European Commission - Research & Innovation
International Cooperation for lasting solutions
The European Union has developed international scientific cooperation (INCO) over the last 25 years to address the needs and opportunities of an interconnected world, and to contribute to peace and prosperity for European citizens. Europe wants to play a leading role in the world’s research arena and help build a safe future. Read more Leaflets
Highlights
8 February 2012
Conference on "Research and Innovation: An agenda for a renewed partnership". The recent developments on both sides of the Mediterranean Sea have created a new context and momentum for developing a new phase of cooperation and establishing a more strategic partnership in research and innovation. This conference will take place on 2 and 3 April 2012 in the World Trade Centre in Barcelona and will be opened by the EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Mrs. Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and other senior policy-makers from EU Member States and Southern Mediterranean countries. Read more
Conference on "Research and Innovation: An agenda for a renewed partnership". The recent developments on both sides of the Mediterranean Sea have created a new context and momentum for developing a new phase of cooperation and establishing a more strategic partnership in research and innovation. This conference will take place on 2 and 3 April 2012 in the World Trade Centre in Barcelona and will be opened by the EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Mrs. Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and other senior policy-makers from EU Member States and Southern Mediterranean countries. Read more
20 December 2011
The conference 'Destination Europe: Your Research and Innovation Opportunities' will take place on 20 January 2012 in Cambridge, Massachusetts (USA). The conference is organised by the European Commission and the European Research Council, in consultation with EU Member States and the Strategic Forum for International Cooperation (SFIC). This high-level Conference will showcase Europe's vibrant and attractive science, technology and innovation culture; the excellent funding opportunities Europe provides for career development and the challenging positions in world-class environments offered by European industry and research organisations. When we look at the picture of all the opportunities available, both at national and European level, including the attractive opportunities for women researchers, it is truly impressive. Presentations by high-level speakers, representing some of the major funding organisations and research intensive industries in Europe, will be illustrated by testimonials from researchers who have taken advantage of the opportunities offered to develop their careers in Europe. Speakers will include: Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, the EU Commissioner for Research and Innovation; Professor Tim Hunt, Nobel Laureate; Professor Donald Dingwell, Secretary General of the European Research Council and many other inspiring leaders in the field. The target audience is researchers of all nationalities based in the US, opinion leaders and representatives from leading US universities; multipliers from EU and national networks working in the USA and representatives from the science diplomacy community and the media. All are welcome. Participation is free but registration is obligatory. More information and conference programme.
The conference 'Destination Europe: Your Research and Innovation Opportunities' will take place on 20 January 2012 in Cambridge, Massachusetts (USA). The conference is organised by the European Commission and the European Research Council, in consultation with EU Member States and the Strategic Forum for International Cooperation (SFIC). This high-level Conference will showcase Europe's vibrant and attractive science, technology and innovation culture; the excellent funding opportunities Europe provides for career development and the challenging positions in world-class environments offered by European industry and research organisations. When we look at the picture of all the opportunities available, both at national and European level, including the attractive opportunities for women researchers, it is truly impressive. Presentations by high-level speakers, representing some of the major funding organisations and research intensive industries in Europe, will be illustrated by testimonials from researchers who have taken advantage of the opportunities offered to develop their careers in Europe. Speakers will include: Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, the EU Commissioner for Research and Innovation; Professor Tim Hunt, Nobel Laureate; Professor Donald Dingwell, Secretary General of the European Research Council and many other inspiring leaders in the field. The target audience is researchers of all nationalities based in the US, opinion leaders and representatives from leading US universities; multipliers from EU and national networks working in the USA and representatives from the science diplomacy community and the media. All are welcome. Participation is free but registration is obligatory. More information and conference programme.
