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 May 2012
The Indo-European Research and Innovation Partnership, 31 May-1 June in Brussels
The Indo-European Research and Innovation Partnership, 31 May-1 June in Brussels
Following the Joint Declaration signed at the last EU-India Summit in February 2012, the European Commission DG Research and Innovation, the EU Member States Strategic Forum for International S&T Cooperation (SFIC) and the Indian Department of Science & Technology are pleased to announce that the Indo-European Research and Innovation Partnership Conference will take place on 31st May and 1st June 2012 in Brussels (Belgium).
Please click HERE to download the official invitation to this conference. To register, please fill in the electronic form on http://www.europe-india-2012.eu before Friday 11th May 2012.
The conference participation is free of charge. Please note however that you will have to make your own travel and accommodation arrangements - no reimbursement will be made.
Further information on the draft programme or practical issues related to this event can be found on the conference website: http://www.europe-india-2012.eu.
12 April 2012
FP7 Expert Advisory Group on International Cooperation
The Advisory Group provides a written input to the Commission on an annual basis to be used in the preparation of the annual work programme. The 2011 Contribution to the definition of the International Cooperation Activities of the Capacities Programme can be found here.
FP7 Expert Advisory Group on International Cooperation
The Advisory Group provides a written input to the Commission on an annual basis to be used in the preparation of the annual work programme. The 2011 Contribution to the definition of the International Cooperation Activities of the Capacities Programme can be found here.
2 April 2012
Eucarinet 2012 Travel Grant Scheme
Eucarinet 2012 Travel Grant Scheme
The aim of the Travel Grant Scheme is to promote exchange between Caribbean and European researchers as well as to encourage contacts between research institutions to explore possibilities for joint participation in FP7.
The Travel Grant consists of two components: 1) The participation of Caribbean researchers at 2012 info-days and brokerage events in Europe in: Health, ICT, Knowledge-Based Bio-Economy, Energy, Environment (including Climate change); 2) Visits to specific research centers/institutions with existing contacts or acquaintance with the grantee. The 2012 call is open from 2 April 2012 to 20 July 2012 with different deadlines according to the themes of the events selected by the applicants.
More information
26 March 2012
'International cooperation with MPC - FP7 project synopses'
This publication has been prepared on the occasion of the "Euro-Mediterranean Conference for Research and Innovation: An agenda for a renewed partnership" organised by the European Commission, Directorate General for Research and Innovation, in Barcelona on 2 and 3 April 2012. It includes all the projects with participation of at least one partner from the Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPCs) which have been supported under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). The projects are organised in eleven thematic chapters which include collaborative research, networking, competence building, infrastructure and mobility projects. A short description and a list of all participating organisations and contact persons are provided for each project. Download the publication
'International cooperation with MPC - FP7 project synopses'
This publication has been prepared on the occasion of the "Euro-Mediterranean Conference for Research and Innovation: An agenda for a renewed partnership" organised by the European Commission, Directorate General for Research and Innovation, in Barcelona on 2 and 3 April 2012. It includes all the projects with participation of at least one partner from the Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPCs) which have been supported under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). The projects are organised in eleven thematic chapters which include collaborative research, networking, competence building, infrastructure and mobility projects. A short description and a list of all participating organisations and contact persons are provided for each project. Download the publication
26 March 2012
'Investing in European success: Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation in Research and Innovation'
This brochure showcases a selection of success stories from various EU-funded S&T projects real results. The brochure is launched on the occasion of the “Euro-Mediterranean Conference on Research and Innovation: An agenda for a renewed partnership” in Barcelona on 2 and 3 April 2012. The conference set out a path for Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation in Research and Innovation, based on closer cooperation on research and innovation policy. Download the publication
'Investing in European success: Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation in Research and Innovation'
This brochure showcases a selection of success stories from various EU-funded S&T projects real results. The brochure is launched on the occasion of the “Euro-Mediterranean Conference on Research and Innovation: An agenda for a renewed partnership” in Barcelona on 2 and 3 April 2012. The conference set out a path for Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation in Research and Innovation, based on closer cooperation on research and innovation policy. Download the publication
20-21 March 2012
The European Union-Latin American and Caribbean countries (EU-LAC) Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) took place 21-22 March 2012 in Concepción, Chile. It was co-chaired by María-Teresa Ramírez Pandolfi, Director for International Relations of CONICYT Chile and Isi Saragossi, Director for International Cooperation of DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission, and forms part of the implementation of the Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation (the 'Joint Initiative'). Four thematic working groups were joined by new members and agreed on next implementation steps. A meeting of senior officials of funding agencies of both regions will be convened to facilitate alignement of programmes at national, regional and bi-regional levels. The co-chairs of the Joint Initiative, Chile and the EU, will report back about progress to the forthcoming Summit, scheduled for 26-27 January 2013 in Santiago de Chile. Read more
