Science and technology cooperation with countries of the Mediterranean Basin (Avicenne Initiative)
In the context of science and technology cooperation with Maghreb and the countries of the Mediterranean Basin, the Commission of the European Communities is launching several preparatory actions to explore the possibilities of cooperation in the two areas of environmental protection and health. Research may include: - Organic and inorganic pollutants and their effect on the environment and the evaluation of risk to human health; - Clean technology and treatment or utilization of waste, substitution of dangerous substances, reduction of emissions; - Desertification in Mediterranean zones, extent and dynamics, regional impact and control; - Improvement and conservation of water resources, desalination, water resources prospection; - Prevention and control of predominant diseases, diarrhoea and leismaniasis; - Development and circulation of scientific and technical information and promotion of cooperation between universities and enterprises in Member States and the Mediterranean Third Countries in the priority areas retained. The call is open to all persons, organizations and research institutes established in the Member States and in the Mediterranean Third Countries concerned: Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Malta, Syria, Turkey and Tunisia. Proposals are invited for one or a combination of the following actions: - Joint research projects associating organizations and private and public enterprises of the European Community with those of the Mediterranean Third Countries in the areas specified above. - Scientific mobility through the award of post doctoral fellowships to scientists from the Third Countries in the areas specified. The joint projects will be the subject of shared-cost research and technological development contracts. The Community financial contribution will not normally exceed 50% of total costs (though a higher rate might be contributed to developing country partners, especially for research equipment required by the project). In the case of universities and the research centres established in the Community and of all institutions established in developing countries, the Community may contribute up to 100% of additional costs. Shared-cost actions should as a general rule be carried out by partners established in the Community and by at least two participants in different Mediterranean Third Countries. Proposal forms may be obtained from delegations of the European Communities in the non-Community Mediterranean countries and from: Commission of the European Communities Directorate-General for Science, Research and Development (DG XII\G-4) "Scientific and Technological Cooperation with Developing Countries" Avicenne Initiative 75 rue Montoyer B-1040 Brussels Tel. +32-2-2358389; Fax +32-2-2363308; Telex COMEUB 21877