Rethinking urban communities: transforming vacant spaces into vibrant places

EU-backed temporary living projects breathe new life into empty urban spaces. © MandriaPix, Shutterstock.com

Researchers are exploring how short-term accommodation projects can bring new life to empty buildings while inspiring more inclusive and sustainable city living. By Gareth Willmer Italian architect and researcher Dr Chiara Mazzarella has long been captivated by the idea of finding better ways to use empty buildings. Across Europe, millions of homes and commercial buildings … Read more

Lights, camera, action: Europe’s film industry wins audiences with storytelling and social reality

European cinema supports storytelling, diversity and collaboration to win global audiences. © Gorodenkoff, Shutterstock.com

EU-funded researchers are exploring how Europe’s film industry is taking a different path from Hollywood, focusing on cultural diversity, collaboration and storytelling to boost global competitiveness and cultural influence. By Ali Jones In March 2025, a low-budget independent animation made history by becoming the first Latvian film to win an Oscar. Flow took home the award for … Read more

Putting people first: Europe’s 6G push for connectivity that serves society

Researchers want to ensure that the transition to super-fast 6G networks is ethical and inclusive. © Wright Studio, Shutterstock.com

As Europe prepares for the leap to 6G, researchers, policymakers and citizens are working together to make sure that the next digital revolution is not just faster, but also ethical, sustainable and inclusive. By Anthony King What if tomorrow’s super-fast, super-connected digital world could be shaped by public values – right from the start? Dr … Read more

New malaria vaccine offers hope for mothers and babies across Africa

EU-funded researchers are working to reduce the devastating effects of malaria during pregnancy on both mother and child. © Avatar_023, Shutterstock.com

Malaria takes a devastating toll on pregnant women and their babies across Africa. Now a pioneering EU-funded project is working on a new vaccine to increase protection. By Vittoria D’Alessio Malaria remains a deadly threat for pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa, often leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, low birthweight and serious illness. Now, an EU-funded collaborative … Read more

Keeping clothes in circulation: how EU research is transforming textile waste

Europe wants to slash textile waste by up to 80% and make sustainable products the standard. © Mariia Korneeva, Shutterstock.com

EU-funded research is helping to turn old clothes into new, quality products, aiming to reduce textile waste and make recycled textiles the norm. By Ali Jones In a factory in Waregem, north-west Belgium, a unique piece of machinery accessible only by fingerprint to trusted staff, is transforming old clothing and textiles with the utmost precision, … Read more

When less is more: simple innovation offers hope in uncertain times

Simple innovations could help shape Europe’s economic future. © Vanatchanan, Shutterstock.com

An EU-funded study showcases innovation that is affordable, sustainable and effective, and may lead to a more resilient and competitive Europe. By Kaja Šeruga At this year’s International Architecture Exhibition in Venice, a small square house set up in Giardino delle Vergini told a story of resilience and ingenuity, demonstrating how innovation does not have … Read more