Europe has long been a cornerstone of scientific and technological progress. Its world-class research facilities, traditions of collaboration, and commitment to sustainability have made it a leader in materials innovation. Yet, sustaining this leadership requires ensuring that both groundbreaking fundamental research and innovative technologies contribute to tangible societal and industrial benefits.

Scientific progress is deeply rooted in fundamental research, which lays the foundation for transformative ideas and long-term advancements. However, achieving global impact also depends on the ability to transfer these breakthroughs into industrial applications.

To sustain Europe’s leadership in materials science, it is essential to foster a strong innovation ecosystem that bridges the gap between discovery and implementation. A critical part of this transformation lies in strengthening the "triple helix" of collaboration between research, industry, and policymakers. This interconnected approach ensures that ideas generated in the lab can be translated into real-world solutions, driving progress in sustainable energy, advanced materials, and circular technologies. Initiatives like EMIRI, the Graphene Flagship, Battery2030+, and BEPA have already demonstrated the power of combining fundamental science with innovation transfer to strengthen Europe’s industrial base.

From discovery to application: tools and collaboration for impact

Achieving this seamless flow from discovery to application also requires adopting enabling tools and methodologies that integrate smoothly into the innovation process. For example, AI-driven materials design can help researchers and industry partners predict material performance, speeding up discovery cycles. Similarly, digital twins and federated data spaces enhance collaboration by creating shared platforms where stakeholders can simulate, analyze, and refine solutions without the need for centralized data.

All these tools will allow researchers and industries to collaborate more effectively, reducing the time and cost of developing advanced materials. By integrating digital capabilities with traditional research approaches, Europe can accelerate its transition to sustainable, circular business models that benefit society and the environment.

Europe’s future depends on a balanced approach that combines both curiosity-driven fundamental research and practical innovation transfer. Fundamental science provides the intellectual groundwork for disruptive discoveries, while applied research ensures these discoveries address pressing challenges like sustainability, scalability, and climate change. Initiatives like IAM4EU are well-positioned to bridge these two domains, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting results that resonate across sectors.

Europe has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity for groundbreaking innovation.   By supporting both fundamental and applied research, strengthening connections between industry, research, and academia, and prioritizing results-driven ambition, Europe can lead the way in materials science. In doing so, it will not only tackle the major challenges of our time but also inspire the world to follow its example.