On 11 June in Goethe Institute Georgia was held a workshop for PHD and Post-Doctoral students, as well for young scientists who are interested in conducting research activities in Germany and research funding opportunities.  Guests were greeted by Doctor Irine Darchia and deputy director of Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation, Manana Mikaberidze. The meeting was addressed by representative of German Academic Exchange Service in Tbilisi, Dr. Martin Praxenthaler, Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation Department of Grants and Programs Management Evaluation and Analysis head, Giorgi Khishtovani; Technical University of Georgia, Dr.Ketevan Kotetishvili; Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, deputy rector Ioseb Salukvadze;  Grigol robakidze University vice-rector Giorgi Glonti; Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, professor Dimitri Khoshtaria.

American Mathematical Society added Georgian journal “Transactions of A. Razmadze Mathematical Institute” (of A. Razmadze Mathematical Institute, Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University) in their indexed electronic database MathSciNet .   Foundation congratulates Professor Vakhtang Kokilashvili and scientists of A. Razmadze Mathematical Institute on the successful accomplishment.  

On 7 June, 16:00 at Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation was held meeting of minister of Education and Science of Georgia, MR. Aleksandre Jejelava and Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) Vice President, MR. Tony Lester with Georgian scientists. Meeting was dedicated to collaboration between SRNSF and ORAU. During the meeting parties also discussed future perspectives of collaboration and emphasized that successful partnership between SRNSF and ORAU is a guarantee of fair evaluation and selection of high quality research projects.  Minister of Education and Science of Georgia greeted Georgian Scientists and expressed deep gratitude for their distinctive contribution in the process of development of Georgia. After the presentation of ORAU’s Vice President, MR. Tony Lester, Director General of SNRSF, DR. Marine Chitashvili encouraged scientists to actively cooperate and share their opinions and remarks with SNRSF. Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) is a scientific and technical decision maker, which provides for its clients specialized peer reviews and unique laboratory opportunities also access to more than 100 research universities with the aim of scientific, educational and work force development as well to strengthen the national security and securing environment and public health. ORAU’s partners are: United States of America, departments of energy, defense and justice, NASA, USA National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health etc. Memorandum of Understanding between Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) and Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation (SRNSF) in Research cooperation was signed in February 2016.  The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding is to promote and strengthen cooperation between the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) and Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation (SRNSF), to increase the understanding and awareness of two institutions with regards to current and forthcoming policy approaches in the area of research policy.  Memorandum is based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit, it is in the common interest of both institutions to exchange information, experiences and views with regards to their activity areas, such as research funding, research evaluation, international research cooperation, and science communication. 

LEPL - Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundaiton (SRNF) is pleased to announce the scientific prize for outstanding achievements and participations in the field of science and Technologies . The call “scientific prize for outstanding scientists/groups of scientists” announced by LEPL - Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation aims to encourage the involvement of Georgian and international researchers in the field of science and technology. Also to acknowledge an exceptional contributions in Georgian Studies and to promote science in Georgia.   The prize awarded for the outstanding achievements and participations in the field of science and technologies will be :   The prize will be awarded in accordance with 4 categories of scientific classificatory of SRNSF (Equal to the EUROSTAT/OECD classificatory) Exact and Natural sciences; Engineering and technology; Medical and health sciences; Agricultural sciences; Social sciences; Humanities; Georgian studies.   Single prize will be awarded in one category . The call stipulates unitary awarding for scientist/research group. Call will award SRNSF prizes in the following categories: A) 2016 Outstanding foreign national scientist in Georgian studies. (Priority is given to Rustvelology) B) 2016 Outstanding young scientist. C) 2016 Outstanding scientist. D) 2016 Outstanding research group.   The prize categories of the call is open to the following subjects:   For the prize category “2016 Outstanding foreign national scientist in Georgian studies” foreign national researcher in the field of Georgian studies with the PhD academic degree (or the equal academic degree) is eligible to apply.   For the prize category “2016 Outstanding young scientist” Georgian citizen with the PhD academic degree (or equal academic degree), actively involved in scientific research field who has reached the age no more than 35 before the end date of call application submission is eligible to apply.   For the prize category “2016 Outstanding scientist” Georgian citizen with the PhD academic degree (or equal academic degree), actively involved in scientific research field is eligible to apply.   For the prize category “2016 Outstanding scientific research group” a group consisting no less than 3 Georgian citizens with the PhD or/and Masters academic degree (or equal academic degree), also foreign national scientists actively involved in scientific research field is eligible to apply. The scanned and signed call application form (Annex 2) with all the additional documentation must be submitted in PDF format via email to the following email address: rp@rustaveli.org.ge. Application submission deadline 18:00, August 5, 2016.   Candidates must submit documentation in Georgian language. Candidates applying for the prize category “2016 Outstanding foreign national scientist in Georgian studies” must submit documentation in English language.    Decree of SRNSF Director General Call conditions Georgian / English Application for participation in the call Georgian / English CV of applicant Georgian / English Summary of activities in the relevant scientific field Georgian / English  Intructions for application   Georgian/ English   The program coordinator: Maka Kajaia Phone: + (995 32) 2 200 220 (extension 44 09)

