Georgia Officially Becomes Member of EURAXESS
Georgia has officially become a member of EURAXESS, a unique pan-European initiative delivering information and support services to professional researchers, backed by the European Union, member states and associated countries.
The relevant document was signed in Brussels by the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, Mikheil Batiashvili, the Director of the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation, Zviad Gabisonia, and the Deputy Director General in DG RTD Research and Innovation at the European Commission, Patrick Child.
Minister Batiashvili said that significant support from the EU has again been reaffirmed by signing the document of Georgia’s accession to EURAXESS.
“All this will enable all scientists and research institutions working in Georgia to enjoy the same benefits that EU member states enjoy. This is a truly unique opportunity - almost every European science foundation and resources will be available to Georgian scientists. In fact, Georgian science has become a member of the European scientific family,” the Minister said.
Gabisonia underlined the importance and benefits of Georgia’s joining the EURAXESS, with the signing of the declaration to be followed by the establishment of EURAXESS Georgia in the coming days. He noted that Georgian science will have access to about $100 billion budgets.
“In addition, there is an opportunity to participate in EU research projects. This is not only about Horizon 2020 projects, but also about the domestic grant projects of individual countries, which always seemed inaccessible to Georgia. Once an EURAXESS Georgia appropriate platform is established, we will have direct access to these EU projects,” Gabisonia said.
The goal of the EURAXESS Georgia Network Startup project is to start up EURAXESS Georgia, which will operate in harmony with pan-European EURAXESS and support research mobility, career development and international scientific cooperation at a national level.
Georgia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport reports that joining EURAXESS will facilitate Georgia's close integration into the EU's research area. Representatives of Georgia's scientific field will have access to scientific and academic opportunities in Europe and around the world, as well as international cooperation projects with leading universities and research centers.
The pan-European program services will support the academic development and international mobility of Georgian researchers. Joining the program is important for the career development of scientists, for expanding international cooperation between universities and research institutes.
“Pan-European program EURAXESS will unite Georgian and European researchers as a result of Georgia's integration. Opportunities for career growth of Georgian researchers will be up and foreign students and researchers interested in studying at Georgian universities will also increase,” the Ministry reports.
By joining EURAXESS for the first time in Georgian history, the Georgian organization will be the direct beneficiary and coordinator of Horizon 2020.
Also, for the first time, Georgian scientists will have direct access to domestic and international funds and grant competitions in pan-European countries. Joining EURAXESS will help Georgian scientists become involved in commercialized European research and prepare them for Horizon Europe.
Intensive preparations for Georgia's accession to EURAXESS started in October 2018. On December 27, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia applied for Georgia to join EURAXESS. On March 1, 2019, the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation prepared and presented the EURAXESS-Georgia project, which was approved by the European Research and Innovation Program. At the beginning of July, the preparation for the grant agreement was launched.
EURAXESS supports researcher mobility and career development, while enhancing scientific collaboration between Europe and the world. At present, EURAXESS incorporates 40 countries, both European and other technologically advanced countries like Japan, Israel and others.
EURAXESS is also a gateway to Science4Refugees, an initiative helping refugee researchers find suitable jobs in today's challenging research landscape. Part of the initiative is the Science4Refugees Research Buddies, supporting refugee scientists in finding European researchers to discuss problems, find solutions and study together, by matching their research field, scientific studies and interests.
In addition, EURAXESS Worldwide offers users the chance to interact on a global scale. It is a networking tool supporting researchers working outside of Europe who wish to connect or stay connected with Europe.
By Thea Morrison
Image source: mes.gov.ge