Research and innovation highlighted at the EU pavilion at the World EXPO in Osaka

The European Union has invested significantly in research and innovation to tackle global challenges, drive technological progress, and address the evolving needs of society.

Each EU research programme has delivered new knowledge and groundbreaking solutions to issues that matter to Europeans and global citizens alike.  

Millions of people from around the globe will visit Expo Osaka from 13 April to 13 October to discover how nations and regions worldwide are addressing the global issues of our time, including sustainability, connectivity, inclusivity and security. With the theme Nurturing Tomorrow, the EU will contribute to the success of  the Expo 2025 Osaka with a pavilion inspired by the New European Bauhaus principles and an array of interesting activities. 

The Expo 2025 Osaka offers a unique platform to highlight the EU’s commitment to research and innovation, highlighting its benefits for people and planet in Europe and Japan. 

The Directorate-General for Research and Innovation's (RTD) contribution includes several EU-funded projects at the permanent exhibition and events and Horizon Europe missions during specific thematic weeks to showcase groundbreaking scientific achievements, innovative solutions, and cutting-edge technologies. Some of the projects will also be highlighted in the EU pavilion’s permanent exhibition through avatars. 

 Through these projects and events, RTD is reaffirming the EU’s vision for a connected, resilient, and sustainable future—powered by innovation and strengthened by global collaboration, especially with Japan.  

RTD projects at the EU Pavilion 

ODEUROPA  is the first European research project dedicated to exploring smell heritage and history. Using AI, it captures historical languages and stories of scent, leading to the creation of an online Smell Explorer, where users can browse over four centuries of olfactory history. 

EDITO -Model Lab Project    designs next-generation ocean models as part of the European Digital Twin Ocean initiative, helping stakeholders develop sustainable ocean management scenarios. 

Urban GreenUp  showcases green solutions that reshape cities, enhancing sustainability, livability, and resilience to climate change. 

Carbfix   minimises atmospheric CO₂ by turning it into stone underground, offering a natural and permanent solution for carbon storage to mitigate climate change.   

PlasticPiratesEU  raises awareness among citizens and the youth of Europe on the impact and benefits of research and innovation and increasing the capacity to collect, organise and verify data on plastic waste pollution.  

Mimic studies the impact of pressures created by these media narratives on teenagers' personal well-being and their perspectives on wider social issues.  

VEO Europe  delivers high-quality, actionable insights for early warning, risk assessment, and monitoring of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within the One Health framework.