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Quality of life depends on more than income alone, researchers say. © KOTOIMAGES, Shutterstock.com

Beyond GDP: rethinking prosperity for future generations

Researchers are developing new ways to measure progress that go beyond economic growth, helping policymakers create happier, healthier and more sustainable societies.

Special series
Science4 EU Campaign
Science4EU
The Science4EU campaign shows how the EU stands for science. It shines a spotlight on the scientists, researchers, and innovators working with EU support to improve our lives and shape a better future for everyone. Do you also stand for science?

Podcast

Media AV Portal Audio

This monthly podcast features panel discussions with leading researchers across various scientific fields, exploring how EU-funded researchers are addressing major societal challenges—from biodiversity and climate change to health, technology, and democracy.

Hosted by journalist Abigail Acton, CORDIScovery offers engaging conversations that delve into the latest innovations and ideas shaping our world. Since its launch in 2021, the podcast has produced over 40 episodes, making it an accessible way to stay informed about cutting-edge research in the EU.

 You can listen to CORDIScovery on major platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, which also offer closed captions, or visit the CORDIS website for more information. 

More stories

Growing platelets outside the body could boost the supply of one of medicine’s most essential, but fragile, blood products. © Peakstock, Shutterstock.com
Growing platelets on silk to keep blood supplies flowing

EU-funded researchers are using silk-based bone marrow “factories” to grow platelets in the lab, helping to lower our dependence on limited donor blood supplies.

The European Innovation Council Summit helps turn research into real‑world products by backing European start‑ups. © Lumentio/EIC, 2026
From prosthetics to paper and AI: Europe’s innovation summit backs new tech

Europe has the science. Now it needs the scale. An EU-backed start-up summit is trying to close that gap.

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Top videos

Satellites help chart a future for Europe’s disappearing farmland birds
8 July 2026
The test that finds the hearing loss doctors cannot detect
3 July 2026

Past articles

From street-level measurements to long-term health studies, researchers are building a clearer picture of the impact of everyday exposure to 5G signals on human health.

Frontier research  |  Health  |  ICT

Researchers are developing robotic “fingertips” that could give surgeons back their sense of touch during minimally invasive and robotic operations.

A blood test, combined with an ultrathin material derived from graphite, could significantly advance efforts to detect Alzheimer’s disease at its very earliest stage, even before symptoms appear.

EU-funded researchers are using emerging technologies to create new, immersive experiences and reimagine the future of live performance.

EU-funded researchers are mapping Europe’s contemporary dance heritage to prevent this elusive and fragile art form from quietly disappearing.

Energy  |  Environment  |  Frontier research  |  Health  |  ICT  |  Industry  |  Science in society

Living buildings, quantum computers, safety by design, home robots and AI-assisted pandemic preparedness. Europe’s researchers are reshaping how we live, work and design our cities in 2026.

Researchers are pushing telepresence technology beyond video calls, from Star Wars-style holograms to virtual fine dining and classrooms that leap across space.

Based on direct input from households in six countries, EU-funded researchers have developed policy recommendations to support families in real life.

As climate change becomes a major driver of migration, EU-funded researchers are listening to affected communities to help support fairer policies for those most at risk.

EU-funded researchers are turning to nature’s very own clean-up crew to tackle toxic industrial soil pollution.

ICT  |  Security

EU-funded researchers are developing AI-powered surveillance tools to protect the vast network of subsea cables and pipelines that keep the continent’s energy and data flowing.

As climate change accelerates, EU-funded researchers have mobilised to safeguard Europe’s underwater and coastal heritage with innovative methods and cutting-edge technology.

EU-funded researchers are transforming former coal-mining sites across Europe into thriving areas that provide lasting environmental and social benefits.

Researchers are exploring how short-term accommodation projects can bring new life to empty buildings while inspiring more inclusive and sustainable city living.

EU-funded researchers are testing new hydrogen-powered burners that could slash emissions from one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries – without shutting down production.

EU-funded researchers are exploring how Europe’s film industry is taking a different path from Hollywood, focusing on cultural diversity, collaboration and storytelling to boost global competitiveness and cultural influence.

Researchers across Europe are deploying advanced automation in rail transport and making it smarter, cleaner and more reliable for passengers and freight.

Researchers are developing reusable and environmentally friendly electronics for the healthcare, consumer and manufacturing sectors, replacing scarce materials with circular alternatives to build a sustainable future.

Agriculture  |  Energy  |  Environment

By turning wastewater sludge into biocoal and green hydrogen, EU-funded researchers are helping reduce the steel industry’s environmental impact.

As Europe prepares for the leap to 6G, researchers, policymakers and citizens are working together to make sure that the next digital revolution is not just faster, but also ethical, sustainable and inclusive.