EU researchers based in the US have given an outstanding "yes" to the creation of a network for them and about them. Following a survey of researchers from EU countries working in the US, carried out by the European Commission, over 90% of the 2000 respondents said that they wanted closer research links with Europe. The European Commission has therefore agreed to develop a networking and information tool called ERA-Link, which will be operational by the end of the year. ERA-Link will give European researchers working in the US access to information about career and research funding opportunities in Europe, as well as possibilities for collaborative work with EU laboratories, student exchanges and visiting professorships. It will also give them the means to contact other European researchers working in the US, and organise regular meetings amongst themselves.
Janez Potocnik, European Commissioner for Science and Research said "Allowing researchers the chance to work abroad is important for keeping a flow of ideas within our science community. ERA-Link will provide European scientists in the US with a means of keeping in touch, and perhaps returning in the future. It will also help to forge closer links between the European and US research communities, which can only be positive."
The survey of European researchers in 49 of the 50 American states, and working in both the public and private sector showed that their greatest interest was information on research funding in Europe, followed by information on career opportunities. There was a general expression of willingness to be more involved in and to contribute to European research in the future. They were also keen to have opportunities to contact other European researchers in the US.
The initiative was unveiled today at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Conference in Washington. This year sees the greatest involvement yet of EU Research in this annual event, with
'"/>
Contact: Maeve O'Beirne
maeve.obeirne@cec.eu.int
202-862-9549
European Commission's Research Directorate-General
18-Feb-2005
Page: 1 2 Related biology news :1.
Innovative tagging technique may help researchers better protect fish stocks2.
Penn researchers discover how key protein stops inflammation3.
ASU researchers partner with UOP to make biofuel for military jets a reality4.
Einstein researchers prototype vaccine could provide improved protection against tuberculosis5.
Penn researchers discover pathway that eliminates genetic defects in red blood cells6.
U-M researchers find family of on switches that cause prostate cancer7.
2007 EURYI: 20 young researchers to receive Nobel Prize-sized awards for breakthrough ideas8.
Pets could be source of multiresistant bacteria infections in humans, MU researchers investigate9.
MGH researchers confirm that bone marrow restores fertility in female mice10.
Smithsonians National Zoo researchers use electronic eggs to help save threatened species11.
U-M researchers identify gene involved in breast cancer