The European Union expects projects from Izmir

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) has taken action for Izmir to get a larger share from the grant support of millions of euros given by the European Union (EU) to new initiatives and scientific research. IUE, aiming to announce to business people, young entrepreneurs, students and academics in Izmir about the fund supports, ranging from 100 thousand to 6 million Euros, opened under 8 different topics within the scope of EU's ‘WIDERA’ program, will organize an ‘Info Day’ on the campus on Thursday, June 22.

At the event where TUBITAK Specialist Dr. Derya Dönertaş, in charge of WIDERA, will attend from Ankara, detailed information will be given to the participants about what needs to be done to benefit from the grants, how the application process works and which projects can be funded.

The program, which will be held for the first time this year by the Izmir University of Economics European Union Research and Application Center (EKOAB), will be held in Room D-022 on the campus at 9.00 - 16.00. Interested parties will be able to register by coming to the campus in person, or via the link at https://forms.gle/kD8JcDwdsKkYL9mL9.

SPECIFIC TO EU CANDIDATE COUNTRIES

EKOAB Director Mine Erbaykent stated that the ‘WIDERA’ program, which was opened specifically for the candidate countries of the European Union, has a great opportunity for the emergence of new projects in Izmir. Erbaykent said, “Applications are made from all over Turkey to the grant programs opened by the European Union under 8 topics. It is possible to apply by developing a project or research proposal in a very wide area from software to design, from health to technology, from education to digitalization. The EU will continue to receive applications until the end of the summer. Then, among these projects, those who are entitled to be supported will be determined. Grants awarded by the EU range from 100,000 euros to 6 million euros. Of course, these amounts may vary according to the characteristics of the project and the needs required for its implementation.”

SUPPORT TO 400 PROJECTS

Erbaykent continued as follows: “The European Union will provide funding support to approximately 400 projects from our country this year. This is by no means an insignificant number. It is very valuable for us as a university, to be instrumental in Izmir getting a bigger share from these opportunities offered by the EU. If we raise funds for a project or even a research us, we will create added value for our city. We welcome students, young entrepreneurs, business people, who have projects and seek support, and scientists seeking funding for their research, to our university. Many people registered to participate in the ‘Info Day’ program at the University. Registration still continues. Each year, a national liaison person is determined for the programs opened by the EU. This year, that person is Dr. Derya Dönertaş. Dönertaş will give information about calls titled, ‘Teaming, Twinning, European Excellence Initiatives, Pathways to Synergies, Hop on Facility, Excellence Hubs, ERA-Chairs, and ERA-Talents’.”

WE ARE FIFTH IN IZMIR   

Stating that as Izmir University of Economics, they have increased their share of EU projects grants in the last period, Erbaykent said, “The University ranks 5^th in Izmir in the size of European Union projects grants, with a direct grant of 1.4 million euros and a consortium budget of 17 million euros. There are 13 European Union projects ongoing at the University as of 2023. In these projects, we have research and academic partnerships with more than 50 universities, institutions and organizations, primarily European Union member countries. In addition to this, we have 11 more projects that we have applied for and are waiting for the results. With these, we aim to reach a total consortium budget of over 40 million euros.