The EOSC Symposium 2026 will demonstrate the unique value that EOSC brings to the Union’s research and innovation programme, with the EOSC Federation taking centre stage.

Launched at last year’s Symposium as “the backbone of Europe’s digital research and innovation ecosystem,” the EOSC Federation is rapidly expanding and maturing into a new strategic asset for Europe’s research, innovation, and digital sovereignty agendas. This year’s event will mark its formal transition into operations.

Organised by the EOSC Association with the support of the EOSC Gravity project, the EOSC Symposium 2026 will bring the EOSC community together in Florence on 14–16 October at the Palazzo dei Congressi.

This flagship event is the must-attend gathering for everyone driving the future of Europe’s research data ecosystem—from policymakers and funders to researchers, infrastructure leaders, data stewards, and more. Over three days, participants will connect, share insights, and celebrate the latest progress concerning EOSC and the EOSC Federation.

Watch the recap video from last year’s EOSC Symposium!

Calls for lightning talks and exhibitors close on 31 August (23:50 CEST)


Programme

The Programme Committee is developing an engaging three-day programme centred on this year’s theme: connecting users, data, and services. The programme is being shaped in close collaboration with the wider EOSC community, which had the opportunity to submit proposals through a call for programme contributions.

Speakers

Manuel Heitor
Director, Laboratory of Technology Management and Policy; former Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education of Portugal
Rosie Hicks
CEO, Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC)
Anna Maria Bernini
Italian Minister for Universities and Research

Photo © European Union, 2024, licensed under CC BY 4.0

This year’s Symposium brings together influential voices from across the global research and innovation landscape. The opening keynote will be delivered by Emanuel Heitor, architect of the Align, Act, Accelerate report and former Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education of Portugal. On day two, Rosie Hicks, CEO of the Australian Research Data Commons, will share international insights into building sustainable research data federations. The programme will also welcome Anna Maria Bernini, Italy’s Minister for Universities and Research, underscoring the importance of Italy for EOSC and EOSC for Italian and European researchers.

Thematic tracks

The sessions of EOSC Symposium 2026 will be organised into three thematic tracks:

  • Track 1: EOSC collaborations and future opportunities
  • Track 2: EOSC best practices and user experience
  • Track 3: EOSC Federation operationalisation
Registration
Venue and accommodations

Programme Committee