13 December 2011
The 5th Joint Committee meeting of the EU-Tunisia S&T Cooperation Agreement took place in Tunis on 13 and 14 December. The meeting was carried out jointly with the ENP Sub-Committee Meeting on Research, Innovation and Education. The meeting was co-chaired by Prof. Jelel Ezzine, Director General of International Cooperation at the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Dr. Laurent Bochereau, Head of Unit International Cooperation Policy at the European Commission's DG Research and Innovation. Representatives from EEAS and the EU Delegation in Tunis attended on the EU side as well. The Committee reviewed advances in S&T cooperation, now under conditions of the 'Arab Spring', which brought new perspectives and aspirations to Tunisian research. With involvement in 57 FP7 projects, Tunisia has the third highest FP7 participation among Mediterranean Partner Countries. Read more
The 5th Joint Committee meeting of the EU-Tunisia S&T Cooperation Agreement took place in Tunis on 13 and 14 December. The meeting was carried out jointly with the ENP Sub-Committee Meeting on Research, Innovation and Education. The meeting was co-chaired by Prof. Jelel Ezzine, Director General of International Cooperation at the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Dr. Laurent Bochereau, Head of Unit International Cooperation Policy at the European Commission's DG Research and Innovation. Representatives from EEAS and the EU Delegation in Tunis attended on the EU side as well. The Committee reviewed advances in S&T cooperation, now under conditions of the 'Arab Spring', which brought new perspectives and aspirations to Tunisian research. With involvement in 57 FP7 projects, Tunisia has the third highest FP7 participation among Mediterranean Partner Countries. Read more
8 December 2011
The 10th Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee in the context of the EU-South Africa S&T Cooperation Agreement took place in Brussels on 8 December 2011. The meeting was co-chaired by Robert-Jan Smits, Director General of Research and Innovation at the European Commission, and by Phil Mjwara, Director General of the South African Department of Science and Technology. The meeting reconfirmed the excellent level of cooperation, which have made science and technology cooperation one of the flagships of the South Africa-European Union Strategic Partnership. Read more
The 10th Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee in the context of the EU-South Africa S&T Cooperation Agreement took place in Brussels on 8 December 2011. The meeting was co-chaired by Robert-Jan Smits, Director General of Research and Innovation at the European Commission, and by Phil Mjwara, Director General of the South African Department of Science and Technology. The meeting reconfirmed the excellent level of cooperation, which have made science and technology cooperation one of the flagships of the South Africa-European Union Strategic Partnership. Read more
6 December 2011
The 6th meeting of the European Union-Chile Steering Committee of the bilateral Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement took place in Brussels and reviewed progress in cooperation, including the review of the last five years of agreement implementation. It was hosted by the European Commission and co-chaired by Dr. Isi Saragossi, Director of International Cooperation of DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission, and Dr. José Miguel Aguilera, President of CONICYT, the National S&T Commission in Chile. Specific new cooperation activities have been agreed in Information and Communication Technologies and with JRC. Investment in researcher mobility will remain a focus of cooperation. Bi-regional cooperation was also addressed as Chile holds the presidency of the Latin America and Caribbean group of countries in the context of the EU-LAC Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation set up by the 2010 Madrid Summit. Read more
The 6th meeting of the European Union-Chile Steering Committee of the bilateral Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement took place in Brussels and reviewed progress in cooperation, including the review of the last five years of agreement implementation. It was hosted by the European Commission and co-chaired by Dr. Isi Saragossi, Director of International Cooperation of DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission, and Dr. José Miguel Aguilera, President of CONICYT, the National S&T Commission in Chile. Specific new cooperation activities have been agreed in Information and Communication Technologies and with JRC. Investment in researcher mobility will remain a focus of cooperation. Bi-regional cooperation was also addressed as Chile holds the presidency of the Latin America and Caribbean group of countries in the context of the EU-LAC Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation set up by the 2010 Madrid Summit. Read more
22 November 2011
The 5th Joint Committee meeting with Brazil under the bilateral S&T Cooperation Agreement took place on 22 November in Brasilia. The meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador Benedicto Fonseca Filho of the Department of Scientific and Technological Themes, Ministry of External Relations of Brazil, and Dr. Isi Saragossi, Director of International Cooperation, DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission. The parties assesed progress in their cooperation so far and agreed on several areas of future collaboration. Read more
