North Macedonia Boosts Research Ties with EU's Joint Research Center

Cooperation opportunities between Macedonian researchers and the European Commission’s research network in the areas including energy safety, sustainable construction materials, smart specialization and Industry 4.0 were the focal point of Thursday’s info-day to support science and research, taking place at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Skopje. Fresh perspectives for the development of scientific research are expected to help both the industry and the economy, CE Report quotes MIA.

The European Commission’s Joint Research Center, the partner of Ss. Cyril and Methodius University and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, was presented at the info-day, said the faculty dean, Zlatko Petreski, adding that the research opportunities offered to our doctoral students and master's students are multitude and considered invaluable for our country.

According to him, the info-day is a step forward to opening the Macedonian research society toward the European network of knowledge and innovation and being in partnership with the European Commission’s Joint Research Center allows Macedonian researchers to have access to top resources knowledge and joint projects.

“We believe that this type of cooperation can build bridges between the academy, the industry and the European research institutions,” stated Petreski.

Macedonia strengthens the cooperation with the Joint Research Center, which is of key importance for our researchers, Education Minister Vesna Janevska said expressing her hopes for a fruitful cooperation with the center.

Recently, the Ministry of Education and Science signed a framework agreement with the European Commission’s Joint Research Center, which opens fresh perspectives for the development of scientific researches in Macedonia.

Addressing the opening of the event, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said science and research projects in Macedonia are supported by the government.

“It’s a good thing that our scientists will travel abroad and scientists from abroad will come here. It is a transfer of knowledge, networking, scientific papers will be published, the industry will be assisted. It is important to say that all of these scientific achievements, which we expected to result from this project, should help the industry and the economy too to develop,” stated Mickoski.