The ATHENA Talks 2026–27 bring together distinguished & young researchers, academics, and innovators from across Europe and beyond to share knowledge, emerging ideas, and perspectives on key scientific and societal challenges. This year, the Talks will be organized around ATHENA’s four thematic clusters (and beyond): Digitalization for All, Sustainable Production, Health & Wellbeing, and Creative Industries, creating focused spaces for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration.

The Talks will take place every Friday from 10:00 - 11:00 CET via Zoom. We aim to start on the 6th of November, 2026.  If you wish to join the ATHENA speakers community, please register here (link)

The Digitalization for All Cluster Talks will focus on how emerging digital technologies can strengthen competitiveness, improve quality of life, and support inclusive and responsible innovation. Its activities focus on (some examples): Industry 4.0, Digital Tools for Built Heritage, Data Kernels, and AI-enhanced Learning.

The Sustainable Production Cluster Talks will focus on advances in environmentally responsible and resource-efficient industrial practices across sectors such as agrifood, metals, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and textiles. It supports the green transition through Industry 4.0, circular economy approaches, carbon-neutral manufacturing, smart recycling, resource efficiency, advanced energy materials, and hydrogen technologies.

The ATHENA Talks will also address key topics of the Health and Nutrition Cluster, including digital and rural healthcare, Agriculture 4.0, food safety, assistive technologies, and innovative solutions for contaminant detection and removal, highlighting how advanced technologies can support healthier and more sustainable societies.

The ATHENA Talks will also explore themes of the Creative Industries Cluster, with particular emphasis on Cultural Heritage, Digital Humanities, AI-powered Digital Media Production, and Film and Visual Production, while highlighting interdisciplinary collaboration across media, arts, education, communication, and creative entrepreneurship.

The ATHENA Talks will also address Internationalization Strategy and Policies, exploring how universities can strengthen global engagement, develop sustainable partnerships, enhance mobility and international learning, and align institutional strategies with emerging European and global higher education priorities.