From living buildings to multitasking home robots, here’s how science is reimagining 2026

Research will reshape daily life in 2026, from living cities to quantum computing. © 3rdtimeluckystudio, Shutterstock.com

Living buildings, quantum computers, safety by design, home robots and AI-assisted pandemic preparedness. Europe’s researchers are reshaping how we live, work and design our cities in 2026. By Anthony King As science continues to push boundaries, the coming years could surprise us with self‑healing cities, robots that care and smarter defences against future pandemics. Here … Read more

Tech moves to holograms, fine dining and teleporting classes for more immersive experience

Telepresence research is bringing far-off interactions closer than ever. © Gorodenkoff, Shutterstock.com

Researchers are pushing telepresence technology beyond video calls, from Star Wars-style holograms to virtual fine dining and classrooms that leap across space. By Michaela Nesvarova For Maurizio Murroni, associate professor of telecommunications at the University of Cagliari in Italy, Star Wars is much more than a science fiction film franchise – it is a source … Read more

Home sweet home: helping European families become more resilient

EU-funded researchers outline practical policies to help families cope with daily pressures. © Studio Romantic, Shutterstock.com

Based on direct input from households in six countries, EU-funded researchers have developed policy recommendations to support families in real life. By Michaela Nesvarova It’s the season for celebration. Families gather for festive meals, exchange gifts or plan special outings – moments designed to be memorable and shared. Yet for many households across Europe, these … Read more

Researchers reveal how climate change is shaping decisions to move – or stay put

Researchers work with affected communities to understand how climate change drives migration. © Sakdawut Tangtongsap, Shutterstock.com

As climate change becomes a major driver of migration, EU-funded researchers are listening to affected communities to help support fairer policies for those most at risk. By Andrew Dunne Climate change is already reshaping where and how people live, from farming villages to coastal towns. Professor François Gemenne, one of Europe’s foremost specialists on climate … Read more

Microbes on a mission to clean up Europe’s toxic soils

Soil microorganisms are helping scientists clean up lingering industrial pollution naturally. © H_Ko, Shutterstock.com

EU-funded researchers are turning to nature’s very own clean-up crew to tackle toxic industrial soil pollution. By Ali Jones Outside the mountain town of Sabiñánigo in northern Spain, an abandoned chemical factory stands on land still scarred by decades of Lindane production – a pesticide now banned worldwide – which left behind thousands of tonnes … Read more

Europe races to save its underwater heritage from climate change

Scientists are working to protect Europe’s underwater and coastal heritage that is threatened by climate-related hazards. © Marcello Di Francesco, IANTD, THETIDA, 2025

As climate change accelerates, EU-funded researchers have mobilised to safeguard Europe’s underwater and coastal heritage with innovative methods and cutting-edge technology. By Gareth Willmer Forty metres beneath the sea off north-western Italy lies one of the country’s best-preserved World War II shipwrecks. The Equa, an Italian cannon-equipped submarine chaser, sank with no casualties after being … Read more