The European Union-Latin American and Caribbean countries (EU-LAC) Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) took place 21-22 March 2012 in Concepción, Chile. It was co-chaired by María-Teresa Ramírez Pandolfi, Director for International Relations of CONICYT Chile and Isi Saragossi, Director for International Cooperation of DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission, and forms part of the implementation of the Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation (the 'Joint Initiative'). Four thematic working groups were joined by new members and agreed on next implementation steps. A meeting of senior officials of funding agencies of both regions will be convened to facilitate alignement of programmes at national, regional and bi-regional levels. The co-chairs of the Joint Initiative, Chile and the EU, will report back about progress to the forthcoming Summit, scheduled for 26-27 January 2013 in Santiago de Chile. Read more
20 March 2012
A science and technology cooperation agreement was signed between the European Union and Algeria in the occasion of Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle's visit to the country. It was his third visit to the country and took place in the context of intensifying bilateral and bi-regional relations. Read more
A science and technology cooperation agreement was signed between the European Union and Algeria in the occasion of Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle's visit to the country. It was his third visit to the country and took place in the context of intensifying bilateral and bi-regional relations. Read more
20 March 2012
The second Joint Committee meeting with Jordan took place in Brussels on 20 March. The meeting was carried out jointly with the ENP Sub-Committee Meeting on Research and Innovation. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Leonidas Karapiperis, Advisor Relations with International Organisations at the European Commission, DG Research and Innovation and Dr. Khaled El-Shuraydeh, Secretary General of the Higher Council for Science and Technology in Jordan. Representatives from EEAS, DG EAC and DG INFSO attended on the EU side. The parties reviewed policy advances on both sides and agreed on a number of concrete steps to increase cooperation. Read more
The second Joint Committee meeting with Jordan took place in Brussels on 20 March. The meeting was carried out jointly with the ENP Sub-Committee Meeting on Research and Innovation. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Leonidas Karapiperis, Advisor Relations with International Organisations at the European Commission, DG Research and Innovation and Dr. Khaled El-Shuraydeh, Secretary General of the Higher Council for Science and Technology in Jordan. Representatives from EEAS, DG EAC and DG INFSO attended on the EU side. The parties reviewed policy advances on both sides and agreed on a number of concrete steps to increase cooperation. Read more
13 March 2012
Project ENLACE (Enhancing Scientific Cooperation between the European Union and Central America) - Travel Grant Scheme
The aim of the ENLACE travel grant scheme is to promote exchange between Central American and European researchers as well as to encourage contacts between research institutions for joint participation in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). The grant scheme works as a mechanism to facilitate networking or even joint proposal writing. The third call is now open from the 9th of March to the 10th of May 2012.
It supports researchers from the EU Member States and the Central American countries to meet their counterparts from the other region for a joint preparation of a project proposal / cooperation in one of the upcoming FP7 calls (July 2012) of the Cooperation Programme or of the People Programme. Researchers may stay up to 30 days in Central America or the EU for the joint preparation of a project proposal. In order to maximize the benefits of the researchers’ stay in the EU or Central America, it is envisaged that the grantees visit additional research institutions of their thematic interest (but within one of the thematic FP7 areas). For more information and to download the necessary documents please visit the project website.
Project ENLACE (Enhancing Scientific Cooperation between the European Union and Central America) - Travel Grant Scheme
The aim of the ENLACE travel grant scheme is to promote exchange between Central American and European researchers as well as to encourage contacts between research institutions for joint participation in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). The grant scheme works as a mechanism to facilitate networking or even joint proposal writing. The third call is now open from the 9th of March to the 10th of May 2012.
It supports researchers from the EU Member States and the Central American countries to meet their counterparts from the other region for a joint preparation of a project proposal / cooperation in one of the upcoming FP7 calls (July 2012) of the Cooperation Programme or of the People Programme. Researchers may stay up to 30 days in Central America or the EU for the joint preparation of a project proposal. In order to maximize the benefits of the researchers’ stay in the EU or Central America, it is envisaged that the grantees visit additional research institutions of their thematic interest (but within one of the thematic FP7 areas). For more information and to download the necessary documents please visit the project website.
1-9 March 2012
Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, visits Singapore, Australia and New Zealand
Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, visits Singapore, Australia and New Zealand
16 February 2012
PACE-Net Key Stakeholder Conference, Brussels, 20–23 March 2012: Strengthening Pacific-European Collaboration in Research, Development, and Innovation
The PACE-Net Project and the Ministry of Sciences and Economic Affairs - Saxony - Anhalt organise the PACE-Net Key Stakeholder Conference in Brussels, 20-23.03.2012.
