Greek government welcomes launch of new CORDIS Greek R&D information service
The launch of the new CORDIS Greek R&D information service on 17 December is a step towards creating the European research area (ERA), according to Greek General Secretary for research and technology, from the Ministry of Development, Dimitris Deniozos. Developed jointly by CORDIS, the European Commission's research and development information service, and the Greek national documentation centre (EKT), the main national organisation for research and innovation assistance, the service provides a comprehensive picture of Greek innovation related policies, infrastructures, services and initiatives. It introduces the Greek research system, directed by the General Secretariat for research and technology and sustained by leading universities and businesses. Users will be given an insight into political priorities and programmes, review key figures and indicators, as well as being able to locate contacts in relevant official bodies and national or local organisations. One of the main ideas behind the launch of the service on CORDIS was to provide non-Greeks with information on Greek research activities, Mr Deniozos told CORDIS News. The service is part of a gateway project, which aims to raise awareness of, and facilitate access to, research and development (R&D) information in each Member State as well as to support the formation of the European research area (ERA). It will be used as the basis for a specialised Research Council Presidency service in the first half of 2003 (1 January to 31 July), when Greece will take up the rotating Presidency of the European Union. The service is also a precursor to the opening up of Greece's national programmes, which is expected to be implemented in spring 2002, along with a call for proposals in Greek and English, following a decision from the Competition DG. 'We are very keen to open the Greek system to other researchers and to create some transparency of the Greek research activities,' Mr Deniozos told CORDIS News. The new CORDIS site offers in-depth coverage of Greece's participation in European projects, including a selection of more than 800 projects involving Greek organisations. Detailed information is available on Greek participation in current and former programmes and the service also provides information on the Greek position on current debates relating to the future of European research. Announcements of forthcoming events, interviews and news are accessible to keep track of both national and European activities. The service is available in English and, for the first time, in Greek. It will prove useful for local stakeholders and innovation actors seeking Greek technology information and counterparts.
Countries
Greece