"Lengthy and uncertain visa procedure is incompatible with the spirit of Tunisia's participation in the 'Horizon Europe 2022' partnership programme," Moncef Boukkthir, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research said on Wednesday. Speaking at the opening of the 2nd Tunisian-European Science and Innovation Days (TESI 2023), Boukthir called for significant action by the European Union and its member states to remove obstacles to the mobility of people, particularly students, teachers, researchers and civil servants. "These obstacles are increasingly affecting projects funded by the EU and Member States and hindering their progress," he stressed. "Horizon Europe is the most competitive research and innovation framework programme in the world and provides an excellent platform to ensure that research and innovation drive development and prosperity," he added. In this respect, he expressed his hope that TESI will be crowned with new initiatives that will benefit Tunisia and further strengthen the research and innovation system. "These days are an opportunity to engage in an open and constructive dialogue with our partners in order to strengthen Tunisia's position in the Mediterranean region," he said. The Minister also called on researchers around the world to become more involved in issues of great importance to humanity. "The role of researchers is crucial at a time when the planet is suffering from the harmful effects of climate change," he added. EU Ambassador to Tunisia Marcus Cornaro took the floor to say that Tunisia was the first country to sign a science and technology agreement with the EU in 2003, which led to fruitful cooperation in science and research that continues today. "In fact, several programmes, projects and mechanisms have been launched within the framework of this partnership, including the Erasmus + programme, Mobidoc, Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe and, more recently, the SWAFY (Science With And For Youth) projects to promote science among young Tunisians and the ARESSE (Scientific Research and Education Support for the Environment Sector) project," he explained. For her part, Samia Charfi, advisor to the Prime Minister said cooperation in the field of scientific research aims to address global challenges of development and prosperity, in particular food security, water security, energy security, resilience to climate change and environmental protection. The 2023-2025 Development Plan and the Tunisia 2035 Vision have included the knowledge economy among their priorities and ambitions. In this context, she pointed out that Tunisia is seeking to attract research and development centres of foreign companies, which will help to keep Tunisian skilled workers in the country. The TESI Days are held in Tunis from October 16 to 20. Lectures, success story panels, pavilions and debates will cover all aspects of this cooperation, from the development of project strategies and on-the-ground activities, including an assessment of 20 years of Tunisian-European cooperation, to the flagship research funding programmes, mobility and funding opportunities for researchers and academics, and the challenges and prospects for this cooperation. To this end, an exhibition of projects carried out under this partnership and a robotics competition (ROBOTS BATTLE) have been organised for more than 2,000 Tunisian young people. Several national and international education, research and innovation actors will participate in these days.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse