Workshop “Designing a new Framework Programme: The role of the research community”
14 April 2026
Social Sciences and Humanities Working Group
14 April 2026, 16:00-18:00
Trinity College Dublin, Neill Theatre, Trinity Long Room Hub
The event is organised jointly by the Social Sciences and Humanities Working Group of the Coimbra Group, Trinity Global and the Trinity Long Room Hub.
Summary
As negotiations for the next Horizon Europe Framework Programme (2028-2034) proceed, the EU must broaden its research priorities beyond economic output and tech-driven competitiveness to include the social dimension of progress. A more inclusive and sustainable research strategy is necessary to address the complex challenges that Europe faces and to secure its social model and global competitiveness.
This workshop will explore the debate around the contribution of the research community of social sciences and humanities into the design of European funding – to align EU research with citizen needs and democratic values, and better inform public policies and drive economic growth.
Draft Programme
16:00-16:45 Keynote speech by Gabi Lombardo, Director of the European Alliance for Social Sciences and Humanities (EASSH)
16:45-17:00 Q&A
17:00-17:45 Panel Discussion moderated by Patrik Geoghegan – Professor in History and Director of Trinity Long Room Hub (Trinity College Dublin)
- Professor Ilaria Poggiolini – Professor of International History and Chair of the Coimbra SSH Working Group (University of Pavia)
- Professor Pekka Räsänen – Professor of Economic Sociology (University of Turku)
- Maureen Burgess – Research Programme Officer, Trinity Long Room Hub, (Trinity College)
- Gráinne Walshe – Assistant Director at Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland
17:45-18:00 Q&A and conclusions
Keynote: Gabi Lombardo (PhD LSE), is Director of the European Alliance for SSH one of the largest advocacy and science policy organizations in Europe. EASSH advocates for an evidence-based approach to policy-making, and researchers’ inclusion in funding design. High-level experience in science policy research and implementation working in international organisations like London School of Economics, European Research Council and Science Europe. She is a member of the CoARA Steering Board and other organisations’ steering boards. She’s an evaluator for the EU, World Bank, and COST. Gabi received the Young Academy of Europe Prize in 2018.