R&I days 2025: Showcasing innovation in health, mining and urban well-being

The sixth edition of the European Research and Innovation (R&I) Days will take place on 16-17 September 2025 at The Square in Brussels, bringing together key players from across Europe’s research, business, and innovation

Organised by the European Commission, this event will help to shape the future of EU research by fostering dialogue, collaboration, and solutions in areas critical to Europe’s competitiveness and sustainability.

Among the highlights of the 2025 edition will be three groundbreaking projects managed by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). These projects, funded under the Horizon 2020 programme, focus on advancing research in health, digital innovation, and environmental sustainability, key priorities for the EU’s future.

MAESTRIA: Advancing heart health through AI

A significant project featured at the event is MAESTRIA (Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Early Detection of Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation). This project is transforming how medical professionals detect and manage atrial cardiomyopathy, a heart condition associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke.

By combining advanced AI algorithms, medical imaging, and cutting-edge research, MAESTRIA is building the first-ever digital diagnostic platform specifically for atrial cardiomyopathy. The goal is to enable personalised diagnosis, better risk assessment, and more effective treatment options, ultimately reducing complications like AF and stroke.

The project represents a significant leap forward in preventive healthcare, offering scalable tools to enhance patient outcomes and alleviate the burden of cardiovascular disease across Europe.

PERSEPHONE: Robotics for sustainable seep mining

In terms of industrial innovation, PERSEPHONE (Autonomous Exploration and Extraction of Deep Mineral Deposits) is leading efforts to modernise and automate deep mining operations. As demand for raw materials critical to the green and digital transitions grows, Europe is turning to more brilliant, safer, and more sustainable ways to access these resources.

PERSEPHONE is developing compact, energy-efficient autonomous robots capable of exploring deep or abandoned mines. These robotic systems are equipped with sensors and cameras that generate 3D scans of underground environments. The data collected is used to create a digital twin of the mine, enabling precise planning for safe and efficient mineral extraction.

By minimising risks to human workers and reducing environmental impact, PERSEPHONE supports the EU’s efforts to build a resilient supply chain for critical raw materials, essential for clean energy technologies and digital innovation.

eMOTIONAL cities: Designing healthier urban spaces

Another innovative project, eMOTIONAL Cities, recently concluded its mission to understand how urban environments affect people’s emotional and mental well-being. Using a unique device known as the Cities walker backpack, the project gathered real-life biometric data to assess how individuals respond emotionally to different urban settings.

The findings from eMOTIONAL Cities offer valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers aiming to create healthier, more inclusive cities. By linking emotional responses to environmental factors, the project contributes to the design of urban spaces that promote calmness, happiness, and social connection.

R&I days 2025

Attendees of R&I Days 2025 will have the chance to explore these projects in the exhibition area, engage in high-level discussions, and participate in networking opportunities with policymakers, researchers, and innovators.

This year’s event highlights how EU-funded research, under programmes such as Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, continues to drive forward solutions in health, digitalisation, and sustainability, paving the way for a stronger, more resilient Europe.