ESFRI at the RTI Summit 2025: Shaping the Future of Europe’s Research and Technology Infrastructures
ESFRI participated in the RTI Summit 2025, held on 22–23 October in Copenhagen under the Danish EU Presidency. The Summit brought together more than 450 participants and 40 exhibitors from across Europe, policymakers, research leaders, and innovators to discuss the implementation of the new European Strategy for Research and Technology Infrastructures (RTIs) and to strengthen cooperation across the European innovation ecosystem.
As one of the important voices in this strategic dialogue, ESFRI hosted a booth in the exhibition area, presenting its key initiatives, the ESFRI Roadmap 2026 update, the Landscape Analysis 2024, and the Landmark Monitoring process. The ESFRI team engaged with stakeholders and partners, showcasing how ESFRI connects vision, policy, and excellence to build a sustainable and world-class Research Infrastructure ecosystem for Europe.
Key messages from the ESFRI Chair at the RTI Summit 2025
In the opening session of the RTI Summit, José Luis Martínez Peña, Chair of ESFRI, delivered a keynote address highlighting the central role of Research and Technology Infrastructures in Europe’s scientific and industrial future.
“Research and Technology Infrastructures are the backbone of Europe’s research and innovation system, from advanced laboratories and large scientific instruments to digital services, clean rooms, and pilot lines,” he said.
“Together, they support the full innovation cycle, from frontier science to technology deployment, making them essential for Europe’s scientific excellence, competitiveness, and technological sovereignty.”
Mr. Martínez Peña underlined the need for stronger coordination, sustainable funding models, and cross-sectoral collaboration, stressing that Research and Technology Infrastructures should not operate in silos but as part of a shared ecosystem that connects science, policy, and industry. Read the full ESFRI Chair’s address here.
Strategic alignment and the future of RTIs
Jean-David Malo, Acting Director for ERA and Innovation at the European Commission, highlighted the importance of coordination in his closing message: “Strategic coordination is essential. Without it, investments risk being fragmented and misaligned with EU priorities. A shared vision helps Europe stay ahead in innovation and excellence.”
Mr. Malo also congratulated the newly established European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs), CTAO, EHRI, E-RIHS, and DANUBIUS-RI, describing them as “a major step forward for European science and collaboration.”
ESFRI’s participation at the RTI Summit 2025
During the two-day event, ESFRI Delegates and representatives engaged in discussions across multiple sessions, including thematic panels such as “Clean Energy: Hydrogen, Batteries and Fusion”, where ESFRI Chair José Luis Martínez Peña contributed to the dialogue on how RIs and TIs accelerate the clean energy transition through collaboration and shared infrastructures.
In the high-level session “A European Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures” Jan Hrušák, Special Envoy for Research Infrastructures at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (Czech Republic), member of the ESFRI Executive Board, and member of the EOSC Steering Board, joined the panel following the presentation of the new European Strategy by the European Commission.
ESFRI’s presence at the RTI Summit 2025 reinforced its commitment to shaping a cohesive and sustainable Research and Technology Infrastructure ecosystem for Europe.
Learn more about ESFRI’s strategic initiatives and upcoming actions: www.esfri.eu.
