On 22 October 2025, during the RTI Summit 2025 in Copenhagen, E-RIHS ERIC officially received its ERIC plate from the European Commission.
The ceremony took place during a session dedicated to new ERICs, in the presence of representatives of the European Commission, research ministries, and infrastructures from across Europe. The RTI Summit 2025 brought together policymakers and research leaders to reflect on the future of European research and innovation.
Vania Virgili, Director General of E-RIHS ERIC, accepted the plate on behalf of the entire community, joined by Polonca Ropret, Chair of the Committee of National Nodes.
“It is a true honour to receive this plate on behalf of a community that has worked with dedication, across countries and disciplines, to make this moment possible,” said Vania Virgili. “The vibrant national communities that make up our network are the true backbone of E-RIHS. This plate is a recognition of their commitment, their expertise, and their long-standing collaboration. It belongs to all of them.”
The timing of the recognition was also significant: just weeks earlier, E-RIHS closed its first access call as an ERIC, offering nearly 120 services, and building on the momentum of its last European-funded project, which supported over 1,000 users. In parallel, E-RIHS has expanded its international cooperation through MoUs with Brazil and Egypt, and continues to develop its training programme, the HS Academy.
Looking ahead, the community prepares for the inauguration of the headquarters in Florence, scheduled for mid-November. The building, a restored site of industrial heritage, will host the coordination activities of the infrastructure.
“That is where the E-RIHS ERIC plate will finally find its place — and its meaning.”
