ERC develops Chinese relations
The European Research Council is visiting China in order to foster global research relations between Beijing and Brussels.
The delegation is being led by ERC secretary general Professor Donald Dingwell who will inform Chinese researchers about EU funding opportunities. The mission is part of the awareness-raising campaign ‘ERC goes Global’ and will see the deputation visit leading universities and research institutions in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Xi’an and Harbin. The group will also meet with the National Natural Science Foundation of China in Beijing.
Describing China as a “powerhouse for research”, Professor Dingwell spoke of the visit: “We hope to forge closer ties, learn from each other and raise the levels of support for the best researchers. The ERC’s substantial funding is open to top talent from anywhere in the world. We are confident that Chinese researchers will respond to this remarkable opportunity in Europe. This is not the first time the ERC goes to China, and it won´t be the last.”
The ERC funds researchers throughout the world across a range of disciplines and focuses on innovative ideas; up to €3.5m is available per grant. Since the ERC’s launch in 2007, seven Chinese researchers have been awarded ERC grants, a number the body says it hopes to increase.
The visit in China lasts for five days until 7 September 2013.
