Brussels, 26 February 2026 – The institutional mission of the Vice-Rectors for Research of the Tuscan universities concluded today in Brussels, following an intensive programme of meetings dedicated to the future of European policies on research, innovation and competitiveness. The visit was coordinated by TOUR4EU, the association bringing together the seven Tuscan universities and the Region of Tuscany to strengthen their positioning in European research.
The delegation included representatives from the Tuscan universities, among them Debora Berti and Marco Pierini (University of Florence), Federico Cantini (University of Pisa), Michelangelo Vasta and Donata Medaglini (University of Siena), Caterina Toschi (University for Foreigners of Siena), Andrea Mina and Giuseppe Turchetti (Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies), Tommaso Gili (IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca), and Lorenzo Bacci, Head of Sector for the Research Support Unit of the Region of Tuscany.
The programme opened on 23 February at the European Parliament, upon invitation of Tuscan MEP Dario Nardella, with the presentation of a joint position paper on the upcoming Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2028–2034 (FP10) and on the emerging European Competitiveness Fund. Also in attendance were Members of the European Parliament Sandro Ruotolo, Elena Donazzan and Benedetta Scuderi, currently engaged in parliamentary work on Horizon Europe, competitiveness and cultural policies, in a direct dialogue with the Tuscan university system.
Discussions focused on key priorities for the future of European research, including the strengthening of collaborative research, administrative simplification, technology transfer, talent attraction, and the contribution of Tuscan universities to European competitiveness. “An Europe that invests in research invests in its own future,” stated Robert Burmanjer, President of TOUR4EU. “€173 million in awarded EU funds and nearly 400 approved projects, the Tuscan university system has proven to be a competitive actor, ready to contribute to shaping FP10.”
In the following days, the delegation met representatives of the European Commission and EU Executive Agencies, with particular attention to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, ERA policies, Horizon Europe opportunities within clusters dedicated to health, inclusive societies and culture, as well as perspectives related to the future FP10 proposal and the Competitiveness Fund.
On 25 February, a seminar hosted at the European Committee of the Regions highlighted the Tuscan healthcare ecosystem as a model of excellence and attractiveness for investment and talent mobility. The event showcased best practices from regional innovation ecosystems and underlined the contribution of universities to strengthening the European dimension of health and research.
At key institutional moments, the delegation was joined by Cristina Manetti, Regional Councillor for Universities and Relations with European Institutions, and by the President of the Region of Tuscany, Eugenio Giani, both present in Brussels for a parallel agenda of meetings.
The mission concluded on 26 February with a meeting between the delegation and the community of Alumnae and Alumni of the Tuscan universities active in Brussels, currently engaged within the European institutions, EU policy environments, interest representation and research. The initiative was also supported by the Cesare Alfieri Alumni Association and the Sant’Anna Alumni Association, both of which have an active Brussels chapter. The meeting closed with an address by the Consul General of Italy in Brussels, H.E. Francesco Varriale.
