Inspired by the Apollo 11 mission to put a man on the moon, the European research and innovation missions aim to deliver solutions to some of the greatest challenges facing our world, such as cancer, climate change, healthy oceans, climate-neutral cities and healthy soil and food.

The current five mission areas were identified during the negotiations of the Horizon Europe programme. To narrow down the five broad mission areas, the Commission has appointed a mission board for each area. 

On 30 July 2019, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas announced the names of the experts who have been selected as members of the mission boards. Each mission board consists of 15 experts, including the chair. They will identify the first possible specific missions on cancer, climate change, healthy oceans, climate-neutral cities and healthy soil and food by the end of 2019. In addition, for each mission an assembly will be established, gathering a larger number of high-level experts. The assemblies provide an additional pool of ideas, knowledge and expertise that will be actively called upon to contribute to the success of the five missions.

Commissioner Moedas said:

"Missions will address some of the main challenges European citizens are facing. With their vision and knowledge, I am confident that these first-rate  experts will help making missions a success, inspiring citizens and showing them what Europe, and research and innovation, can do about the issues that matter most to them."

Among the members of the Mission Board for Healthy Oceans, Seas, Coastal and Inland Waters are two EurOcean Members: François Galgani, IFREMER, and Peter Heffernan, Marine Institute. EurOcean wishes both of them every success in contributing to the research agenda for marine science in Europe in the coming years.

Over 2100 individuals from across the EU and beyond applied to become member of a mission board. The selection process ensured that the boards are composed of creative and highly motivated experts from a wide range of backgrounds, including academics, innovators, civil society, industry, finance and end-users. A first discussion with citizens, stakeholders and experts from Member States will take place at the European Research and Innovation Days in Brussels from 24 to 26 September.