Jordan Times
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Jordan's Information
Point portal launched
By Mohammad Ghazal
AMMAN — Researchers in the Kingdom can now apply
online for funding from EU programmes and share information with other
researchers through Jordan's new Information Point (InP) website.
Accessible at URL www.inp.jo, Jordan's InP is linked to an online network
connecting the EU with Mediterranean countries.
The portal, launched by the Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST) on
Monday, provides information on the opportunities and modalities for
participation in the Sixth Framework programme (FP6) activities, to facilitate
the Kingdom's involvement in European research and development activities and
vice versa.
The FP6 is the European Union's main instrument for the funding of research.
The InP will enable researchers from universities and national centres, as well
as concerned authorities, secure funding for their research, and “contact and
cooperate with other researchers from the EU and member countries in submitting
proposals for research funding,” Issam Mustafa, director of science and
technology resources development at the HCST, told The Jordan Times.
The website, he added, seeks to improve regional cooperation in research and
development through contacts and networks, and enhance Mediterranean
participation in EU-funded activities.
In addition, the data bank is designed to raise awareness of EU's other European
programmes for financing research and development.
Currently, there are Information Points in most of the Mediterranean countries
including Syria, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt.
Jordan's InP offers several services including the dissemination of information:
It circulates documentation on European Commission research while developing
programmes and organising promotional activities such as seminars and info-days.
The site also offers advice for researchers on the administrative procedures and
contractual aspects of funding.
The HCST will train researchers at its headquarters on the usage of the InP and
submission of research funding proposals through it.
Administered by the HCST, the InP is financed by the European Commission and the
HCST.