SG3 ERA

The Strategy Group 3 (SG3) is a LEAPS’ advisory group dedicated to European strategy, policy, and funding opportunities. It monitors developments within the European Commission and provides strategic advice to the LEAPS Board of Directors and General Assembly on EU initiatives, policies, and funding calls relevant to the LEAPS community.

SG3 helps position LEAPS as a key partner in shaping the future of the European Research Area.

SG3 key strategic priorities are:

• help to promote the scientific value for the EU of LEAPS and of the LEAPS facilities;
• promote stronger European coordination and collaboration among national and international research infrastructures, reducing fragmentation and fostering synergies;
• facilitate transnational access and reducing barriers for users across Europe;
• highlight complementary facility roles for industry and technology;
• articulate LEAPS’ vision and strategic recommendations for the upcoming EU Framework Programmes, including the transition to FP10;
• support LEAPS leadership in dialogue with European institutions and stakeholders;
• identify Horizon Europe and other EU funding opportunities aligned with LEAPS priorities.

Since its launch in October 2024, SG3 has moved from establishing its working structure to delivering concrete strategic outputs.

SG3 has undertaken among others the following strategic initiatives:

• analysis of the Horizon Europe 2026-2027 Work Programme, with particular attention to forthcoming Research Infrastructure calls;
• preparation of LEAPS contributions to European Commission consultations and policy initiatives European Research Area Act (January 2026), European Advanced Materials Act (January 2026);
• follow-up on key European collaborative projects relevant to the LEAPS community: LEAPS-TECH, COORDINA-INNOV, ACCESS2ACCESS (New Projects Driving European Research Infrastructure Development) and Fund-RI;
• Engaging with European Commission representatives and stakeholders on strategic topics such as quantum technologies, advanced materials, and the future of European Research Infrastructures.
• These activities have positioned LEAPS as a recognised voice in shaping EU research infrastructure policy ahead of FP10.

Looking ahead, SG3 is contributing to the next phase of LEAPS’ strategic development by:

• monitoring emerging opportunities under the final Horizon Europe Work Programmes and preparing for the transition towards FP10,
• developing strategic position papers and policy recommendations for future European Research Infrastructure programmes and funding instruments;
• establishing structured engagement with European Partnerships, particularly the Innovative Advanced Materials Initiative (IAM-I);
• strengthening the contribution of LEAPS to European research, innovation, and industrial policy, ensuring that large-scale accelerator-based photon science facilities continue to support Europe’s scientific excellence, technological sovereignty, and competitiveness.