Zviad Gabisonia: Georgian science will gain access to a budget of approximately up to 100 billion

Georgia has officially become a member of EURAXESS, the intergovernmental organization for research and innovation of the European Union. The relevant document was signed in Brussels by Mikheil Batiashvili, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia; Zviad Gabisonia, Director of the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia; and Patrick Child, Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission.

Zviad Gabisonia, Director of the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia, believes that today is a momentous day for Georgian science:

“We have practically completed the procedure for joining EURAXESS and signed the declaration of accession. This is the beginning of a very major and important endeavor. In the coming days, this will be followed by the establishment of ‘EURAXESS Georgia’. Furthermore, the opportunity has already emerged for Georgian scientists and research institutions to participate in numerous vital projects. This applies to virtually all higher education institutions and research institutes. Georgian science will gain access to a budget of approximately 100 billion.”

“In addition, the opportunity has arisen to participate in EU research projects. We are talking not only about ‘Horizon 2020’ projects, but also about individual countries' domestic grant projects, which previously seemed like an unattainable and extremely difficult task. Once ‘EURAXESS Georgia’ is established and the relevant platform is created, we will have direct access to these EU projects,” stated Zviad Gabisonia following the signing ceremony.