Bringing the outdoors in: architecture that nurtures our connection with nature

Lessons learned from the traditional connection with nature in Japanese and Danish architecture could help build greener urban spaces for the future. © PhD Carmen García Sánchez, 2020

EU-funded researchers are exploring the role of architecture in designing living spaces that harness the healing power of nature to improve the health and well-being of urban populations. By Bárbara Pinho Dr Carmen García Sánchez likes to ride her bike in the Danish countryside. That is how she first discovered how closely post-war Danish architecture … Read more

Self-driving trucks: en route to transform Europe’s freight sector

Researchers are preparing automated trucks equipped with cameras, sensors and radars to transport cargo on Europe’s public roads. © Einride

EU-funded researchers are accelerating the rollout of self-driving trucks on public roads to solve driver shortages and improve safety and sustainability in Europe’s logistics sector. By Bárbara Pinho In the not-so-distant future, unusual looking cargo vehicles – sporting large black windscreens and with no human driver behind the wheel – could become a common sight … Read more

Science for all: Europe’s gender equality awards in research herald more progress ahead

Winners of this year’s Gender Equality Champions award met with Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, who thanked them for driving institutional change in EU research. © Instruct-ERIC, 2025

Four research institutions were named EU Gender Equality Champions for creating more inclusive and gender-equal research environments. With measures such as boosting parental support and mentoring, or tackling systemic barriers, they are paving the way for even more equality in the future. By Helen Massy-Beresford Helping young parents go to research events with their partner … Read more

Self-driving vehicles: the road to cheaper, sustainable urban transport in Europe

EU-funded researchers aim to improve public transport with the use of driverless vehicles, like the SUVs in the photo. © Ruter As / Spoon, Nikolas Gostad, 2025

The future of urban mobility is near. EU-backed trials of driverless cars in public transport could make Europe’s city centres affordable, cleaner, safer, more efficient, inclusive and fair. By Gareth Willmer In Groruddalen, a large urban valley in north-eastern Oslo, Norway, the groundwork is being laid for an important shift in city transport. Five self-driving … Read more

From fava beans to future foods: researchers turn to plant-based proteins for a healthier planet

EU-funded researchers are looking for alternative sources of protein to balance the environmental impact of meat production. © pbd Studio, Shutterstock.com

Crops like chickpeas, fava beans, lentils and quinoa could help make Europe’s food systems more environmentally friendly and sustainable. By Michael Allen On Marianne Mulhall’s organic dairy farm in southeast Ireland, the winter wheat crop is looking better than usual. By spring, it is often a bit yellow and withered, a sign that it is … Read more

AI-powered robots help tackle Europe’s growing e-waste problem

To tackle a growing amount of electronic waste, researchers have created robots to make recycling smarter, greener and more efficient. © Stokkete, Shutterstock.com

EU-funded researchers have developed adaptable robots that could transform the way we recycle electronic waste, benefiting both the environment and the economy. By Kaja Šeruga Just outside the historic German town of Goslar, a sprawling industrial complex receives an endless stream of discarded electronics. On arrival, this electronic waste is laboriously prepared for recycling. Electrocycling … Read more