Empowering EU-Mexico research links
The Access4EU initiative helps countries beyond the EU to cooperate with the bloc on research and technology. Under this framework, the EU-funded project 'Promoting high-quality research opportunities for European researchers in Mexico' (Access2mexcyt) sought to enhance such collaboration with one of the world's largest economies. The project informed Mexican researchers about funding opportunities, produced useful knowledge for the European Research Area (ERA) and encouraged mobility of experts between the EU and Mexico. It mapped Mexican research funding programmes open to Europeans and students, outlining as well bilateral agreements between both regions' institutions and/or government agencies. Access2mexcyt also produced a report on the science and technology system in Mexico, as well as on relevant publications. This was followed by an intensive campaign to disseminate the project's findings, particularly with respect to opening the country's energy sector (hydrocarbons). Through its wealth of knowledge and results, the project also encouraged Europeans to participate in a variety of research programmes in Mexico. This initiative was supported by three ambitious dissemination events in Europe and a brokerage event in Mexico to bring stakeholders together. It liaised with other Access4EU projects and built a framework for mutual benefits as a result of strengthening the research and technology bonds between two major world powers.