Posted: June 29, 2007

Pilot scheme to bring European and Australian researchers closer together

(Nanowerk News) COST (European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research) expanded its geographic reach today by announcing a new pilot scheme to bring European and Australian researchers closer together. The new scheme provides for up to twenty travel grants of approximately EUR 2 500 each to supplement travel and subsistence expenses for European scientists travelling to Australia, and for Australian scientists travelling to Europe.
Starting on 1 July 2007 with an initial two-year pilot phase, the scheme focuses on five priority areas: medical and health research; agriculture; biotechnology and food; nanotechnology; information and communications technology; and environment and climate change.
“This scheme is a pragmatic and valuable initiative. Global scientific research still faces practical barriers, such as a lack of funding for travel, that inhibit scientists and engineers from effective participation. “This agreement helps to alleviate some of those barriers and provides opportunities for people-to-people cooperation, which we know is essential to the success of global engagement in science”, says Prof Sue Serjeantson, Executive Secretary, Australian Academy of Science.
COST Office Director Dr Martin Grabert adds, “I am delighted that COST’s relationship with Australia has been strengthened by this arrangement. This scheme will further enable European and Australian scientists to join forces, maximise synergies and fully exploit the huge potential that international scientific exchange offers.”
A press package including an implementation manual for researchers and background information is available on the COST Website.
Source: COST