PACE-Net + kick-off conference in Noumea

The research and innovation landscape of the Pacific is extremely diverse, ranging from Pacific island countries and territories with little or no capacity in science and technology, to countries like New Zealand and Australia, which have numerous networks of research and innovation institutions. The EU, which maintains a long standing relationship with the Pacific, is seeking to strengthen cooperation in science and technology with the region with a view to the forthcoming Horizon 2020 Programme, and to promote the development of mutually beneficial partnerships.

PACE-Net+ (Pacific Europe Network for Science, Technology and Innovation) is a three-year coordination action, supported by the European Commission, whose main goal is to strengthen bi-regional sustainable dialogue on science and technology between Europe and the Pacific. The project establishes balanced partnerships, regrouping multiple international stakeholders (partners from research, industry, government and civil society) for research actions.

The ZMT is one of 16 project partners that organise expert workshops on societal challenges and information days in order to offer a platform for stakeholders who are interested in joint actions. The involvement of third countries in the European Research Framework and the identification of common research areas of mutual interest and relevance is one of the goals of this project.

ZMT is focusing on

  • food security, sustainable agriculture, marine and maritime research and bio-economy
  • climate action, resource use and efficiency, and raw materials