FCT recently hosted the 16th Meeting of the 5+5 Research, Innovation and Higher Education Dialogue on October 10 and 11, 2024. This significant event took place during Portugal’s presidency and Mauritania’s vice-presidency of the dialogue, bringing together delegates from ten member countries to discuss future plans and collaborations in research and education.
Key Takeaways
- The meeting focused on evaluating the 2023-2024 work plan and preparing for the upcoming 2024-2026 work plan.
- Delegates from Algeria, France, Libya, Italy, Mauritania, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Tunisia, and Spain participated.
- The European Commission and the Union for the Mediterranean provided political support for the dialogue.
- A workshop titled "Mediterranean – Atlantic: Share of Experiences on Research, Innovation, Higher Education and Employability" was held, featuring international experts and young researchers.
Overview of the Meeting
The 16th Meeting of the Group of Senior Officials (GSO) served as a platform for member countries to assess their collaborative efforts in research and higher education. The discussions were aimed at fostering closer ties and enhancing the quality of education and innovation across the Mediterranean region.
Future Plans and Commitments
During the meeting, several commitments were made by the participating countries, emphasizing a spirit of cooperation. Key points included:
- Monitoring and evaluation of ongoing projects.
- Setting up additional meetings leading to the 6th Ministerial Conference scheduled for December 6, 2024, in Lisbon.
- Strengthening partnerships among member countries to enhance research and innovation.
Workshop Highlights
The workshop, co-organized by Portugal and Italy, was a notable feature of the meeting. It aimed to share experiences and initiatives related to:
- Research methodologies
- Innovation strategies
- Higher education practices
- Employability trends
Participants included various international experts who provided insights and shared testimonies from their careers, particularly focusing on the journeys of young researchers.
Conclusion
The 16th Meeting of the 5+5 Research, Innovation and Higher Education Dialogue marked a significant step forward in enhancing collaboration among Mediterranean countries. With a focus on future plans and shared experiences, the event set the stage for continued progress in research and education, culminating in the upcoming Ministerial Conference in Lisbon.
Sources
- FCT hosts the 16th Meeting of the 5+5 Research, Innovation and Higher Education Dialogue – FCT, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia – FCT.
