December 2024: The University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA) became the venue for a key moment in European research: it hosted the scientific coordinators of the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Excellence Centre of the European University Alliance INVEST.

This event is part of the ongoing development strategy of URCA and its European partners: "Collaboration is at the heart of major advancements in higher education and research," emphasized Christophe Clément, President of the university, in his opening speech.

The Creation of the Centre: A Team Effort

Coordinated by URCA, the INVEST RDI Excellence Centre is one of the strategic pillars of the alliance; it promotes an interdisciplinary approach structured around three main areas:

• The water, energy, food, and environment nexus
• Quality of life
• Entrepreneurship

With the ambition of addressing the challenges of future sustainability in our regions, this centre is based on an unprecedented collaborative model: researchers, teachers, businesses, local authorities, and civil society unite their efforts.

To achieve this, the Excellence Centre will consist of seven research clusters on various themes, supported by two working groups: one focused on funding opportunities, and the other on network creation. Thus, a new organizational structure is being set up to aim for excellence! The goal is clear: to build a visionary organization capable of driving concrete and innovative solutions at the European level.

Two Days to Lay the Foundations of a Future-Oriented Project

The scientific coordinators will work in pairs to unite the research clusters, so it was essential for all to meet and share their expertise and research projects. The topics discussed reflect the diversity of expertise involved: prevention and management of risks such as flooding, bioeconomy, professional training with simulators, and societal adaptation to the needs of urban and rural populations.

These two days of rich exchanges helped structure the work within the Excellence Centre and define the following strategic priorities:

• The scope of action for each research cluster and the Executive Committee of the Excellence Centre
• The process for responding to European project calls
• Identifying initial pathways to strengthen long-term partnerships

Many ideas and proposals emerged, reflecting the motivation of all involved to make the INVEST Excellence Centre a success story.

This promising meeting concluded with a visit to the European Centre for Biotechnology and Bioeconomy, where participants were welcomed by Professor Patrick Perré, Professor Rafik Balti, and Professor Pedro Augusto, to whom we extend our warmest thanks for their hospitality.

The next steps have been set: the official launch of the INVEST Excellence Centre is scheduled for the autumn of 2025! This crucial milestone will mark the beginning of a new era for research and innovation in Europe.

Together, the INVEST Alliance is paving the way for excellence and positioning itself as a key player in the transition towards a sustainable and inclusive future.