[afro-nets] EU to open projects to developing country scientists

[Claudio Schuftan <claudio@hcmc.netnam.vn>]

EU to open projects to developing country scientists
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The funds will allow scientists in developing countries to col-
laborate on existing European projects

Sophie Hebden, 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 coun-
tries' 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 Pa-
cific.

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 coun-
tries."

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 at-
tractive 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."