EARPA Autumn Meeting 2026

EARPA Autumn Meeting 2026

Join EARPA for its Autumn Meeting 2026, taking place on 29–30 September 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City.

The two-day event brings together EARPA members, automotive research organisations and relevant stakeholders from across the European road mobility and automotive sector to exchange knowledge, explore emerging priorities and build new connections.

View the programme

Who can attend?

• EARPA Members get full access to the 2 day event.
• Non-EARPA Members: Organisations with a relevant connection to the automotive sector are welcome to attend the Networking Reception on 29 September (18:30–21:00) and the Open Conference on 30 September 2026.

Whether you are an EARPA member looking to engage with the community or an organisation interested in European automotive research and innovation, the event offers an opportunity to connect, exchange & shape the future of road mobility.

Why you should attend?

• EARPA Members can join dedicated Foresight and Collaborative Research Group Sessions on 29 September 2026 to exchange views, identify trends and explore collaboration opportunities.
• Exchange knowledge and expertise with organisations shaping European automotive research and innovation at the Networking Reception on 29 September 2026.
• On 30 September, stay informed about key European research and innovation priorities during the open conference, featuring an update from the European Commission, insights from EURIAS, and a panel discussion on automotive research and technology infrastructures.

Programme Overview
Tuesday, 29 September 2026
09:00 – 18:00: Foresight Group and Collaborative Research Groups Sessions (EARPPA Members only)
13:30 – 14:30: Lunch (EARPA Member only)
18:30 – 21:00: Networking Reception (Open to EARPA Members and Non Members)

Wednesday, 30 September 2026:
09:15 – 10:30: General Assembly (EARPA General Assembly representatives only)

10:30 – 11:25: Plenary Session
Michele De Gennaro, EARPA President: Opening words
Andrea De Candido, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission

11:25 – 12:25: EURIAS Panel: Shaping the future of the European automotive sector through strategic research, innovation and deployment

Moderator: Andrea De Candido, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission
Franz Geyer, BMW: Electric vehicle technologies
Cathy Batisson, Renault: Digital and connected vehicles
Emilia Romero, IDIADA: Road mobility ecosystem
Thilo Bein, Fraunhofer LBF: Automotive industrial processes

12:25 – 12:50: Meet the Speakers (Foresight Group Updates)
Margriet Van Schijndel,TU/e: Connectivity Automation Safety
Bernhard Brandstätter, Virtual Vehicle: Powertrains and Energy Systems
Thilo Bein, Fraunhofer LBF: Integrated Product And Process Development
Magnus Granstrom, Chalmers: Mobility for People and Goods
Verena Wagenhofer, AVL: Collaboration and Project Management

12:50 – 14:00: Lunch

14:00 – 15:15: Panel: Automotive Research & Technology Infrastructures
Moderator: Fredrik Harrysson, EARPA
Szilvia Németh, Deputy Head of Unit, DG Research & Innovation, European Commission
Muriel Attané, Secretary General, EARTO
Horst Pfluegl, Vice President Research Coordination, AVL
Adam Andersson, Director of European Affairs, RISE
Kay Gade, Co-leader EU Policy Task Force, ECTRI

15:15 – 15:20: Closing remarks from the EARPA President

If you have any questions about the event, please contact David – d.twomey@earpa.eu