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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 1^st 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. 

The overall interdisciplinary theme of the tour is developing the evidence-base of the submission of substantiated food-health claims. This includes future opportunities in food-health research, focusing on biomarkers, diet and disease relationships and nutrient bioavailability.

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: 

• Have an established relationship with a New Zealand Science Leader who also attended the Access4EU Study Group Tour on Food for Health (February 2013) and through the tour identified at least one 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 through which New Zealand companies and/or organisations can benefit from establishing or strengthening this relationship; or 

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

Assessing Applications to select Participants

• Applications must align with the following topic(s):  Food health claims, maternal and paediatrics, metabolic diseases (obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular), gastrointestinal function (including microbiome and gut-immunity) and mobility (sarcopenia, arthritis and osteoporosis).

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

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

• Preference will be given to key actors of Research or Industry who are able to demonstrate a strong bilateral involvement and potential benefit to both Europe and New Zealand. 

Please fill out the application form and email to Michelle Wickens (michelle.wickens@royalsociety.org.nz), Project Officer FRIENZ before Monday 8^th September 2014 (New Zealand Time).  Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 22^nd September 2014.