Two awareness seminars on Horizon 2020, the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020) were held in Chittagong and Dhaka on 21-22 April respectively. The two seminars were organised in partnership with Chittagong Independent University and Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). The purpose was to inform the key stakeholders in Bangladesh about multiple opportunities offered by Horizon 2020.At the seminars, Mr. Denis Dambois, EU Regional Counsellor for Research and Innovation, made a presentation on Horizon 2020 and provided the audience with detailed explanation on the ways to benefit from this programme.
At the opening of the seminar held in Dhaka, Ambassador Pierre Mayaudon said,” Bangladeshi scientists and researchers at par with the business community can benefit from EU research programme on several fields relevant for the socio-economic development of the country. This will also provide an excellent opportunity for collaborative research between Bangladesh and EU on numerous areas of mutual interest including in the industrial sector. Horizon 2020 will accompany Bangladesh in climbing the value chain.”
Mr. Gowher Rizvi, the International Affairs Adviser to the Honourable Prime Minister, attended the Dhaka seminar as the Chief Guest. In his speech, Mr. Rizvi welcomed the EU and BIISS initiative in dissemination the possibility of collaborative research projects under Horizon 2020. He is hopeful that Bangladeshi scientists and academics will be able to gain practical benefit from this window of research and innovation.
The two seminars were attended by representatives of various research organizations in the country as well as representatives of government, local and foreign business bodies, including members of the EU Business Council Bangladesh, international organizations and the media. – Press release
