UniPID AU-EU STI Webinar

UniPID Webinar: AU-EU science, technology and innovation collaboration for Finnish universities

Tuesday, 25 August at 13:00-15:15 (online)

The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) initiated bicontinental science, technology and innovation collaboration at the Tripoli Summit in 2010. Thus, AU-EU High-Level Policy Dialogue celebrated its 15th anniversary last autumn, taking stock of the progress in the partnership. This webinar focuses on opportunities for Finnish universities to take part in that collaboration.

The Finnish University Partnership for International Development (UniPID) has been involved in advancing collaboration in science and technology between Europe and Africa since CAAST-NET project as of 2008, with participation in nine Framework Programme 7 and Horizon 2020/Europe funded projects focusing on Africa-EU research and innovation partnerships. As a network of ten Finnish universities with the mission to enhance global responsibility and to promote equitable and inclusive global partnerships that advance sustainable development, UniPID supports building research collaborations between Finnish and African stakeholders.

Thus, the UniPID Webinar on AU-EU Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) collaboration presents the broader AU-EU STI collaboration framework, including the EU policies, AU-EU High-Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD) and its priority areas and the Joint AU-EU Innovation Agenda. During the event, participants have the opportunity to learn about past AU-EU research projects and ongoing and upcoming open calls for funding of joint projects.

Within the Webinar’s agenda, commentaries from the Research Council of Finland and Ministry of Education and Council share insights on the priorities of Finland in AU-EU STI collaborations and the perspectives of the Finnish research funders. Additionally, the University of Helsinki’s Brussels office delivers a commentary on universities’ potential for impacting policy and funding, whereas Team Finland Knowledge science counsellor at the Embassy of Finland in Pretoria highlights the perspectives of the Southern African partners for developing research partnerships and joint funding proposals.

Objectives

  • Increase awareness of AU-EU policy framework
  • Provide information on opportunities for Finnish institution in Europe-Africa research collaboration
  • Share best practices in past and ongoing projects
  • Learn about Finland’s priorities and goals in AU-EU collaboration
  • Become familiar with support available for developing proposals

Speakers

  • Jens Hoegel, Team Leader, Resilience, Infrastructure and Productive Sectors, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG R&I), EU Commission
  • Antti Autio, Specialist, EU-AU science and innovation partnerships, UniPID
  • Henry Ndegwa Maina, Associate Professor, University Lecturer, University of Helsinki
  • Johanna Hakala, Senior Science Adviser, Impact and Science Policy Unit, Research Council of Finland
  • Eevi Laukkanen, Research Manager, Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, University of Eastern Finland
  • Saara Harjula, Liaison Manager, University of Helsinki
  • Paavo-Petri Ahonen, Senior Ministerial Advisor, Ministry of Education and Culture
  • Veera Virmasalo, Senior Specialist in Higher Education and Science Policy, Embassy of Finland in Pretoria

Participants

Researchers and administrators at Finnish universities interested in research collaboration with Africa

Registration

Please register by 21 August at

Registration form: AU-EU STI Webinar — UniPID

Further information