthropic organisations are invited to provide additional resources for researchers, including advanced AI models, computing capacity, research data and software. The “RAISE AI in Science Enablers Pledging Initiative” aims to strengthen collaboration between science and industry and accelerate the use of AI in European research.

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.