RICH Europe is a 84 month Coordination and Support Action built on the past experience and achievements of the Research Infrastructures Networks funded under H2020 (RICH and RICH-2). The overall aim of the project is to improve and support the professionalisation and harmonisation of Research Infrastructures National Contact Points (NCPs) services across Europe and to contribute to the consolidation of the European research infrastructure ecosystem. RICH Europe activities have been designed to (1) raise the general standard of support to programme applicants by enhancing NCPs knowledge and capacities and building a more professionalised and collaborative NCPs community, (2) enhance the quality of knowledge of RIs stakeholders about EU RIs calls & programme and raise their awareness about the trans-national and virtual access opportunities to research infrastructures, (3) lower the entry barriers for newcomers, with a focus on widening countries, (4) mainstream RIs in HE with a special focus on Clusters and the EIC programmes, (5) foster the cooperation among RIs at European and international level, and between RIs and the local/regional socio-economic ecosystem. RICH Europe will be implemented by a consortium of 11 officially nominated NCP organizations from 10 EU Member States and 1 candidate Associated Country. The Consortium has an excellent representation of Widening countries (more than half of the partners are from Widening countries) as well as experienced and less experienced NCPs. The project, in its 7 years duration, will address four major target groups: (i) NCPs for Research Infrastructures, (ii) applicants in Horizon Europe RIs calls, (iii) Research Infrastructures and Academia, (iv) Industries and SMEs.

NCP_WIDERA.NET aims at support the capacity and effectiveness of WIDERA National Contact Points with a special attention to less experienced entities in low performing Member States (MS) and Associated Countries (AC) to bridge the knowledge gaps to enhance access to funding possibilities under the Framework Programme. Through strengthening and enhancing the role of the NCPs, the project shall support international networking and coordination, as well as improve the quality of proposals from legal entities from low R&I performing MS and AC providing them with better access to services during the application process in particular with regard to Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area, as well as Pillar II actions. NCP_WIDERA.NET will focus on identifying and sharing good practices within NCP community and raising standards of support offered by NCPs to the applicants, taking into account the diversity of actors that constitutes both the Widening and ERA parts. Moreover, this project will equip the transnational network of NCPs to be in a better position to effectively address cross-cutting objectives such as gender equality and open science.

Research infrastructures (RIs) are one of the key elements for the development and improvement of knowledge and technology. Long term sustainability has been repeatedly highlighted as the main challenge for European RIs and it will depend on a common understanding and agreement among policy-makers and research managers as well as the industry stakeholders. Building and enhancing scientific excellence is the main prerequisite for long-term sustainability but often governments and industry apply additional requisites for further and future investments in infrastructure such as socio-economic impact, opening up to innovations and markets, attracting private investments and equipping next generation with appropriate and high-qualified skills. Crucial part of the debate on the long-term sustainability of RIs in Europe is the management and enhancement of e-infrastructures, data access and use, and the links to the European Open Science Cloud. Secondly, the development of the ERICs (European RIs consortiums) and engaging governments and national funding agencies in supporting, coordinating and participating actively in them. Last but not least, in the overall discussions for the future of Europe, achieving the European Research Area and the next Framework Programme 9th, is emerging the question on the inclusiveness in ERA and active involvement of the RIs from the periphery of the European continent for increased mobility, networking and competitiveness of all European regions. In the prospect of the discussions on the proposal of the European Commission on the next Multiannual financial framework and the 9th Framework Program for Research and Innovation, coupled with exploring the opportunities for promoting public-private partnership, the project for a Flagship conference during the Bulgarian EU Presidency intends to provide a platform for discussions on increasing the impact of research and innovation for society and industry.