The 5th Joint Committee meeting with Brazil under the bilateral S&T Cooperation Agreement took place on 22 November in Brasilia. The meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador Benedicto Fonseca Filho of the Department of Scientific and Technological Themes, Ministry of External Relations of Brazil, and Dr. Isi Saragossi, Director of International Cooperation, DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission. The parties assesed progress in their cooperation so far and agreed on several areas of future collaboration. Read more
17 November 2011
The 5th meeting of the Mexico-European Union Steering Committee of the bilateral Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement took place in Cancún, Mexico and reviewed encouraging progress in cooperation. It was hosted by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT) and co-chaired by Dr. José Enrique Villa Rivera, Director General of CONACYT, and Dr. Isi Saragossi, Director of International Cooperation of DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission. Specific new cooperation activities have been agreed in Food, Agriculture, Fisheries and Biotechnologies and in the Social Sciences and Humanities. Read more
The 5th meeting of the Mexico-European Union Steering Committee of the bilateral Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement took place in Cancún, Mexico and reviewed encouraging progress in cooperation. It was hosted by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT) and co-chaired by Dr. José Enrique Villa Rivera, Director General of CONACYT, and Dr. Isi Saragossi, Director of International Cooperation of DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission. Specific new cooperation activities have been agreed in Food, Agriculture, Fisheries and Biotechnologies and in the Social Sciences and Humanities. Read more
16 November 2011
The ASEAN-EU Year of Science, Technology and Innovation 2012 was officially launched on 16th November 2011 in Hanoi, Vietnam, by EU Ambassador Designate, Franz Jessen, and Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Lê Din Tiên, in presence of several EU Member States Ambassadors and high-level officials from ASEAN Member States. The overall objective of the "Year" is to highlight, promote and extend EU-Southeast Asia STI cooperation. Read the flash report here. The press release is available here. The opening remarks of the EU Ambassador Designate are available here.
The ASEAN-EU Year of Science, Technology and Innovation 2012 was officially launched on 16th November 2011 in Hanoi, Vietnam, by EU Ambassador Designate, Franz Jessen, and Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Lê Din Tiên, in presence of several EU Member States Ambassadors and high-level officials from ASEAN Member States. The overall objective of the "Year" is to highlight, promote and extend EU-Southeast Asia STI cooperation. Read the flash report here. The press release is available here. The opening remarks of the EU Ambassador Designate are available here.
11 November 2011
International Learning Network (ILN) Workshop in Brussels, 10-11 November 2011 The third Workshop of the ILN, entitled "Synergies between projects: international cooperation and coordination of national programmes and policies", took place in Brussels on 10-11 November. Organised by the International Cooperation Directorate, it gathered coordinators from different projects financed by the EC with the aim of sharing practical experiences, developing best practices and formulating recommendations for the way forward. Read more and see the workshop presentations
International Learning Network (ILN) Workshop in Brussels, 10-11 November 2011 The third Workshop of the ILN, entitled "Synergies between projects: international cooperation and coordination of national programmes and policies", took place in Brussels on 10-11 November. Organised by the International Cooperation Directorate, it gathered coordinators from different projects financed by the EC with the aim of sharing practical experiences, developing best practices and formulating recommendations for the way forward. Read more and see the workshop presentations
21 October 2011
STRUCTURING INTER-REGIONAL COOPERATION, INCO-NET projects This booklet presents the activities of all INCO-NET projects which have been selected following the evaluation of the FP7 calls for proposals published in 2006, 2009 and 2010. These projects cover different regions of the world, i.e. Western Balkan Countries, Mediterranean Partner Countries, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, South East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Caribbean and Pacific region, Arab Gulf Countries, Latin and Central America. More information and download of the publication.
STRUCTURING INTER-REGIONAL COOPERATION, INCO-NET projects This booklet presents the activities of all INCO-NET projects which have been selected following the evaluation of the FP7 calls for proposals published in 2006, 2009 and 2010. These projects cover different regions of the world, i.e. Western Balkan Countries, Mediterranean Partner Countries, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, South East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Caribbean and Pacific region, Arab Gulf Countries, Latin and Central America. More information and download of the publication.