Participation of scientists of Georgia in the Brokerage Events organized in EU Countries. (Scientific fields: sustainable agriculture; Resource efficiency in relation to water/Water management; Applied Chemistry and Smart Materials). Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation participates in the EU Research and Innovation Framework Program (Horizon 2020) Grant project: facilitation of cooperation between EU and Black Sea countries in the fields of Science, technologies and Innovation (Black Sea Horizon). One of the task of the project is to support Georgian Scientists to participate in EU countries’ Brokerage Events. Selected scientific fields are: sustainable agriculture; Resource efficiency in relation to water/Water management; Applied Chemistry and Smart Materials. Such events provide an excellent arena for researchers to get to know with European counterparts and lay foundation for future joint projects. (Especially in the framework of Horizon 2020). Following documentation should be submitted :   Application Form  and  CV with full list of publications, patents, conference presentations, international experience etc). Proof of average knowledge of English or/and scanned version of 2 scientific publications in English . The deadline for submitting the documentation is 1 July, 2016, 16:00. Documentation should be submitted to the following E-mail: bakradze@rustaveli.org.ge In accordance to European partners’ guidelines, Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation will evaluate submitted project proposals and will prepare list of proposals, which will be sent to the Black Sea Horizon’s coordinator and to the leading organization of project’s task, they will make the final decision about the participation of Georgian scientists in the Brokerage Events.   The Grant should not exceed 1,000 Euros. The Grants will be paid by the Regional Centre for Information and Scientific Development (RCISD) in the form of reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs (flight ticket and accommodation) and visa costs (registration fee and other costs  are not covered by project budget) following the events. If the cost of participation exceeds this amount, the additional cost must be covered by the Grant recipient. The reimbursement of costs will be effected by bank transfer, upon receipt of the invoice issued by the grantee’s organization.   For detailed information about the Grant Scheme and related documentation please visit the following link: https://blacksea-horizon.eu/object/call/522 Please get in touch with the Local Partner in your country for any questions regarding the eligibility criteria and the application process.  

Electronic scientific journal in English language, ‘ Transactions of A. Razmadze Mathematical Institute ’, A. Razmadze Mathematical Institute of Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, was published at the world’s largest electronic database of ‘ELSEVIER’.   Based on the agreement between the world’s largest electronic publisher ELSEVIER and Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation, ELSEVIER selected two Georgian scientific journals in English language to publish in its database in 2015: ‘Transactions of A. Razmadze Mathematical Institute’ and ‘Annals of Agrarian Science’ of Agricultural University of Georgia.   Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation, during four years, will gradually pay 432 667 euros for this service.

On May 30, 2016 EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme Horizon 2020 information day and NCP workshop took place in Georgia, Tbilisi. The event hosted wide range of participants and speakers from the European Commission, EU Delegation to Georgia, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, European Investment Bank InnovFin programme, National contact points from Georgia as well as from the Horizon 2020 associated countries. Scientists and innovators form Georgia, representatives of various research institutions, universities and SMEs attended the information day.  Presented topics covered an overview of the Horizon 2020 opportunities, practical information on effective participation into the programme.  Activities and challenges of the Georgia’s NCP network were discussed and recommendations about the enhancement of the NCP network were provided by the guest speakers. Potential applicants and interests stakeholders were provided with some practical information by local and international successful grant holders. The event was addressed to the national policy level on the role and importance of the NCP system for an increased participation in Horizon 2020.  Interactive sessions and lively discussions at the information day and NCP workshop clearly depicted the interest of Georgia’s researchers in the priorities, topics, calls, participation related information of the EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme Horizon 2020.      Presenters and their presentations: Mr. Stephen Sadler  The EU Framework Programme  for Research and Innovation Ms. Teodora Balau  Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Opportunities for Organisations and Individual Researchers Ms. Teodora Balau  Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) How to Submit Proposal (SEP) Ms. Teodora Balau  Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)    Practical information to support applications Dr. Alice Rajewsky European Research Council  (ERC): An opportunity for  researchers in Europe and Georgia Mr. Marc D’hooge InnovFin – EU Finance for Innovators at a glance              Ms. Natia Gabitashvili Horizon 2020 Georgia- Facts & Data Ms. Stella Shapoval Setting up an effective NCP Network Ms. Małgorzata Kapica Support for beneficiaries of Horizon 2020 Ms. Anastasia Vlyzioti Lessons learnt from the IncoNet EaP  Support NCPs Dr. Nana Macharashvili WOSCAP (Whole of Society Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding) Ms. Natalia Shatirishvili Horizon 2020 NCP in Energy, recommendations for potential applicants Mr. Givi Kochoradze  Examples of Successful Participation of Georgian Scientists in EC Framework;Programs and Perspectives of Future Cooperation  Mr. Zurab Kighuradze   Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Ms. Maia Okujava  Horizon 2020 NCP in Health, recommendations for potential applicants Mr. Boka Tabatadze  SME instrument/Innovation in SMEs/new opportunities for Georgia SMEs in Horizon 2020 Ms. Mariam Lashkhi HORIZON 2020-Opportunities for Innovators        

