Training for scientists

Keywords Training, Science, Students

Young European scientists are being given the opportunity to receive high-quality training abroad in an international research project.

The first research training networks of the EU fifth framework programme for research and technological development have been launched by Philippe Busquin,European Research Commissioner. Some 4,000 person-years of training will be provided to young scientists over the next four years.

The networks were selected from 454 applications received in the first call for proposals. The 167 projects selected involve 1,352 individual research teams. On average, each network comprises eight research teams from five countries.

The networks will provide training for young pre- and post-doctoral researchers for up to four years. From the current batch of networks,researchers will work on projects ranging from new approaches to malaria treatment to EU defence and security policy.

A young French chemist, currently involved in a network in the UK under the last programme, commented:

I am very grateful to be part of the training network, because as well as significantly raising my level of skills I have made some incredibly useful contacts for the future.

I feel motivated by my time under the guidance of one of the most important research teams in my field. An added bonus is that I have been able to improve my foreign-language skills and learn about a different culture.

Full details of research training networks, including vacancies for researchers, are available at http://www.cordis.lu/improving/src/hp_rtn.htm