In a powerful demonstration of Crosspaths’ mission to strengthen the participation of Widening countries in European research, the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research (IARFR) of the Polish Academy of Sciences—one of Crosspaths’ key partners—was recently featured at the Third Annual Socratic Dialogue of the Green ERA-Hub initiative. The event took place in Wageningen and was hosted by Wageningen University & Research (WUR), one of the Crosspaths mentoring partners.

This invitation from WUR represents more than a speaking engagement—it is a tangible example of how mentoring institutions within Crosspaths are proactively supporting the visibility, credibility, and integration of Widening institutions in pan-European initiatives. It aligns directly with the Crosspaths mission to foster a more balanced and inclusive European Research Area (ERA) through mentoring, collaboration, and capacity building.

Held under the banner of the Green ERA-Hub, the Socratic Dialogue convened 25 participants from 11 different countries, including policymakers, researchers, and representatives of funding bodies. The discussions focused on the systemic barriers and structural needs of researchers working across borders and within underrepresented institutions, with a shared goal of identifying concrete strategies to improve cooperation.

During the event, Iwona, the Crosspaths project manager at IARFR, presented the Polish case, highlighting the institute’s progress, challenges, and lessons learned from participating in EU research projects. She also showcased the role of Crosspaths in helping IARFR elevate its research profile and connect with leading research actors across Europe.

The inclusion of IARFR in such a high-level dialogue was made possible thanks to WUR’s commitment to equitable partnerships and active mentoring. By providing a platform for Widening partners to share their voice, WUR demonstrated the very essence of Crosspaths: building bridges, creating opportunities, and ensuring that excellence in science is not confined by geography.

This collaboration also sends a broader message about the impact of structured mentoring models. When leading institutions like WUR open doors for their Widening counterparts, they accelerate the integration of excellent but under-recognized research entities into key EU dialogues. It’s a model that works—and one that Crosspaths continues to champion across its consortium.

To read more about the event, visit the Green ERA-Hub website.

To follow ongoing updates from the Green ERA-Hub, visit their LinkedIn page and help amplify the voices of Europe’s emerging research institutions.