On 31 May, 2016 workshop was held at Ministry of education and science about Georgia’s association with Horizon 2020, the EU's framework programme for research and innovation, the event was organized by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation. The purpose of the workshop was to discuss the practical aspects of participation in the program Horizon 2020 by Georgian scientists with policy maker institutes and organizations in the field of technology and innovation. The event was attended by representatives of EU Research and Innovation directorate, which are directly involved in the developing of collaboration with Eastern Partnership countries. During the workshop the following topics were discussed: priorities of EU's framework programme for research and innovation, ongoing and planned calls, network of national contact points and mechanisms of its improvement, information about submitting project proposal, financial regulations, and individual programs such as: Marie Skladowska Curie Action, funding opportunities in the framework of European Research Council (ERC). It should be noted that representatives of the European commission expressed recommendations about specific steps that must be taken by the state to support Georgia’s integration in the horizon 2020 and effective use of the program by the Georgian scientists. The event was also attended by Georgia’s horizon 2020 national contact points and representatives of Ministry of education and science of Georgia and Georgia’s innovation and technologies agency (GITA). During the workshop representatives of Horizon 2020 associated countries made presentations about their countries participation in the EU's framework programme for research and innovation: they discussed the challenges their countries faced during the first phase of the association with Horizon 2020.  Workshop was held in the framework of EU's framework programme for research and technological development (FP7) funded project ‘Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries science, technologies and innovation international collaboration network’- IncoNet Eap.   Presenters and their presentations:   Mr. Stephen Sadler  The EU Framework Programme  for Research and Innovation Dr. Klaus Schuch Horizon 2020: Within the  European Research Area Dr. Klaus Schuch Learning Cycle For The Participation Dr. Alice Xenia Rajewsky   European Research Council  (ERC): An opportunity for  researchers in Europe   and  Georgia;  EU-H2020-Association Workshop         Ms. Teodora Balau Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)-Opportunities for Organisations and    Individual Researchers Ms. Teodora Balau  Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)    Practical information to support applications Ms. Małgorzata Kapica National and International systems  for supporting research and innovation in poland Ms. Małgorzata Kapica NCP system in Poland support for beneficiaries of Horizon 2020 Ms.  Stella  Shapoval  Horizon 2020;  Association Workshop For Georgia Dr. Lidia Romanciuc EURAXESS Moldova; Researchers in Motion Dr. Lidia Romanciuc  H2020 Associated Country Status Implemenation: Experience of Moldova Mr.  Victor Nedovic   European Research Area and Opportunities for Associated Countries: Sharing the  experience of Serbia Ms. Anastasia Vlyzioti Towards a successful Association:   IncoNet  EaP`s contribution Mr. Paata Imnadze Why should organizations participate in H2020? Mr. Boka Tabatadze SME instrument/Innovation in SMEs/new opportunities for Georgia SMEs in Horizon 2020    

On May 23-24, Deputy Director General of SRBSF, Manana Mikaberidze and Head of International Relation and Fundraising Office, Mariam Keburia attended 20 Th meeting of ERC National Contact Points in Brussels, Belgium. Purpose of the meeting was to get an information about ERC program and share the experience. Representatives of SRNSF were actively involved in discussions and in the process of information sharing. Meeting was attended by ERC national contact points from other countries as well as EU member countries and associated countries, which gave opportunity to make acquaintances with NCPs and exchange useful information.

Minister of education and science of Georgia, Tamar Sanikidze, Deputy Minister Giorgi Sharhvashidze and General Director of Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation Marine Chitashvili visited Federal Republic of Germany. Agreement was signed between Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation, Ministry of education and Science of Georgia and Jülich Research Centre. Purpose of the meetings was to discuss future perspectives of Georgian-German scientific bridge, deepening of current collaboration and supporting Georgian scientists who work abroad to come back to Georgia. Georgian delegation held meetings with Minister of education and research of Germany and Minister of economic development of Germany, as well as with Georgian scientists and students. Meetings were held also with SMART|EDM_lab and AACHEN University.