Unconventional Skills: Empowering Europe’s Research Infrastructures to Drive Innovation and Prosperity

Katharina Cramer and Nicholas Rüffin believe that unconventional skills are crucial in fully utilizing the potential of Europe’s research infrastructures. These infrastructures offer a wide range of resources and interconnected facilities, providing access to unique instruments for thousands of external scientists. They play a vital role in political strategies, public engagement, and driving societal well-being and economic advancement through innovation and cutting-edge research.

As these research infrastructures gain more political attention and take on new objectives, they also face challenges. The expansion of their roles requires adapting to new demands and exploring innovative ways to maximize their impact on society and the economy. In order to succeed, it is essential to develop unconventional skills and approaches that can address the complex and evolving needs of these infrastructures.

To navigate these challenges and fully leverage the potential of research infrastructures, it is crucial to adopt unconventional skills such as creative problem-solving, strategic planning, collaboration, and adaptability. By combining these skills with traditional scientific expertise, researchers can ensure that their infrastructures continue to drive scientific progress and societal development while also addressing the changing needs of their users.

In conclusion, Europe’s research infrastructures hold significant potential for driving innovation, improving societal well-being, and advancing economic growth. However, as they evolve to meet new demands, researchers must embrace unconventional skills and approaches that can help them navigate challenges while leveraging their strengths.