Cyprus’ Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) invites research organisations and universities to participate in a programme for joint research projects between Cypriot and Israeli entities, in areas that fall under the Smart Specialisation Strategy and reflect common interests of the two countries.

In an announcement, the RIF notes that Cyprus and Israel are proceeding to further strengthen their cooperation and transnational relations in the field of Research and Innovation. It adds that it has “joined forces” with the Israeli Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and announces a joint call with a total budget of €1,800,000 (€900,000 for each country), within the framework of the “Transnational Partnerships” programme. The goal of the programme is to intensify synergies between Cyprus and Israel, it said.

The Programme it adds, concerns the implementation of joint research projects (TRL 2-4) between Cypriot and Israeli entities, in thematic areas that fall under the Smart Specialisation Strategy and reflect common interests of the two countries.

Interested parties are urged to submit proposals in the areas concerning Maritime and Shipping Ecosystems (decarbonisation of ships), Renewable energy (renewable energy production technologies/digital management and monitoring systems for the production and distribution of energy/energy efficiency in urban environments), Health (clinical and genetic investigation, and treatment of diseases, including molecular and medical genetics (Medical Translational Research) – diagnosis, prevention, risk factors, treatment and personalised medicine) and the Environment (protection of the marine environment and biodiversity).

Eligible are research organisations and universities from Cyprus and Israel, while cooperation networks in each country are accepted. The maximum funding for each project is €200,000 in total (€100,000 for each national network).

Proposals may be submitted through the RIF’s IRIS portal. The closing date is April 11, 2024 at 13:00.

This call is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), it said.

For more information: www.research.org.cy or 22205000.