Achievements of the A4L_ACTIONS Project: A Catalyst for Excellence in Research and Innovation

The A4L_ACTIONS project, completed in 2024, was part of the Alliance4Life initiative to address regional disparities in research and innovation (R&I) across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Building on the success of its predecessor, the project implemented targeted actions to foster excellence in research culture, career development, collaboration, innovation, and policymaking. With the conclusion of A4L_ACTIONS, the Alliance4Life consortium has launched A4L_BRIDGE, a four-year initiative to sustain and expand the transformative changes initiated by its predecessors.

Advancing Research Culture

This work package, led by the Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, with contributions from Masaryk University (CEITEC MU), International Clinical Research Center (FNUSA-ICRC), Medical University of Lodz, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, University of Tartu, Vilnius University, University of Ljubljana, Medical University Sofia, Semmelweis University, and Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, focused on embedding peer evaluations and promoting responsible metrics. Deliverables included self-assessment reports and peer evaluation guidelines, which have supported institutions in implementing robust evaluation frameworks. The Research Management and Administration (RMA) Academy, coordinated by CEITEC Masaryk University, delivered 21 training courses in areas such as conflict management, grant writing, and intellectual property handling, significantly enhancing institutional capacities. The newly developed Database of Experts provided a vital resource for institutional evaluation and scientific collaboration.

Strengthening Collaboration

Led by the Medical University of Lodz, this work package created opportunities for collaboration through three Mini-Conferences, hosted by the Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, and Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy. These events, which brought together researchers from all 12 member institutions, focused on Cancer and Metabolic Disorders in Slovakia, Health and the Environment in Poland, and Personalized Medicine in Romania. The A4L Seed Fund, managed by Semmelweis University, supported seven innovative projects in areas such as cancer biology, environmental health, and personalized medicine. These projects have already resulted in publications, conference presentations, and new funding opportunities, demonstrating the impact of targeted support for collaboration.

Empowering Careers

This work package, led by the University of Zagreb School of Medicine, aimed to enhance career development frameworks across CEE institutions. Eight members pursued or received the HR Excellence in Research Award, an accolade shown to accelerate progress in research management. Institutions involved in this effort included CEITEC Masaryk University (CEITEC MU), Vilnius University, University of Tartu, Medical University of Lodz, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, University of Ljubljana, and Medical University Sofia. Over 500 Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) benefited from retreats, skills academies, and workshops, focusing on transferable skills and interdisciplinary career opportunities. This initiative significantly strengthened the career development landscape for researchers in the region.

Driving Innovation

This work package, coordinated by the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, with support from the University of Ljubljana, Medical University Sofia, Semmelweis University, Masaryk University (CEITEC MU), and others, tackled region-specific challenges in technology transfer (TT). A comprehensive TT guideline was developed, and workshops certified more than 35 professionals, enhancing their ability to commercialize research outcomes. Eleven success stories were published, showcasing academic-industry collaborations, start-ups, and innovative doctoral programs. The Industry Relationship Platform, established as part of this work package, facilitated engagement between researchers and industry representatives, fostering sustainable partnerships.

Influencing Policy

Led by the University of Tartu, this work package advanced policy dialogue through 21 events, engaging nearly 2,000 participants and 200 speakers. Events focused on research assessment reform and university-industry collaboration, with actionable recommendations disseminated widely. A policy paper on the efficiency of Widening measures became a key reference, and a high-profile meeting in Brussels amplified these findings to European policymakers. Member institutions, including Masaryk University (CEITEC MU), Medical University of Lodz, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, and others, actively contributed to shaping inclusive R&I policies.

Looking Ahead

The A4L_ACTIONS project coordinated by CEITEC Masaryk University demonstrated the transformative power of collaboration in enhancing research capacity and addressing regional disparities. By uniting 12 leading institutions, it laid the groundwork for the ongoing A4L_BRIDGE project, which continues to promote excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in the European Research Area.