Italian experts have emphasized the importance of involving Algerian researchers in international scientific projects and expanding partnerships with European universities and research centers. This was during a scientific meeting organized by the Research Center in Mechanics at Constantine 1 University, which aimed to strengthen cooperation and coordination for research opportunities in the Mediterranean region. The meeting was part of the IPTICAR project, supported by the European Union.
The IPTICAR project aims to enhance the participation of Algerian universities in research and innovation, and to build partnerships with European research centers. The project focuses on four areas: governance, higher education, international cooperation, and research and innovation. It targets central structures of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, higher education institutions, research centers, and national contact points.
The meeting highlighted the importance of developing cooperation in areas such as water, energy, sustainable agriculture, blue economy, and big data. Italian experts emphasized the need to involve Algerian researchers in European programs, such as Horizon Europe and PRIMA, which offer funding opportunities for research and innovation. They also stressed the importance of linking research results to economic and social needs.
The Research Center in Mechanics at Constantine has recently obtained a research project within the Horizon Europe program, which focuses on developing sustainable solutions for agricultural challenges. The center will serve as a living laboratory for testing and developing these solutions in partnership with European partners. The center's director emphasized the importance of participating in international research activities and projects.
The PRIMA program, which supports research and innovation in the Mediterranean region, was also discussed during the meeting. The program aims to strengthen cooperation between southern Mediterranean countries and European partners in areas such as sustainable agriculture, food security, and water management. Experts encouraged researchers to submit proposals and projects that address the challenges of the blue economy.
The meeting also featured a presentation on the European research infrastructure, SoBigData, which specializes in social data processing and behavioral pattern analysis. The infrastructure provides a multidisciplinary research environment and promotes the use of big data and artificial intelligence in research. Experts highlighted the importance of using these tools to address societal challenges.
The event concluded with a call to strengthen partnerships between Algerian and European universities and research centers. The organizers emphasized the need to support researchers in preparing projects that respond to common priorities and to take advantage of available funding programs to expand the impact of scientific research in economic and social fields.
Key points
- Italian experts encourage Algerian researchers to participate in European research programs
- IPTICAR project aims to enhance Algerian university participation in research and innovation
- PRIMA program supports research and innovation in the Mediterranean region
