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SCAR ARCH

Agricultural Research towards greater
impact on global CHallenges

ORGANISATION

SCAR ARCH map

Co-chairs: 

  • Katharine Tröger
  • Emmanuel Albina 

 

Mandate:

2025 - 2026 

 

Members:

9 countries in Focus Group

 

Who is who

Meet the Team...

 

Brief Information

The SCAR Working Group - ARCH - has been set up in order to improve linkages between European and  international agricultural Research and working towards ways to increase the contribution of European Agricultural Research investments to the solution of global challenges such as climate change and the need for more sustainable food systems.

At national, European and at global level Agricultural Research and innovation activities are fragmented and could benefit from better coordination. SCAR-ARCH intends to strengthen Europe’s position in solving global issues and meet the UN sustainable development goals, that are the common interest and commitment of Europe and the global community.

In order to further strengthen mechanisms for focusing on global issues, ARCH will improve policy dialogue as well as coordination mechanisms at European, national and institutional levels. This includes more joint funding and the chance of a better alignment of national and international research.

MISSION AND AIMS

Main Activities

Main Activities

Improve linkages between European and international agricultural research.

The EU is a strong world leader in agriculture research with around 1/4 of the top 10% publications and patent applications in «Food & bioeconomy» and «Climate & Environment». By innovating farming techniques and biodiversity conservation, Europe leads in creating solutions with global impact.

ARCH «Agricultural Research towards greater impact on global CHallenges» is cross-sectorial working group within SCAR promoting the international dimension of EU research and targeting increased impact on meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Objectives

  • Expanding the scope of European research to the global level in areas where global interdependences such as food systems, climate change and diseases are imminent.
  • Increasing research impact on meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Improving the efficient use of research funding.
SCAR ARCH Objectives
Planned activities

Planned activities
for 2025 and 2026

  • Analysis of EU Research, Innovation and Development projects in the last 10 years to address the global challenge of agriculture and food systems transformation.
  • Strengthening the international dimension of EU R&I Partnerships.
  • Follow-up of the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) and the role of Research and Innovation.

DOCUMENTS

Quo vadis: lessons learned from 10 years of EU funded international R&I partnerships to foster the sustainability of globally connected agri-food systems

Policy brief

February 2026

See document
R&I ANALYSIS REPORT

Achievements of EU Research, Innovation and Development projects in the last 10 years to address the global challenge of agriculture transformation

May 2025

See document
Round Table Report “Internationalisation of EU R&I co-funded partnerships: Challenges and Opportunities"

March 2025

See document
"Research and innovation priorities for more sustainable food systems in Europe and globally"

Policy Brief by SCAR ARCH, Food Systems and Bioeconomy

2024

See document
ALL DOCUMENTS

EVENTS

SCAR ARCH Working Group meeting

2june ARCHRefreSCAR was pleased to support the recent SCAR ARCH Working Group meeting, held in Brussels on 2nd June, which brought together members for a productive and forward-looking discussion on agricultural research and innovation priorities.
The meeting included an update from the European Commission, discussions on the future direction of the group, and an engaging exchange on potential topics and priorities for the next mandate.
A highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Nienke Beintema on "Strengthening Africa-EU Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems for Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA): Introducing the AKIS4FNSSA Project". The presentation generated valuable discussion on strengthening cooperation and knowledge exchange between Europe and Africa.
The meeting also marked a transition in the leadership of the SCAR ARCH Working Group. As Siegfried Harrer steps down from his role as co-chair, we would like to thank him for his dedication and contribution to the group over the years and wish him all the very best for the future.
We are also pleased to welcome Katharine Tröger as the newly elected co-chair. Together with Emmanuel Albina, she will help guide the group's work as it prepares for its next mandate.
The discussions in Brussels highlighted the continued importance of collaboration, strategic foresight and international cooperation in shaping the future of agricultural research and innovation.

ARCH EVENTS CALENDAR

02 Jun 2026;
12:00AM
SCAR ARCH meeting
05 Mar 2026;
12:00AM
Online Workshop - Identifying Research Gaps for a Resilient Bioeconomy in the Poly-Crisis Context
13 Mar 2025;
12:00AM
ARCH round table