Dr Ted Hewitt, on the left, and Carlos Moedas © European Union , 2016
Dr Ted Hewitt, on the left, and Carlos Moedas © European Union , 2016

Canadian researchers to join ERC

A new deal between Canada and the EU has been concluded to encourage talented Canadian researchers to join European Research Council (ERC) teams in Europe.

Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Carlos Moedas, and President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Dr Ted Hewitt, signed the agreement at an event in Brussels, Belgium, with ERC President Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon as host.

Also in attendance was President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Dr B Mario Pinto.

Moedas said: “With this initiative we say again, loud and clear, that European science is open to the world. Bright minds from Canada will join European Research Council research teams across Europe, which in turn will gain from this influx of talent. They will perform cutting-edge science together, which is a win-win for Europe and Canada. Global science co-operation is essential to push top research further.”

Bourguignon added: “I am both pleased and proud that this new agreement with Canada has been kicked off to foster co-operation between top Canadian and European scientists.

“Top research is a truly global endeavour and one that resonates with the European Research Council’s mission and international mindset. It is also about making Europe more attractive to bright minds.”

Hewitt also said: “Both Canada and the EU recognise that science and innovation are key to defining the parameters of a better, healthier and more prosperous planet, and that collaboration between our researchers is essential to our mutual long-term economic growth and prosperity.”

This year marks twenty years of science and technology co-operation and forty years of diplomatic relations between the EU and Canada.