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The FRIENZ project will provide funding to assist selected European delegates to participate in a Study Group tour through New Zealand for approximately 5 days beginning 1st December 2014.  The task of the delegation is to promote opportunities for collaboration in research and innovation with New Zealand; strengthen existing relationships; and stimulate new collaboration with New Zealand research organisations and innovation partners. 

Resilient Cities is a priority for collaboration under the EU-NZ Science and Technology Cooperation Roadmap 2014-2016.  The overall interdisciplinary theme of this study tour is urban regeneration – retrofit and rebuild of neighbourhoods and cities to increase social, cultural and economic wellbeing, liveability, resilience and sustainability.  This may include such research aspects as mobility, cities as a complex system, open and green space, infrastructure, smart cities, or climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Participants are expected to strengthen on-going relationships and collaboration with their New Zealand counterparts in the theme area. 

 Potential tour destinations:

Representatives from the European Union research, university and innovation sectors can apply for travel and accommodation support up to the value of EUR4200 to participate in this FRIENZ study group tour.  The travel policy, in line with European Commission, requires the prudent use of public funds.  This precludes premium economy or business class travel.  Where travellers would like to book (or upgrade) their tickets, the FREINZ project may reimburse the traveller to the value of an economy airfare.  The FRIENZ Project Officer, Michelle Wickens will assist with booking your travel arrangements.

 Eligibility criteria

The eligibility criteria for applicants are that they are either:

• Considered to be European researchers/managers, in a position to develop new proposals (New Zealand, Horizon 2020 and Member State funding programmes) to formalise knowledge sharing between Europe and New Zealand; or

• Have an established relationship with a New Zealand Science Leader at a leading New Zealand research organisation or company in relevant fields with whom they intend to build collaborative relationships through the proposed study group tour; or

• A European Science Leader or Industry Leader who could benefit from linkages to potential commercialisation partners in Europe and New Zealand.

and

The applicant must be working in an area(s) relevant to Resilient Cities – urban regeneration topic.

Assessing Applications to select Participants

• Applications will be considered by a Selection Panel in order to ensure a representative mix. 

• Preference will be given to key actors of research or industry who demonstrate strong relevant interests and potential benefit to both Europe and New Zealand.  In particular:
  • Opportunity for research collaboration
  • Alignment of interests to the Resilient Cities theme
  • Levels of relevant expertise

• The FRIENZ Sectoral Contact Point (SCP) and FRIENZ Consortium partners reserve the right to nominate European science leaders to be considered for this call.

Please fill out the application form and email to Michelle Wickens (michelle.wickens@royalsociety.org.nz), Project Officer FRIENZ before Sunday 31 August 2014 (New Zealand Time).  Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 15^th September 2014.