11 October 2011
The Republic of Moldova joins EU Research Programme
The European Union and Moldova have today forged closer ties on research and innovation. Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science and Gheorghe Duca, President of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Moldova, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the association of Moldova to the EU's Seventh Research Framework Programme (FP7). This will allow Moldovan scientists, research institutes, universities and companies to collaborate with their counterparts across Europe in key research areas, while strengthening their own research expertise and capacity. In practice they will compete for research funding on an equal footing with counterparts in EU Member States. In return Moldova with make a contribution to the overall FP7 budget, calculated on the basis of its GDP. The Republic of Moldova will be the 14th country associated to FP7. Read more in English or in Romanian.
The Republic of Moldova joins EU Research Programme
The European Union and Moldova have today forged closer ties on research and innovation. Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science and Gheorghe Duca, President of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Moldova, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the association of Moldova to the EU's Seventh Research Framework Programme (FP7). This will allow Moldovan scientists, research institutes, universities and companies to collaborate with their counterparts across Europe in key research areas, while strengthening their own research expertise and capacity. In practice they will compete for research funding on an equal footing with counterparts in EU Member States. In return Moldova with make a contribution to the overall FP7 budget, calculated on the basis of its GDP. The Republic of Moldova will be the 14th country associated to FP7. Read more in English or in Romanian.
10 October 2011
A high-level meeting between the African Union and the EU took place 10-11 October 2011 in Addis Ababa focused on promoting cooperation in science, technology and innovation in the interest of African and European societies. More background information is available here. Click here for the flash report about the outcome of the meeting and here to see the family photo. See the agenda with available powerpoint presentations here.
A high-level meeting between the African Union and the EU took place 10-11 October 2011 in Addis Ababa focused on promoting cooperation in science, technology and innovation in the interest of African and European societies. More background information is available here. Click here for the flash report about the outcome of the meeting and here to see the family photo. See the agenda with available powerpoint presentations here.
9-13 October 2011
The 6th biennial Europan and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) will present recent achievements in the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in Africa in a series of events in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, timed to coincide with the agenda of research policy leaders from the African Union and the European Union. Read more
The 6th biennial Europan and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) will present recent achievements in the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in Africa in a series of events in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, timed to coincide with the agenda of research policy leaders from the African Union and the European Union. Read more
28 September 2011
The Sixth Joint S&T Committee meeting with Morocco took place in the capital Rabat. The meeting took stock of advances in S&T cooperation between the two parties supported also by external reviews, one carried out by Morocco and one by the EU. The launch conference of the institutional twinning project "Appui au Système National de la Recherche au Maroc pour une intégration à l'Espace Européen de la Recherche" was held back-to-back with the committee meeting. Read the flash note about different events on 28 September 2011. Click here for accessing a copy of the S&T cooperation agreement.
The Sixth Joint S&T Committee meeting with Morocco took place in the capital Rabat. The meeting took stock of advances in S&T cooperation between the two parties supported also by external reviews, one carried out by Morocco and one by the EU. The launch conference of the institutional twinning project "Appui au Système National de la Recherche au Maroc pour une intégration à l'Espace Européen de la Recherche" was held back-to-back with the committee meeting. Read the flash note about different events on 28 September 2011. Click here for accessing a copy of the S&T cooperation agreement.
15 September 2011
Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn met with all the Ministers responsible for Science from the Western Balkans on 15 September in Brussels to discuss future cooperation on Research and Innovation (R&I). The Roundtable allowed for a good exchange of information and some key messages were passed on in preparation of these countries' ambition to join the European Union. More information and photos from the meeting.
Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn met with all the Ministers responsible for Science from the Western Balkans on 15 September in Brussels to discuss future cooperation on Research and Innovation (R&I). The Roundtable allowed for a good exchange of information and some key messages were passed on in preparation of these countries' ambition to join the European Union. More information and photos from the meeting.
