The Danube Region

Co-Chairs: Professor András Báldi and Dr Katalin Solymosi

I. DANUBE REGION

The river Danube is a decisive element in defining and shaping the geographical, environmental, historical and political landscape of Central and Eastern Europe. The study of the natural and social phenomena of the Danube region and the promotion of scientific excellence and co-operation both in research and in science advice within the region shall be an inherent mission of the AE Budapest Knowledge Hub. This mission is also in line with the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) and presents an excellent opportunity to benefit from regional and European co-operations and to engage with the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission that is responsible for the scientific support to the Danube strategy. Activities of this mission can also build upon the results of the Hungarian Water Science Programme, which is only one of the national initiatives that highlight the importance of Danube research and provide a strong expert basis for further actions. On the long run the aim of the axis is to contribute to effective scientific policy development, advocacy as well as societal progress within and between the countries of the Danube region. Scientific outreach activities to promote and advance research excellence, and increased involvement of young scholars in the activity of the HUB are also priorities within this axis.

II. OUR MISSION/OBJECTIVES

This axis aims at acting as a catalyst for collaboration, knowledge exchange and ideas through

1. Facilitating inter- and transdisciplinary scientific collaboration between the countries of the Danube region
2. Strengthening the cohesion within Middle- and East-European countries in specific scientific and policy issues in order to enhance the representation and the lobbying power of the region within the European Union, but also at the local level (e.g. in each country), partly in strong collaboration with the axis working on Widening European Participation
3. Promoting excellence through showcasing outstanding research and fostering engagement of the AE members located in the region
4. Enhancing the participation of early-career researchers in the activity of the HUB (in strong collaboration with the Young Academy of Europe, and the respective National Young Academies) to increase and diversify the future membership base of AE

III. PLANNED ACTIONS

• Promoting the initiation of transnational, inter- and transdisciplinary, intersectorial and interinstitutional grant applications and projects (e.g. Horizon Europe projects, COST) related to topics relevant in the Danube region
• Enhancing the networking and the collaboration between AE members, and between young scientists in the region through National Young Academies of the region and the Young Academy of Europe
• Organisation of conferences, workshops, seminars/webinars, lecture series and round table discussions
• Organisation of summer schools and conferences with Danube regional focus for students and young researchers of various scientific background and nationality
• Representation of the scientific excellence of the Danube region at the World Science Forum (organized biannually in Budapest) by organizing a scientific section or satellite meetings
• Organisation of ‘Arts and Science’ events related to the Danube river or the region (e.g. Danube in literature, music, fine arts, films, documentaries, photos) to reach a wider audience
• Creation of new awards/prizes that acknowledge excellence and achievement in the fields related to environment and sustainability in the Danube region