A consortium of 25 Sustdev National Contact Points organized a European Seminar on ‘Scientific Networking for Integration: How Networks are shaping Research for Sustainable Development’. The event held in Portoroz, Slovenia on 29th September 2005, brought together major research players and policy makers who use a range of networking practices to improve the quality of their research. The outcome included a review of the networking practices of Sustainable Development research players and conclusions on how networks can be used to prepare for the Seventh Framework Programme (7FP), and to facilitate the integration of the New Member States and Associated Candidate Countries into the European Research Area.

Representatives from the European Commission DG Research and scientific experts from various European and South African scientific institutions presented their contributions with themes focusing on the benefits and added value of networking. An emphasis was placed on the opportunities of networking so as to promote the research capacity and transfer of knowledge amongst the scientific communities.

Some of the themes included, ‘How the networks of FP6 National Contact Points work with networks of research players to facilitate integration into the European Framework Programme’ ; ‘What are the costs and benefits associated with networks at different scales’; and ‘Building Europe’s Knowledge’.

Those attending the Seminar ranged from European universities, scientific institutions, public and private sectors, besides a good number of National Contact Points of the various Thematic Priorities of 6FP.

The Seminar was an opportunity to discuss and explore developments in scientific networking practices and provided a better understanding of this revolution and its impact on the scientific community.

The Seminar was co-funded by the European Commission 6th Framework Programme as part of the INTEGRATING-ACC Project.

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