A new step towards integration of Georgian Science - Ministry of Education prepares to join EURAXESS

The Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia - Mikheil Batiashvili and the Director General of Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia - Zviad Gabisonia held a presentation - "New step towards integration in European scientific space" by joining EURAXESS.

“In September Georgia will join the European Scientific Space - EURAXESS. This means that any Georgian scientist and institution will have direct access to more than 15,000 organizations and will have the opportunity to take advantage of the multifaceted opportunities available in the European scientific space. Georgia has met all the requirements and standards required by EURAXESS, and today we can proudly say that the process of integration of Georgian science into the European space has begun. EURAXESS research projects spend several billion dollars annually. All this will already be open to Georgian scientists and institutions.” said Georgian Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport - Mikheil Batiashvili.

It should be noted that the Declaration of Understanding between the European Commission and Georgia has already been signed. Declaration of Commitment and the signing of the document by the parties is scheduled in September 2019 in Brussels.

Intensive preparations for Georgia's accession to EURAXESS have started in October 2018. On December 27, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia applied to join Georgia in 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; Beginning of July - the period of preparation for the grant agreement. In September 2019, the Declaration of Commitment will be signed by both parties.

The project is funded by the European Union.

Joining EURAXESS will provide Georgia with new opportunities and prospects for its scientific development and science management. Georgia will become a new hub for scientific research.

Also, joining the pan-European program - 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 increase; Foreign students and researchers interested in studying at Georgian universities will increase.

By joining EURAXESS for the first time in Georgian history, the Georgian organization will be the direct beneficiary and coordinator of Horizon 2020;

✓ 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.

EURAXESS's mission is to promote the international mobility and career development of scientists. At present, EURAXESS incorporates 40 countries, both European and technologically advanced countries of the world - Japan, Israel and others.