A major worldwide event providing an opportunity for strategic discussions about international cooperation in research infrastructure. A variety of experts and stakeholders discuss challenges and emerging trends, highlighting the essential role of research infrastructures.
Every two years since 2012, ICRI has hosted about 500 delegates, who discuss topics concerning research infrastructures on the international level. The venue alternates between the EU and third countries, and the event is organised jointly by the European Commission and the host country. The upcoming ICRI in 2022 will take place in Brno, Czech Republic.
Over the past decade, many truly top-class research infrastructures established within the Czech Republic have substantially contributed to further advancement of research in Europe and worldwide. There are 48 research infrastructures operating in the Czech Republic in areas ranging from physical sciences and engineering to medical sciences and e-infrastructures.
The ICRI 2022 will bring together the high-level politicians and research infrastructure representatives from all over the world to debate emerging research infrastructures policy-making topics of utmost importance to the Czech Republic – a Participant in 23 “ESFRI Landmarks” and 5 “ESFRI Projects”, a Member State of 12 European Research Infrastructures Consortia (ERIC) and a Partner in 8 newly emerging ones, a Member State of 8 international R&D organisations and the Host Country of the Extreme Light Infrastructure – European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ELI ERIC).
Besides fulfilling their primary scientific goals and objectives, Czech research infrastructures also catalyse the macro-regional development, attracting public and private investments. They are open to scientists and innovators from Czech, foreign and international research institutes and business establishments, and offer job opportunities for top-class managers, excellent scientists, skilled technicians and qualified administrators in high-tech fields and attractive environments.
Brno is a city in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic, with a population of nearly 400,000 people. One-fifth are students attending one of the ten universities located in the city. That makes it the second-largest city in the Czech Republic after Prague. It´s the capital of trade fairs, the center of business, science, research, innovations, and IT. In 2021 Brno was ranked as 10th best non-capital city in Europe by The Times and 2nd Best city to visit in Europe in 2022 by Time Out.
Over the past decade, the Czech Republic has invested heavily in research infrastructures. Upgrades and the construction of brand-new facilities have strengthened the high-intensity knowledge expertise needed to conductcutting-edge research, develop state-of-the-art technologies, and demonstrate breakthrough innovations in the Czech Republic. Especially in Brno, which has become an emerging science and technology hub in the Central European macro-region, engaged in numerous European research infrastructures´ initiatives. Hence, Brno is an excellent example of the significant impact of research infrastructures on regional socio-economic development.