On 26 March 2014 the Projects Unit Office at An-Najah held a workshop to introduce the European Union’s HORIZON 2020 Project, under the supervision of Dr. Khalid Elaiwi, Director of the Projects Unit.

Mrs. Dima Bushnaq, Projects Officer, gave a detailed presentation on the objectives, methods and areas of focus for the HORIZON 2020 Project. She went on to explain how this Project differs from the former EU project, known as the FP 7 Project.

She highlighted how HORIZON 2020 focuses on linking the scientific research with innovation and applying it in challenging and responding to societal obstacles. She went on to point out the funding opportunities available through the project, and provided an analysis of the 153 research calls that have recently released. These include 500 different research opportunities in various genres, such as medicine, food, energy, agriculture, transportation, etc..

Mrs. Bushnaq assured delegates that there would be more workshops in the future, covering all the University faculties. The aim was to ensure that opportunities available through HORIZON 2020 are open to all interested researchers around the University.  The Projects Unit would also be holding meetings to discuss in depth various research opportunities coming up and encourage researchers to get involved and benefit from the EU funding to further An-Najah’s academic capabilities and standing around the world.

Finally, the workshop closed with an opportunity for staff members to ask questions and discuss the different aspects of the Project.

Notes:

-          For more information on the HORIZON 2020 Project, please visit this link: http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/home.html

-          The workshop was held at the Faculty of Engineering, with the attendance of the Faculty staff and researchers.