A year in EU science and research

In 2013, Horizon journalists from across the EU interviewed researchers and policymakers to give you an exclusive insight into the research that is shaping Europe.

We heard from Professor Lee Cronin, who is working on a way to build a life form from scratch, and went to the south of France as ministers from around the world gathered to underline their support for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).

We visited Europe’s new nuclear safety testing centre in Germany to find out about the secret weapon used in the hunt for nuclear smugglers, and spoke with the 18-year-old who is making a genetics lab in his bedroom.

Take a look back over Horizon’s year in science and research in our interactive timeline.

1. 12 December

   Horizon 2020 first call

   The EU invited researchers to apply for the first part of its biggest-ever research funding programme, Horizon 2020, marking a major milestone for Europe as it seeks to create the jobs it needs to grow its way out of the financial crisis. The EU is offering EUR 15 billion of the nearly EUR 80 billion funding programme over the next two years, covering areas such as health, developing new sources of renewable energy, and greener transport.