Convergence towards the EOSC Federation:
Encouraging collaborative efforts among stakeholders
The first EOSC Winter School, which took place in Thessaloniki in January 2024, was launched by the EOSC Association as an initiative to respond to the increasing need for collaboration between Horizon Europe (HE) EOSC-related projects.
This first event laid the foundation for deeper technical understanding and effective engagement in different “opportunity areas”. Out of this collaborative dynamic, seven Opportunity Area (OA) Expert Groups have emerged, each focused on advancing specific facets of the EOSC ecosystem.
The EOSC Winter School 2025, which will take place 20-23 January 2025 in Seville, Spain, builds on this foundation. Organised by the EOSC Association, with the support of the EOSC Focus project and the HE EOSC-related projects, this year’s event will focus on achieving convergence and supporting the build-up phase of the EOSC Federation. It will serve as a powerful platform for harmonising efforts and strengthening collaboration between key stakeholders from across the EOSC community.
Who?
Participants will include representatives from the EOSC-A Board, EOSC-A Secretariat, European Commission, HE EOSC-related projects, Opportunity Area Expert Groups, and the EOSC-A Task Forces. This diverse group brings unique perspectives to promote synergies across EOSC’s broad stakeholder landscape.
Where?
The meeting will be held at Meliá Lebreros in Seville, Spain.
The organising principle for the 2025 EOSC Winter School will be the four Strategic Pillars that group the priorities listed in the EOSC Multi-Annual Roadmap (MAR) for the years 2026 and 2027. The MAR 2026-2027 forms Section 8.1-8.4 of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA 1.3).
The four Strategic Pillars are:
- Sustaining and enhancing the EOSC Federation
- Contributing to the web of FAIR data and the uptake of AI
- Ensuring research security and sovereignty
- Linking with other Common European Data Spaces and beyond
Priorities are assigned at three different implementation levels within each Strategic Pillar: European, national, and institutional.
The format of the Winter School is designed to ensure that the groundwork laid by the EOSC Opportunity Area Expert Groups and the EOSC-A Task Forces is aligned with the long-term vision for EOSC.
The Winter School will also revisit the medium- and long-term objectives set during the 2024 event, which aim to ensure the impact of HE EOSC-related project outcomes on EOSC and the EOSC Federation.
This year’s programme is structured around the four Strategic Pillars (SP) enumerated in the Winter School 2025 objectives.
Each of the thematic sessions will focus on how the EOSC Opportunity Area Expert Groups and the EOSC-A Task Forces plan to support and contribute to the objectives of each pillar.
Through interactive sessions, collaborative exercises, and strategic discussions, participants will build new insights and reaffirm their shared commitment to building the EOSC Federation.
PRE-REGISTRATION
EOSC Winter School 2025
The 2nd edition of the EOSC Winter School, taking place on 20–23 January 2025 in Seville, is set against a pivotal backdrop as we enter the EOSC Federation build-up phase.
Guided by the EOSC-A Board of Directors, the Winter School will bring together representatives from the INFRAEOSC projects, EOSC-A Task Forces, and EOSC Opportunity Area Expert Groups. Under the motto “Convergence towards the EOSC Federation: Promoting collaborative efforts among stakeholders,” the event will focus on four Strategic Pillars that group the priorities listed in the EOSC Multi-Annual Roadmap (MAR) 2026–2027.
Registration process
A maximum of 150 seats is available for the event. Given the expected high demand for attendance and the importance of ensuring balanced representation from all relevant stakeholder groups, a two-stage registration process will be implemented:
1) Pre-registration (expression of interest)
- Pre-registration via the form below is non-binding and does not guarantee a seat at the Winter School
- Deadline: 09 December 2024 (23:59 CET)
2) Main registration
- Registration will be open exclusively to invited participants, who will be required to confirm their financial commitment to attend
- In the case of over-subscription, the EOSC-A Board will make the final decision, prioritising a balanced representation of stakeholders
- Registration period: Mid-December 2024 to 07 January 2025 (23:59 CET)
Financial considerations
The expected cost of attendance package for the Winter School is EUR 859 (excluding VAT) per person. Please note that the price is subject to change upon finalisation of negotiations with the event venue. Any adjustments, if necessary, will be communicated promptly.
The attendance package covers event participation, all related materials, and a 3-night stay at the event hotel, Melia Lebreros in Seville, at a discounted rate.
EOSC-A is the official organiser of the Winter School, and as such, this arrangement has VAT implications for the Association. Therefore, participation in the Winter School is exclusively available through the purchase of the attendance package. The EOSC Winter School 2025 is organised as a cost-neutral event, ensuring that all expenses are covered without generating any profit for the organiser.
Travel arrangements
Kindly refrain from making any travel arrangements until you have received written confirmation that your registration (NOT pre-registration) has been accepted or successfully completed.
Submission of the pre-registration form below does not establish the right nor the commitment to participate in the EOSC-A Winter School 2025.
