On 30 July, the European Commission announced the members that were selected for each of Horizon Europe's Mission Committees, following the tender process that took place in May and June. Portugal got one representative on each of the five Committees.

Over 2100 people, from across the EU as well as from other countries, applied to be members of one or more of the five Mission Committees that have already been identified. The selection process ensured that these Committees are made up of creative and highly motivated experts with a wide range of experience, including academics, innovators, civil society, industry, finance and end-users. Representatives from the national community have been identified on each of the five Mission Committees.

The Mission Councils will now have the task of identifying specific themes by the end of 2019, within each of these five areas:

• Area 1: Adaptation to climate change, including social transformation
• Area 2: Cancer
• Area 3: Healthy oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters
• Area 4: Smart and climate-neutral cities
• Area 5: Soil health and nutrition

The Mission Committees will start meeting as early as September and discussions are planned with participants from the European Research & Innovation Days (24-26 September).

With a view to developing additional ideas, knowledge and experience for each of the missions, discussion groups involving a large number of senior experts will be created for each Mission Committee.

This announcement follows the appointment of the Chairpersons of the Mission Committees at the Informal Council of Research Ministers held in Helsinki (Finland) at the beginning of July. The missions will be part of the Horizon Europe implementation process, the EU’s next R&I Framework Programme (2021-2027) and follow the partial political agreement reached in April between the European Parliament and the Council.

European Commission Press Release (EN)

Members of Horizon Europe Mission Committees