4 August 2011
Interim Evaluation of the FP7 International Cooperation Activities - Expert Group report
The report presents the findings of a team of external independent experts engaged by the European Commission to carry out the interim evaluation of the International Cooperation Activities of the Capacities Programme of the FP7. More info
Interim Evaluation of the FP7 International Cooperation Activities - Expert Group report
The report presents the findings of a team of external independent experts engaged by the European Commission to carry out the interim evaluation of the International Cooperation Activities of the Capacities Programme of the FP7. More info
28 July 2011
Information Meeting, 27 July 2011 The European Commission, Directorate General for Research and Innovation organised on 27 July 2011 an Information Meeting about the new calls for proposals under the 2012 Work Programme of the Activities of International Cooperation. The meeting was addressed to stakeholders and multipliers across Europe and beyond. Detailed information was provided on the activities targeted by the calls, namely the "bi-regional coordination of S&T cooperation including priority setting and definition of S&T cooperation policies (INCO-NET)" and the "Bilateral coordination for the enhancement and development of S&T Partnerships (BILAT)". See the Infoday presentations
Information Meeting, 27 July 2011 The European Commission, Directorate General for Research and Innovation organised on 27 July 2011 an Information Meeting about the new calls for proposals under the 2012 Work Programme of the Activities of International Cooperation. The meeting was addressed to stakeholders and multipliers across Europe and beyond. Detailed information was provided on the activities targeted by the calls, namely the "bi-regional coordination of S&T cooperation including priority setting and definition of S&T cooperation policies (INCO-NET)" and the "Bilateral coordination for the enhancement and development of S&T Partnerships (BILAT)". See the Infoday presentations
28 July 2011
International dimension of the 2012 Work Programmes The 2012 FP7 work programmes were adopted by the European Commission on 19 July. The first series of calls for proposals, with a budget of over €5.3 billion was launched on 20 July. The main focus of the calls is the integration of research with innovation to tackle societal challenges and create sustainable jobs and growth by giving Europe a lead in the key technology markets of the future. All of the calls are open for the participation of non-European researchers and/or research organisations working alongside their EU counterparts. More information by country or region
International dimension of the 2012 Work Programmes The 2012 FP7 work programmes were adopted by the European Commission on 19 July. The first series of calls for proposals, with a budget of over €5.3 billion was launched on 20 July. The main focus of the calls is the integration of research with innovation to tackle societal challenges and create sustainable jobs and growth by giving Europe a lead in the key technology markets of the future. All of the calls are open for the participation of non-European researchers and/or research organisations working alongside their EU counterparts. More information by country or region
20 July 2011
EU-India Cooperation in water and bio-resources related challenges (calls for proposals)
We celebrated this year, on the occasion of the 7th EU-India Joint Steering Committee on Science and Technology (1st April 2011, Brussels), ten years of EU-India S&T cooperation since the signature of the Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement in 2001. Building on the good work done so far, we have agreed to enhance the scale, scope and impact of our cooperation.
As a concrete output of this, the EU and India have agreed to develop new cooperation in the field of water and bio-resources related challenges. Two co-ordinated water-related calls for proposals entailing a total funding of 32 M € were launched on 20 July and will be funded 50/50 by the Commission and the Indian authorities. Read more
EU-India Cooperation in water and bio-resources related challenges (calls for proposals)
We celebrated this year, on the occasion of the 7th EU-India Joint Steering Committee on Science and Technology (1st April 2011, Brussels), ten years of EU-India S&T cooperation since the signature of the Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement in 2001. Building on the good work done so far, we have agreed to enhance the scale, scope and impact of our cooperation.
As a concrete output of this, the EU and India have agreed to develop new cooperation in the field of water and bio-resources related challenges. Two co-ordinated water-related calls for proposals entailing a total funding of 32 M € were launched on 20 July and will be funded 50/50 by the Commission and the Indian authorities. Read more
8 July 2011
3rd EU-Korea S&T Joint Committee, Seoul
European Commission Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation, Rudolf Strohmeier, and Assistant Minister (Office of R&D) of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Yul-Rae Cho, today co-chaired the Third Joint Committee Meeting between the European Union and Korea. Several other meetings and visits were organised in Seoul demonstrating a wish on both sides to reinforce cooperation, at the time of entry into force of both the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the new Framework Agreement. Read more
3rd EU-Korea S&T Joint Committee, Seoul
European Commission Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation, Rudolf Strohmeier, and Assistant Minister (Office of R&D) of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Yul-Rae Cho, today co-chaired the Third Joint Committee Meeting between the European Union and Korea. Several other meetings and visits were organised in Seoul demonstrating a wish on both sides to reinforce cooperation, at the time of entry into force of both the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the new Framework Agreement. Read more
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