Working visit of Prof. dr. Maria Leptin, President of the ERC Scientific Council to the Netherlands (7 & 8 July 2026)

On the 8th of July Prof. Leptin will visit the International Institute of Social Studies in the Hague, and participate in two events, namely:  

🕑 10:00 -12:00 Mission FP10: Curiosity, Values, and Freedom at the Core of Europe’s Future - a multi-stakeholders’ dialogue with academic leaders, policymakers, funders, ERC laureates, innovators, and industry representatives, to jointly explore how curiosity-driven, values-based research can fuel Europe’s resilience, strengthen its strategic autonomy, and secure a thriving, inclusive future. 

Prof. dr. Letschert, Minister of Education, Culture and Science of Netherlands is invited for an opening speech, joining Prof. dr. Leptin, who will address the audience with a keynote speech, setting the tone for the debate, in which we will have the honor to exchange views with, amongst other:  

• Prof. dr. Ben Feringa ERC Laureate and Nobel Prize winner  
• Prof. dr. Marcel Levi, President of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) 
• Tjerk Opmeer, Dep. Director-General for Business & Innovation, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate   
• Susanne Caarls, Head of Unit-European and International research & science, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science 

🕑13:00-14:30 Frontier Science Session: Empowering Human‑Centred European Excellence - an inspiring, blue-sky dialogue with ERC laureates and researchers dedicated to highlighting the power of frontier, investigator driven science to fuel discovery, innovation, and societal progress — while discussing why freedom, trust, and excellence are essential conditions for this to thrive. Amongst other, we will hear and get inspired by the inspiring stories of Prof. dr. Eveline Crone, former Vice-President of the ERC Scientific Council, Prof. dr. Karin Roelofs, Member of the ERC Scientific Council, Prof. dr. Ben Feringa ERC Laureate and Nobel Prize winner, and other prominent ERC laureates from different scientific disciplines.

Full program here.

Why your presence matters 

These events will take place at pivotal times for Europe and European R&I. The discussions and the decisions on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 and the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) will determine Europe’s capacity to innovate, compete globally, and uphold its democratic values for years to come. This event places you at the heart of these discussions and decisions. The voice of the academic and innovation community has never been more important. Our strength lies in our ideas, discoveries, and collaborations, and Your insights, your voice, and your presence can make a difference.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to: 

• Meet Prof. Dr Maria Leptin, President of the ERC  
• Connect with leading thinkers and decision-makers from across Europe 
• Be part of the conversations that matters, exchange ideas across sectors and disciplines, help influence the future direction of European research and innovation 
• Engage with renowned ERC laureates and top researchers 
• Hear inspiring, real-world stories behind groundbreaking discoveries 
• Gain fresh perspective on the next steps in your own scientific journey. 

Stay tuned—new speakers and programme updates will be announced regularly. 

Last update: 28 May 2026