About

To further build the European Knowledge-Based Bio-Economy, the European Commission has put a strong emphasis on strengthening international S&T cooperation with non-European countries. Through a variety of actions, the 'Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology (FAFB)' theme of the 7th Framework Programme (FP7) has brought together researchers from all the world.
The first BIO CIRCLE project (2008-2011),  supported by the European Commission, was responsible for capacity building of the National Contact Points in Third Countries (Third Country BIO-NCPs), for training Third Country researchers and for linking them with their European counterparts. In addition, BIO CIRCLE saw the collection of research topics that are of mutual interest and benefit to Europe and Third Countries alike.
The  new BIO CIRCLE 2 project (2011-2013) has the aim to further increase the participation of researchers from outside Europe in research projects under the FAFB theme. It builds on the activities already carried out in the previous project yet with a major focus on the knowledge-base of Third Country researchers. FInd out what we can do for you in the list below!

What does BIO CIRCLE 2 do for you?

• Third Country researcher trainings
  The trainings are organised in the participating Third Countries.  The trainings focus on the 7th Framework Programme and the FAFB theme. The target audience is Third Country researchers, administrative staff, department/institute managers and personnel and liaison offices. Some trainings will be done in a virtual environment, i.e. through web-conference tools.
  Are you interested? Check this website or contact your BIO-NCP!
• Working visits for Third Country researchers to Europe
  Some Third Country BIO-NCPs will select researchers that will go to Europe where they will visit European research institutions and meet researchers with the aim of establishing or reinforcing links for cooperation under new calls for proposals under FAFB. The 3-day (or more) programme will be arranged by the European BIO-NCPs.
  Are you interested in strengthening your European network and collaborating on a proposal under the FAFB theme? Contact your BIO-NCP!
  
• Hosting programmes for European researchers in Third Countries
  Other Third Country BIO-NCPs will decide to invite European researchers and arrange working visits for them in research organisations (in their respective Third Country).  The 3-day (or more) programme will allow European researchers to meet Third Country researchers in at least two different research organisations.
  Are you interested in hosting European researchers who want to strengthen their cooperation with you and work with you on an FP7-FAFB proposal? Contact your BIO-NCP!
  
• International Brokerage Events
  Both in 2011 and in 2012 a large brokerage event will be organised. The events will be similar to the international partnering events organised in previous years, which were organised in coincidence with the official launch of the FP7-FAFB call for proposals, organised by the European Commission.
  For more information, keep on checking this website or ask you BIO-NCP!
  
• Regional events
  In addition to the national trainings and the international brokerage events, the Third Country BIO-NCPs will also organise more regional events (trainings, partnering events or other), that focus on a selected group of Third Countries.
  For more information, keep on checking this website or ask you BIO-NCP!