The AAS hosts the European Research Council President Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon

Thursday, March 21, 2019

ERC President Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon and European Union Representatives visit Nairobi to champion opportunities for research cooperation between Europe and AfricaToday, representatives of the European Union and European Research Council (ERC) President Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon met with African research and innovation stakeholders at the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) in Nairobi, Kenya, to promote EU-African research cooperation under Horizon 2020, the EU’s research and innovation programme. The meeting took place on 20 March, at which Professor Bourguignon also convened bilaterally with The AAS President Professor Felix Dapare Dakora, sets the stage for new EU-African partnerships in research and innovation, aligning with The AAS’s strategic vision of ‘transforming lives through science.’

The President of the ERC, Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, said:‘I’m very pleased to be back in Africa, this time in Nairobi for this important event, hosted by the African Academy of Sciences. I am impressed by the drive of African scientists, not least the new generation of talent, who I have had the privilege of meeting during my visits to this continent over the past years, in particular at the “Next Einstein Forum”. With the global dimension being part of the European Research Council’s ethos since its launch, it remains essential for us to engage with bright minds worldwide to forge closer ties and encourage scientific exchange. Top researchers from anywhere on the globe can apply for ERC grants in Europe while being able to keep ties with their home institution. The ERC is open to the world!’

Set up by the EU in 2007, the European Research Council is the premier European funding organisation for excellent frontier research. It funds the very best researchers of any nationality and age, at different career stages, to run projects based in Europe. Research teams led by ERC-grantees frequently host non-European scientists and team members can be based outside Europe. Under one of the ERC funding schemes, the Synergy Grants, grantees can even perform their top research outside Europe. The ERC is part of the Horizon 2020 programme and accounts for nearly one fifth of the programme’s €80 billion budget.

Professor Bourguignon’s presence at the event marks the last leg of his visit to Kenya, where he has attended the Next Einstein Forum Steering Committee meeting in Nairobi; a platform connecting science, society and policy in Africa.Read more ...