FRENZ

Facilitating Research Co-operation between Europe and New Zealand

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The FRENZ platform supports the EU-NZ S&T partnership with initiatives to highlight existing S&T co-operation between the EU and New Zealand (NZ); and improve this co-operation by enhancing the quality, quantity, visibility and effectiveness of future actions. Developing a DG RELEX preparatory activity, FRENZ proposes to deliver information and assistance to researchers; and facilitate EU-NZ policy dialogue in jointly defined areas of strategic EU-NZ research importance. A suite of seven highly integrated and interdependent Workpackages is proposed to remove impediments to the integration of the NZ research community in FP7 activities of mutual interest, and achieve the specific objectives of: * Increasing EU-NZ researcher links * Better identifying and demonstrating EU-NZ co-operation * Improving the process of providing information on S&T systems, programmes and funding to promote EU-NZ co-operation, and * Exchanging best practices and exploring prospects for future co-operation Deliverables from each workpackage will impact on the others in a circular process whereby tools and fora determine the basis for policy dialogue; policy dialogue influences those fields of common interest; and fields of common interest require tools and fora to facilitate co-operation. Thus the workpackages seek will deliver: * An integrated ‘one stop shop’ web portal on EU-NZ S&T co-operation - Web site - Email updates * A central ‘Helpdesk’ facility, underpinned by activities on-site in key research organizations across NZ * A series of themed extended workshops (‘sandpits’), allowing interested stakeholders to develop innovative research solutions to key issues of mutual EU-NZ interest * A database of EU-NZ collaborations and mobility, plus indicators of success, to develop a toolkit for collaboration and future bi-lateral EU-NZ activities * A gateway for Europe into the NZ research sector, to facilitate new bi- and multi-lateral engagement.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Research and cooperation between Europe and New Zealand is opening new avenues for progress. Both regions can benefit from valuable exchanges with the other side of the planet.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

A country with unique biodiversity, a robust indigenous culture, advanced environmental awareness and a high standard of living, New Zealand has a lot to offer to Europe. FRENZ, which stands for 'Facilitating research cooperation between Europe and New Zealand', is a platform that supports EU-NZ science and technology partnerships. Several initiatives have been designed to facilitate the integration of New Zealand's research community in the EU's Seventh Framework Programme Seven (FP7), allowing the exchange of best practices between both parties.

FRENZ has already achieved many of its goals. It has developed and updated the FRENZ project website, complete with web-based tools and media. It also constructed the 'Research in New Zealand mobility portal'. Project activities also include publishing a booklet of key projects with New Zealand involvement, building a database of EU researchers in New Zealand and launching the FRENZ helpdesk. The FRENZ database now contains a unique dataset of approximately 900 New Zealand-based European researchers who currently represent an untapped resource for Europe and New Zealand to tap into, facilitating collaboration under FP7.

Several surveys have also been conducted, such as one to analyse the barriers to cooperation and mobility. The most important barrier for New Zealanders seems to be the need to be keeping informed of opportunities and developments within Europe. In this respect, the FRENZ database, website and web-based tools are invaluable.

Another survey was undertaken to identify New Zealand participation in Europe's framework programmes (a report on the latter has already been issued). FRENZ, after all, has seen a substantial increase in New Zealand researchers' interest and involvement from FP6 to FP7.

Institutional visits and training events are on-going, as too active engagement with New Zealand funding agencies. Overall, feedback concerning FRENZ visits and training sessions has been positive.

All of the FRENZ initiatives are leading to a palpable increase in EU-NZ collaboration, building mutual understanding of research systems in Europe and New Zealand. For the EU, such partnerships are invaluable for furthering research and building bridges around the world.