Calling all academics interested in pursuing international research collaborations.
The Horizon 2020 programme, an initiative of the European Union, provides academics with a wide range of research funding options in order to enhance South African and European Union cooperation in science, technology and innovation.
Recently CPUT hosted a delegation from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), who is administering the programme in South Africa.
The visit saw the delegation brief academics from the four higher education institutions on the available funding programmes.
Deputy Director of Strategic Partnerships at the DST, Toto Mathediso, says a total of 80 billion euros has been set aside for the programme, which commenced in 2014 and will run up until 2020.
“Horizon 2020 is not a developmental aid programme. It is also not a bilateral cooperation programme,” he says.
“It is a programme focused on global challenges and is open to international collaboration.”
Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships at the DST Tiyani Chauke, says there are various programmes offered under the Horizon 2020 banner.
Each programme promotes reciprocal European participation in South African programmes and also encourages the development of new joint ventures between participating countries.
For example, academics can participate in the Eureka programme, it aims to encourage innovation by acquiring the research results to be in the form of a marketable product, process or service.
Other programmes focus on specific research areas such as safety and environment and concerns about livelihood.
Director of the Office of International Affairs, Merle Hodges, who hosted the DST, encouraged CPUT staff members to explore the available opportunities.
For more information see www.esastap.org.za
