FYI

>EU to open projects to developing country scientists
>
>The funds will allow scientists in developing
>countries to collaborate on existing European projects
>
>3 March 2006 - Source: SciDev.Net
>
>The European Commission (EC) is providing 20
>million euros (US$24 million) to allow
>scientists in developing countries to join existing European projects.
>
>The EC announced the 'top-up' funds last month (15 February).
>
>It is intended to address poor participation by
>'third countries' in projects funded by the EU's
>Sixth Framework Programme for Research and
>Technological Development.
>
>Eligible nations include those in Africa, Asia,
>Latin America and the Mediterranean and island
>states in the Caribbean and Pacific.
>
>András Siegler, director for international
>cooperation in the EC Research Directorate says
>it is the first time funds have been
>allocated specifically for scientists from such
>countries to participate in European research projects.
>
>"We are trying to encourage European Union
>researchers to see the value of working with
>third countries," he told SciDev.Net. "The
>topics are of mutual interest to Europe and the third countries."
>
>The EC invites young or experienced scientists
>from both the public and private sector to join
>ongoing projects in priority areas, such as
>biotechnology for health, which are listed on a
>dedicated website (see links, below).
>
>Also listed online are contact details for the
>coordinators of over 3,000 eligible projects,
>who must apply for the funding on behalf of the third-country researchers.
>
>Daan du Toit from the South African government's
>Department of Science and Technology points out
>that the critical factor for researchers will be
>convincing the coordinators to choose them to join projects.
>
>"In South Africa, we are very enthusiastic about
>the top-up call," says du Toit. "We are making a
>big effort to help South African researchers make use of the opportunity."
>
>Participants in projects funded do not need to move to Europe, he points out.
>
> One of the reasons the Sixth Framework
> Programme is very attractive to countries such
> as South Africa is that it enables our researchers
>to engage in top-class international research
>and development while remaining in South Africa, thus building local capacity."
Nearby Fri Mar 10 23:57:10 2006