Project to integrate Jordan-EU research co-operation concludes
The second phase of an EU-funded project to support applied research in Jordan and identify research needs has concluded with an event showcasing its achievements.
The three-day event celebrated the conclusion of the second phase of the Support to Research, Technological Development and Innovation (SRTD II) in Jordan project.
The initiative, implemented by the Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST), has awarded 62 grants for applied research and commercialisation in ‘four key sectors’: water, energy, food, and health, according to a statement released by the SRTD II team.
The objective of SRTD II was to increase the contribution of Jordan’s research and technological development and innovation sectors to the region’s economic growth and employment.
It specifically sought to commercialise research and development results to be utilised by the private sector.
As part of the activities to celebrate the project’s conclusion, organisers also marked the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
EU Ambassador to Jordan, Andrea Matteo Fontana, said: “As we marked this week the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I want to congratulate the ladies in the room today on their significant achievements in their fields — I also wish to encourage young aspiring girls to pursue the noble art of science.”
Highlighting the EU’s commitment to supporting research and innovation in Jordan, Fontana said “innovation is the heart of economic and social development”, stressing the need to build strong links between science and business.
The ambassador noted that the SRTD II worked to offer grants to promote applied research conducted by universities and the private sector.
Partnering with ten universities and one chamber of industry, the project has also established 11 technology transfer offices in research and business organisations in Jordan, Fontana said.
“This is not the end of the journey for our researchers, and it is also definitely not the end of our partnership in this important area,” he added.
