INL Workshop on Medical Devices Helps Shape EU Policy Milestone in Advanced Materials

Just months after INL hosted a high-level workshop on Advanced Innovative Materials for Medical Devices, the momentum generated in Braga has culminated in a major policy advancement: At its second meeting, the High Level Technology Council for Advanced Materials, held in Brussels last week, expanded its industry priorities to include advanced materials for medical devices.

This marks a significant recognition of the groundwork of the subgroup tasked with examinign this option discussed at INL in April, where European leaders, policymakers, and innovators gathered to explore the transformative potential of advanced materials in health materials and associated technologies.

“The inclusion of materials for health in the form of medical devices is a strategic priority for Europe,” said Dr Clivia Sotomayor Torres, Director-General of INL, who chaired the subgroup with support form Dr Lorena Diéguez, research group leader at INL.  She added: “it’s a testament to the power of collaborative dialogue and scientific foresight.”

From INL to Brussels: Driving the Agenda Forward

Organised under the High Level Technology Council for Advanced Materials, an initiative of the European Commission launched in late 2024, the April 2025 workshop at INL served as a strategic forum under the Council’s Subgroup on Future Priorities. It brought together key European figures including Irene Norstedt (European Commission), Raymond Schiffelers (ETPN pls in full), and Silvia Spriano (EUMAT-ditto), among others.

A recurring theme of the workshop was the alignment of industrial innovation with clinical needs, echoing the call for more agile funding for mid-level TRLs and early regulatory engagement.

These recommendations have now been taken further at the Council’s second plenary meeting, where:

+ Medical devices were formally added as a priority within the Council’s industrial agenda;

+ Discussions centred around the integration of AI in materials science and international cooperation;

+ Strong endorsements were given to accelerate the uptake and deployment of advanced materials across sectors;

+ Stakeholder contributions, including those gathered through INL’s interactive survey, fed into preparations for the upcoming Advanced Materials Act.

Recognition of Collective Effort

The European Commission highlighted the “enthusiasm and fresh ideas” coming from the Council’s working groups, including the collaborative energy sparked during the Braga workshop. Special recognition was given to Jurgen Tiedje, Head of Unit at DG RTD, for his leadership in establishing and advancing the Technology Council’s work.

“We must shape the European strategic agenda through stakeholder consultation,” Tiedje said during his closing remarks at INL in April, a vision that is now becoming reality.

What’s Next?

As Europe strengthens its technological sovereignty and resilience, advanced materials are now at the heart of industrial policy. INL is proud to have contributed meaningfully to this evolution—bridging science, policy, and innovation to drive positive impact in healthcare and beyond.

🔗 Learn more about the Technology Council’s work: https://europa.eu/!7XQWYB