Widening European access to Russian research funding
Russia is the largest state bordering the EU and is well known for its excellent scientific, technological and educational environment. For this reason, efforts have been made to enhance EU–Russia research by means of a number of agreements supporting such research collaboration. However, in order to improve these jointly established programmes, the strategic cooperation between the EU and the Russian Federation needs upgrading. The EU-funded ACCESSRU project was established to achieve this objective. The project's overall goal was to stimulate research cooperation between Europe and the Russian Federation. In addition, ACCESSRU aimed to give European researchers better access to Russian research and innovation programmes, as well as raise awareness of the opportunities available in this area. First, the project team mapped and analysed the information available on the Russian Federation's research and innovation programmes and research initiatives. Opportunities in Russia available to EU researchers were also identified. By helping EU researchers to secure Russian funding, the ACCESSRU project will help them to participate in Russian research programmes. To better inform European organisations of the opportunities available, project partner Russian Federal Agency for Science and Innovations (Rosnauka) developed several pilot cases and success stories. In addition, bilateral communications and awareness-raising campaigns were crucial to the project's success. Now complete, ACCESSRU outcomes have highlighted opportunities for both European researchers and organisations. S&T cooperation, based on mutual benefit with such third countries, is crucial to the EU's scientific, political and economic objectives.
