Macaronesia is a biogeographical region of five archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean of which four are inhabited: Azores (Portugal), Canarias (Spain), Madeira (Portugal) and Cape Verde (Cape Verde). These islands share common geographical traits and challenges, and have undergone a similar history since the beginning of the 15th century when they were discovered by Portuguese and Spanish sailors. Once major strategic outposts now they are the Outermost Regions of the EU (except Cape Verde, which declared its independence from Portugal in 1975). The population of Macaronesia is around 3 million inhabitants, corresponding to the size of a smaller EU country. The overall objective of this project is to organise a shared Researchers’ Night for the Macaronesia Region connecting the population of these remote islands under the umbrella of the universal language of science. MacaroNight II aims at creating overall public awareness of science, research and innovation, especially in areas where the Region has outstanding performance even by international comparison. The main theme for MacaroNight 2020 will be a “Window to the Atlantic” creating visibility the work of scientists who are in the frontline of the battle fought against global environmental challenges working in some of the most vulnerable ecosystems of the world. By increasing visibility and international recognition of the work of scientists from the region MacaroNight II will have long-lasting beneficial impacts that could extend beyond the immediate objectives of the project.

One of the main objectives of Europe’s societies is the elimination of all types of discrimination associated with gender. Despite a high number of highly skilled female graduates, there is still very few of them embracing a research career. With almost 60% of women graduates in EU, only one third of the EU’s researchers are women. In this context, ATHENA project aims at removing barriers to the recruitment, retention and career progression of female researchers; address gender imbalances in decision making processes and generate a cultural change needed to avoid future gender bias and discriminatory practices through the implementation of Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) in 6 Research Performing and 2 Research Funding organisations. These targeted organisations belong to Central Eastern EU countries and EU outermost regions that show some of the lowest Gender Equality Indexes in the EU. Thanks to the implementation of the GEPs, ATHENA will contribute to unlocking the research potential of these organisations thus improving the overall performance of the European Research Area and helping to close the innovation divide by avoiding the waste of talent and inefficient use of skilled women from weaker regions of the EU. To ensure systemic institutional change, ATHENA will first conduct an assessment of procedures and practices already in place in partner RPOs and RFOs, together with an analysis of the national legislation and policy frameworks. In parallel, it will put in place a participatory process aimed, on one side, to understand the needs and the preferences of the stakeholders and, on the other side, to train them with regard to selected topics related to gender. Based on these two approaches GEPs will be drafted, implemented and monitored in each partner organisation.

The overall aim of the H2Heat project is to demonstrate the full value chain for green hydrogen (H2) heating for commercial building heating. 40% of total energy consumed and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in EU correspond to buildings, with 79% of that energy used for heating of water and air conditioning. H2HEAT, in exciting alliance with the Canary Health Service (SCS), wish to create a full demonstration of Green H2 for heating (and later energy). This will serve as the replicable model to be rolled out across the SCS hospitals enabling the SCS fulfil its ambitious ‘Health Zer0 net Emissions Strategy’ delivering deep decarbonization. H2HEAT will use offshore wind renewable energy (RE) to produce H2, from Esteyco 6MW EU funded WHEEL project. The centralised onshore H2 facility, will produce H2 initially with a 1MW electrolyser, to be used to substitute conventional fuel by the large end-user hospital CHUIMI with substantial heating requirements (>0.5MW), using a novel combination of an advanced combustion technology burner specifically designed for H2 operation H2-CHP, and a heat pump. The H2-CHP will produce heat and energy and the energy will power the heat pump for substantial heat provision to the hospital with no waste. Full end-to-end infrastructure for H2 transport and use will be planned, installed and commissioned. Comprehensive and complementary mixture of expertise and know-how provided by the consortium partners will ensure an efficient realization of the technical objectives of the project, reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) of H2 fuel for consumers, and develop replicable business models for wide-scale commercial usage of H2 as a direct heating alternative across Gran Canaria. H2Heat will contribute to enabling Gran Canaria become part of the H2 valley economy through locally produced H2 from RE.

ICONIC is a forward-looking project designed to enhance energy independence, climate neutrality, and sustainable development in rural and island communities across Europe. Addressing the distinct socio-economic and environmental challenges of these areas, ICONIC deploys advanced technologies such as renewable energy systems, smart water management (solar-powered desalination, intelligent irrigation), off-grid biogas systems, and sustainable mobility solutions. These innovations are tested through real-world pilot demonstrations in Inis Mór (Ireland), La Graciosa (Spain), and Berchidda (Italy), where the project works closely with local stakeholders to co-design tailored solutions. ICONIC also fosters social innovation, emphasizing community engagement and multi-actor collaboration to ensure long-term sustainability. By promoting energy communities, circular economy practices, and peer-to-peer energy trading, the project strengthens local governance and empowers citizens to lead the transition to climate-neutrality. Digital platforms, including predictive analytics and digital twins, support integrated management of resources like energy, water, and mobility, enabling data-driven decision-making for both local authorities and residents. ICONIC's interdisciplinary approach contributes to various EU strategies, advancing the green and digital transitions in rural areas. By promoting social innovation, offering replicable models, and establishing a robust replication strategy, ICONIC ensures its impact extends beyond the pilot regions, providing a blueprint for rural and isolated communities across Europe and beyond. Through training programs, policy recommendations, and capacity-building workshops, ICONIC not only drives technological innovation but also fosters economic resilience and social equity, creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient future for rural communities.