The event’s topic is: Climate Change: in relation to Water, Agriculture/Forestry, Natural Hazards, Fisheries, and Mid-Term Research, Development & Innovation Policies in the Pacific. The interactive conference will include: 1) Presentations of funding opportunities for the Pacific with networking possibilities, 2) Thematic workshops on the climate change topics and the research development & innovation policies in the Pacific, 3) High level policy dialogue to discuss the priority research, innovation, and development issues from the workshops in view of the interaction between the S&T Community, EC directorates, the EU-external action services, EIB, and further funding organizations.
Read more
PACE-Net Key Stakeholder Conference, Brussels, 20–23 March 2012: Strengthening Pacific-European Collaboration in Research, Development, and Innovation
The PACE-Net Project and the Ministry of Sciences and Economic Affairs - Saxony - Anhalt organise the PACE-Net Key Stakeholder Conference in Brussels, 20-23.03.2012.
The event’s topic is: Climate Change: in relation to Water, Agriculture/Forestry, Natural Hazards, Fisheries, and Mid-Term Research, Development & Innovation Policies in the Pacific. The interactive conference will include: 1) Presentations of funding opportunities for the Pacific with networking possibilities, 2) Thematic workshops on the climate change topics and the research development & innovation policies in the Pacific, 3) High level policy dialogue to discuss the priority research, innovation, and development issues from the workshops in view of the interaction between the S&T Community, EC directorates, the EU-external action services, EIB, and further funding organizations.
Read more
13 February 2011
The conference 'Destination Europe: Your Research and Innovation Opportunities' took place on 20 January 2012 in Cambridge, Massachusetts (USA). The conference was 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 has promoted 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.
More information
Conference programme
Destination Europe page
The conference 'Destination Europe: Your Research and Innovation Opportunities' took place on 20 January 2012 in Cambridge, Massachusetts (USA). The conference was 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 has promoted 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.
More information
Conference programme
Destination Europe page
10 February 2012
The Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) is Europe’s largest general science meeting and is held in a leading Europe city every two years. ESOF 2012 will be hosted in Dublin, Ireland on 11-15 July, 2012. ESOF is an interdisciplinary, pan-European meeting, which showcases the latest advances in science and technology; promotes a dialogue on the role of science and technology in society and public policy; and stimulates and provokes public interest, excitement and debate about science and technology. Read more
The Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) is Europe’s largest general science meeting and is held in a leading Europe city every two years. ESOF 2012 will be hosted in Dublin, Ireland on 11-15 July, 2012. ESOF is an interdisciplinary, pan-European meeting, which showcases the latest advances in science and technology; promotes a dialogue on the role of science and technology in society and public policy; and stimulates and provokes public interest, excitement and debate about science and technology. Read more
10 February 2012
The European Commission and the Indian Government have today signed a Joint Declaration on Research and Innovation Cooperation. Declaration provides an opportunity to step up relations between Europe and India towards an "Indo-European Research and Innovation Partnership". The Declaration was signed at the EU-India Summit in New Delhi by the Commissioner for Trade Karel de Gucht and by Mr. Ashwani Kumar, Minister of State for Science & Technology. At today's Summit between India and Europe in Dehli, EU President Barroso, European Council President Van Rompuy, the Indian Prime Minister, Singh and the Indian Minister of State for Science and Technology, Kumar, all recognised the progress made in EU-India cooperation in research and innovation.
As Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, said: "This joint declaration will boost an Indo-European alliance for research and innovation. We have great potential to make our joint research efforts more effective, in order to promote the innovation needed to tackle societal challenges we all face, such as food security and climate change. Research and innovation are also proven investments in growth and jobs in this difficult period for the global economy."
Click here to read the declaration. Click here for the News Alert.
The European Commission and the Indian Government have today signed a Joint Declaration on Research and Innovation Cooperation. Declaration provides an opportunity to step up relations between Europe and India towards an "Indo-European Research and Innovation Partnership". The Declaration was signed at the EU-India Summit in New Delhi by the Commissioner for Trade Karel de Gucht and by Mr. Ashwani Kumar, Minister of State for Science & Technology. At today's Summit between India and Europe in Dehli, EU President Barroso, European Council President Van Rompuy, the Indian Prime Minister, Singh and the Indian Minister of State for Science and Technology, Kumar, all recognised the progress made in EU-India cooperation in research and innovation.
As Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, said: "This joint declaration will boost an Indo-European alliance for research and innovation. We have great potential to make our joint research efforts more effective, in order to promote the innovation needed to tackle societal challenges we all face, such as food security and climate change. Research and innovation are also proven investments in growth and jobs in this difficult period for the global economy."
Click here to read the declaration. Click here for the News Alert.
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
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
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