Scientists from the Republic of Moldova - one more step towards association to FP7

"The number of projects won by research groups from Moldova - during the first two years of Framework Program 7 (FP7) - has already exceeded the similar indicator for 2002-2006 (FP6) and the success rate of projects submitted by participating teams from Moldova is at the same level of EU countries.

This high appreciation belongs to the Head of the European Commission Research Directorate, Dr. Jose Manuel Silva Rodriguez and was made during  the visit to Brussels of President of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Acad. Duca.

The mai goal of the visit was to assess the scientific and technical cooperation between EU and Republic of Moldova and prepare for the next, decisive stage - fully-fledged association of local scientists to the great family of the EU scientific community.

Parties agreed to take the steps necessary to sign the 2010 Memorandum of Understanding on the association of Moldova to FP7, so that from January 1, 2011, the research entities form our country have the same rights as similar institutions in EU, which will become a huge advantage in developing and modernizing Moldova, especially in the fields of economy and the new technologies.

During discussions between Acad. Duca with Dr. Graham Stroud, director of the Research Executive Agency (the institution which manages the procedures for submission and evaluation of projects under FP7), it was decided to conduct, in September 2010, an expert mission in Moldova. European experts will assist the ASM Board of experts in the acquisition of European standards. Referring to the current performances of Moldova, Dr. Graham Stroud  has appreciated  "EXPERT online" implemented by ASM, and the new applications  for national call for proposals.

Another result of this visit was that Moldovan scientists will benefit from information and research infrastructure of the EU Joint Research Centre.

Source: www.asm.md