Events

On December 12, 2012  our young OPAL fellows were guests of Dr. Angelika Niebler (MEP) at the European Parliament (EP) in Strasbourg.

After a warm welcome by Ms. Niebler, who is member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), the fellows introduced themselves by a short ‘tour de table’. Our host reported on the constructive work of the EP to shape the European Research Area. Of specific importance was the common strategic framework for EU research and innovation funding, presently under negotiation.

These important developments towards the new European Framework Programme Horizon 2020 were discussed with our host Dr. Niebler and Dr. Christian Ehler, MEP and rapporteur for the Horizon 2020 rules for participation, who joined the OPAL group. Mr. Ehler stated that the EU Research programme is the only multinational research programme worldwide.

Key issues raised by the MEPs include Horizon 2020's governance and coordination between the three pillars (Excellent science, Industrial leadership and Societal challenges) as well as synergies between the programme and the Structural Funds.  An important issue for our young researchers are the Marie Curie actions in order to promote their scientific careers as successful implemented in the ITN OPAL. .

Marie Curie Fellowships are European research grants available to researchers regardless of their nationality and field of research. In addition to fellowships, researchers have the possibility to gain experience abroad and in the private sector, and to complete their training with competences or disciplines useful for their future careers. We want to thank Angelika Niebler and Christian Ehler for their support to make this event happen, well knowing their tight agenda during the parliamentary sessions in Strasbourg and the assistant of Ms. Niebler, Anna Bergmann for her extraordinary help and support to facilitate this visit.