Integrating Jordan into the European Research Area

The Royal Scientific Society (RSS) / Environment Monitoring and Research Central Unit (EMARCU) have launched a new project funded by the European Commission (EC) entitled: “Integrating Jordan into the European Research Area- IJERA”.

The IJERA is coordinated by RSS and brings together three partners namely; the Higher Council for Science and Technology from Jordan, Europe for Business (EFB) from the United Kingdom, and ENEA from Italy.

The project’s implementation will be conducted over a period of 24 months aiming at strengthening the capacities of EMARCU at RSS while realizing it as an international centre of excellence in water research in the region. Also, the project will work on reinforcing the cooperation capacities and research activities in Jordan’s water sector by defining water research priorities to respond to socio-economic needs as well as facilitating Jordan’s participation in European water research initiatives and inclusion in Euro-Mediterranean Research and Innovation Area.

The projected output of the IJERA project will be a significant increase in the capacities of EMARCU and Jordanian researchers by supporting and increasing the participation in the seventh framework program (EU-FP7) and other funding schemes.

During the launch event a welcome note was delivered by Dr. Tariq Al-Hadeed, Executive Director of External Affairs, who highlighted the long and fruitful cooperation between Jordan and the EC and the important aspects of the project in supporting water-related research.

During the two days, the partners discussed the project’s future activities to realize its objectives and it included a field visit to one of the Monitoring Stations, near Al Hashmeyeh Bridge in Zarqa Area, which belongs to the Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring Project that is implemented by EMARCU at the Royal Scientific Society.