International cooperation in science and research is central to bolstering and improving Germany’s position in the global arena. To this end, the Federal Government’s High-Tech Strategy and its Strategy for the Internationalisation of Science and Research both provide a basic framework. Strengthening long-term sustainable cooperation with developing countries in the areas of education, research and development is a crucial element of the Internationalisation Strategy.

The following announcement focuses on the initiation and development of strategic partnerships in science and research between German institutions or organisations on one side and institutions from those North African and Middle Eastern countries that are members of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), including Turkey, on the other.

Aim of the announcement is to help elevate the quality of international cooperation with these countries to a new standard and thus contribute actively to the continued development of the UfM.

Based on this announcement, funding is made available for joint initiation, preparation and networking projects in education, research and innovation. Specifically, such funds are to be used for:

- submitting proposals for continuation or follow-up projects under current BMBF or EU funding schemes and programmes, as well as
- establishing and expanding innovation partnerships in the priority areas of the UfM

What is being funded?

BMBF funding programmes: The UfM call aims at supporting joint preparation of projects in the areas of applied research and development as well as education under the current funding programmes of the BMBF.

EU research and innovation programmes: Support is likewise provided for joint preparation of applied research projects on thematic priorities of the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7), the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) as well as other pertinent EU research and innovation programmes.

Also supported are the creation and expansion of innovation partnerships in EU thematic priority areas for the Mediterranean (de-pollution of the Mediterranean Sea, maritime and overland highways, civil protection, alternative energy and the Mediterranean solar energy plan, education and research, business development). The same applies for partnerships on natural resource management, marine and maritime research, plus any other UfM-relevant topic.


What are the prerequisites and requirements for funding?

German research institutes, universities and institutions of higher education, small and medium-sized businesses and enterprises, as well as research and innovation networks may all apply for funding. However, to be eligible, such organisations must be in cooperation with at least two institutions from UfM countries in North Africa or the Middle East, including Turkey.

For the preparation of particularly complex projects and innovation partnerships, a maximum of €50,000 may be provided initially. After setup and expansion, innovation partnerships only may qualify for additional funding of up to €30,000 for the preparation of BMBF or EU-projects.

For further information see: http://www.internationales-buero.de/en/4036.php