From 25 to 27 May 2026, Pavia hosted the 2026 International Workshop on Engineering Research Infrastructures for European Synergies (ERIES-IW2026), the final event of the European ERIES project funded under the Horizon Europe programme and hosted by the Eucentre Foundation. The initiative brought together more than 170 researchers from 55 countries, providing an opportunity to discuss the achievements of four years of scientific activity in the fields of earthquake, wind, and geotechnical engineering.
The workshop represented not only the culmination of an important European research journey, but also demonstrated a collaborative model capable of connecting research infrastructures, academic communities, and specialized expertise at an international level, thereby strengthening innovation and scientific synergies across Europe.
The Scope of the ERIES Project
The scale of the ERIES project was clearly reflected in the figures presented during the workshop. More than 170 participants from 55 countries shared the outcomes of 69 research projects, developed with the involvement of 518 researchers from 128 universities, institutes, and research centres.
Particularly noteworthy is the participation of early-career researchers: 47% of those involved were in the initial stages of their careers, highlighting ERIES’s role in training the next generation of European engineers and scientists. The contribution of industry was also significant, with 45 industrial partners supporting knowledge transfer between academia and practical applications.
With a total budget of €11.6 million under the Horizon Europe programme, ERIES stands as a tangible example of the impact of European investment in research infrastructures, generating innovation, expertise, and international collaboration on a global scale.
The Role of IUSS
As the coordinator of the ERIES project, IUSS played a strategic role from the very beginning of the initiative, securing the Horizon Europe funding that enabled four years of research activities across the continent. The project was led by Prof. Gian Michele Calvi as Scientific Director and Prof. Gerard O'Reilly as Project Coordinator.
As coordinator of the final event, ERIES-IW2026, the IUSS research team facilitated dialogue among key figures in European research, showcasing the results achieved and helping to shape the future of engineering research infrastructures.
To learn more about the workshop, consult the programme of presentations, and browse the event photo gallery, visitors can access the dedicated event webpage.
A video recap of the three-day workshop is also available here: