With support of the tool for institutional building managed by the European Commission, Prof. Marja Makarow  visited Georgia, Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation. As part of her visit, Prof. Makarow aims to get acquainted with the Georgian STI system, with particular focus on Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation’s activities, its programmes and targeted initiatives. After several missions to Georgia, Prof. Marja Makarow will develop recommendations on how to improve science management system in Georgia. On January 11, an introductory meeting took place at SRNSF with participation of Georgian research centers and state universities. Parties exchanged information on current situation in Georgian research institutions and universities.  

SRNSF carries out public presentation series of projects funded under the call for proposals for Travel Grants 2016. Grant winners, after returning from a trip, will share with the attending audience news in science. In order to share achievements and research results among scientists and integrate academic circles, presentations will be held in different universities.  Presentations are free to attend for anyone who is interested. Schedule of presentations: Georgian Technical University Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

The SRNSF is pleased to endorse a new resource for Postgraduate Research Fellowships in the United States through our partnership with Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU).  ORAU is a large provider of credible opportunities to conduct postgraduate research at almost 300 research facilities in the U.S. and around the world.  ORAU’s opportunity search engine “Zintellect!” allows you will be able to access information for hundreds of opportunities and the corresponding applications offered through ORAU.  Access Zintellect! online at  www.zintellect.com

Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation team is wishing you a happy holiday season and a prosperous year ahead!

The Parliament of Georgia has ratified the Horizon 2020 program Association Agreement resulting in Georgia becoming a full-fledged Horizon 2020 Program associated country. With the effort of the Georgian government, prior to the agreement ratification, the Georgian participants could only participate as a temporary associated country status member in the program. The associated country status gives the Georgian scientists and innovators, as well as the Georgian-based legal entities such as (universities, research institutions, small and medium enterprises, research-oriented agencies, non-governmental organizations, business companies, foundations, government agencies, etc.) the right to the same conditions and the rights, which the European member states exercise. In case of victory in Horizon 2020 competition, the Georgian research and innovation organizations will be able to obtain hundreds of thousands of euros in grant funding, in conjunction with carrying out research activities in Georgia, host the beginner or experienced researches from around the world, and realize their innovative ideas and plans. The victory in such competition also enables the strengthening of the research centers, which are based in Georgia. The resolution of the Georgian Parliament “between Georgia and the European Union, in EU’s Horizon 2020 Program (2014-2020) participation” regarding the agreement ratification.

On 29 November 2016, an event was held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).The event program included  panel discussion -  looking back at MSCA over the past 20 years, overview of MSCA programme since its creation, Ted-style talks by MSCA fellows. Detailed information and videos of the event are available on this link .  

The ERC has announced the awarding of its Consolidator Grants to 314 top researchers in Europe. The funding, worth a total of €605 million, will give them a chance to have far-reaching impact on science and beyond. The grants fall under the 'Excellent Science' pillar of Horizon 2020, the EU's research and innovation program. More information List of Principal Investigators – All domains ERC Consolidator Grants 2016 Outcome: Indicative statistics   Examples of projects    

2016 annual conference “Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation: activities, results and future prospects” took place at Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel on December 19. SRNSF presented results of its national and joint 2016 programs/calls, activities related to multilateral programs, problems and challenges faced during project implementations, call evaluation procedures and criteria, report on Georgian scientists’ involvement in international grant programs, Foundation’s plans and future prospects for 2017, etc. Over 200 guests attended the conference, including Deputy Ministers of Education and Science of Georgia, University Rectors, Deputy Rectors and Heads of Departments, Directors of Research Institutions, National Contact Points of International Scientific Agencies as well as target groups involved in science development issues. The conference included four sessions followed by discussions. Visit the following links for the conference presentations: 2016 annual report Call calendar and future development prospect for 2017 2016 programs and project evaluation procedures – amendments and prospects for 2017 Project proposal preparation procedure: challenges, problems, frequent mistakes International Relations IncoNet EaP project outcomes, EaP PLUS tasks GÉANT and Georgia