From turtle robots to frontline physics: prize-winning young scientists shape the future

l to r: Dani Zuhair (Sweden), Anna Černá (Czechia), Antoni Łuczak (Poland) and Evan Budz (Canada) won the four first prizes at EUCYS 2025. © European Commission 2025

This year’s EU Contest for Young Scientists showcased hard science with a social edge, with young scientists presenting innovations ranging from robot turtles to quantum discoveries. By Tom Cassauwers For Evan Budz, a 15-year-old science student from Canada, learning that his turtle-like undersea robot had earned him one of the four first prizes at this … Read more

Beyond the crowds: locals lead a sustainable reset of tourism

Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is one of the pilot projects where researchers and local communities devise sustainable tourism plans. © trabantos, Shutterstock.com

EU-backed researchers are working with communities in overlooked regions to create tourism strategies that promote heritage while ensuring long-term sustainability. By Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro Europe’s most popular travel destinations are feeling the strain of their own success. From Paris to Dubrovnik, mass tourism brings overcrowding and pollution. Yet just beyond these hotspots lie regions eager … Read more

Silent speed: the fast, fuel-efficient European helicopter setting the pace for clean aviation

The Airbus RACER introduces a new type of rotorcraft designed for a cleaner aviation future. © Airbus Helicopters SAS 2025

With its sleek design and groundbreaking aerodynamics, the Airbus RACER isn’t just a prototype – it’s a symbol of Europe’s commitment to clean aviation. By Tom Cassauwers Brice Makinadjian and Stephane Deport, both engineers at Airbus Helicopters, looked on proudly as a sleek blue-and-white helicopter zipped over the crowds at the Paris Airshow in June … Read more

Europe unveils plan to supercharge its science facilities

Europe’s research and technology infrastructures are hubs of knowledge and collaboration helping scientists tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. © Gorodenkoff, Shutterstock.com

From lasers to life sciences, Europe’s new plan for research and technology infrastructures aims to turn world-class science into everyday impact. By Catherine Howie The European Commission has introduced a new strategy for research and technology infrastructures to give innovation and competitiveness a long-term boost. Unveiled at this year’s Research and Innovation Days in Brussels … Read more

Seeds of change: Can Europe’s organic farming shape the future of food?

Researchers are helping Europe’s organic farmers boost production and navigate stringent rules and costs. © Jacob Lund, Shutterstock.com

EU-funded researchers are working across countries and sectors to boost organic farming, support farmers and shape policy to help meet the target of 25% organic farmland in Europe and a significant increase in organic aquaculture by 2030. By Maria Vlastara From fancy oat milk lattes to organically grown produce at the local market, organic food … Read more

Inside Europe’s virtual ocean platform: a game-changer for marine protection

Researchers have digitally mapped oceans to help protect their future. © gumbao, Shutterstock.com

Europe is building a virtual twin of the ocean to allow scientists, policymakers and citizens to test ideas, fight pollution and protect marine life – without even getting wet. By Michael Allen Imagine predicting how an oil spill will spread, or which cleanup strategy will work best, without ever touching the water. What if we … Read more