Programme agreement signed for the Research programme in Romania

The programme agreement for the Romanian Research programme was signed on 15 January 2018.

Photo credit: Bogdan Croitoru

Key information about the programme

  1. The programme is operated by: Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation (UEFISCDI) in Romania
  2. The Donor Programme Partners in this programme are: Research Council of Norway (RCN) and Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNIS)
  3. The programme’s objective is: Enhanced research-based knowledge development
  4. The programme funding amounts to €40 million (excluding co-financing), out of which €15 million is funded through the EEA Grants and €25 million is funded through the Norway Grants.

Why is the programme needed?

Sufficient investment in research and innovation is crucial for economic growth, social development and competitiveness. Across Europe there is a disparity in research and innovation performance. According to the European Commission’s 2019 country-specific recommendations (CSRs), Romania’s investment in research and development is the lowest in the EU (0.5% of GDP) and public research and development expenditure has been declining in the years between 2011 and 2017. As a consequence, the quality of the public science base remains very low and science-business links underdeveloped. The Romanian Research programme aims to address these challenges, by increasing the scientific excellence, improving links between businesses and research communities and supporting Romanian researchers in obtaining European Research Council (ERC) grants.

What will the programme achieve and who are the beneficiaries?

The programme supports research teams from Romania and the three Donor States, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein, conducting research in the following thematic areas: energy (including carbon capture and storage (CCS)), environment, health, ICT, biotechnology and social sciences and humanities, including gender studies and social inclusion. Through the research collaborations, the programme expects to increase international cooperation, build critical mass for research activities, enhance institutional performance and establish public-private partnerships. Special attention is placed on improving the quality of life of the Roma population. 10% of the call budget will be earmarked for Roma. Further, the programme expects to support 220 researchers; 30 joint articles to peer-reviewed scientific publications; 5 joint applications for Intellectual Property Protection; crate 40 jobs, and help the projects submit 5 applications for further research funding.

How will the programme strengthen bilateral relations?

The Romanian Research programme has a clear focus on strengthening bilateral relations between Romania and the Donor States. The research funding has a strong bilateral character as all projects shall include partners from Romania and at least one of the Donor States. Bilateral cooperation enables the exchange of knowledge and expertise through long-term research cooperation and increased publication of joint articles.

Research organisations, enterprises and public institutions who wish to participate can register in the partner search database for the EEA and Norway Grants maintained by the Research Council of Norway (RCN).

Availability of funding through open calls

The first call for collaborative research closed on October 2018. A second round of calls is expected this summer:

Bilateral call: Mobility grants to facilitate partnerships is open until 20 November 2019

Download the full programme agreement for more detailed information about the programme.

More information can also be found on the Programme Operator’s website and the website of RCN or RANNIS.