Hon Pete Hodgson
Minister of Research Science and Technology
16 July 2008
EMBARGOED TILL 10 pm Media Statement
New Zealand signs new science agreement with EU
Minister of Research Science and Technology Pete Hodgson announced today the signing of an agreement between New Zealand
and the European Union that will broaden New Zealand’s collaboration with the European Union’s science community.
The New Zealand – European Union Science and Technology Cooperation (STC) Agreement is the first STC agreement New
Zealand has had with the European Union.
“One of the most significant aspects of the STC Agreement is that it will allow New Zealand researchers to be eligible
for European Union programmes that wouldn’t otherwise be accessible,” said Pete Hodgson.
New Zealand has a recognised reputation in a number of research fields that are of interest to the European Union. These
include natural resource-based sciences (agriculture, plant and animal science, environmental science), medical, and
information and communications technology (ICT) research.
The Commission’s research budget for Research and Technological Development for the 2007/13 period is around NZ$100
billion.
“I would like to particularly acknowledge the role of the Slovenian Presidency of the European Union in moving forward
the STC Agreement. Links to European research are very important for New Zealand as the European Union is investing
heavily in research areas critical to our future economic and social development,” he said.
The New Zealand Ambassador to the European Union, HE Peter Kennedy, signed the Agreement on behalf of New Zealand.
European Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Potočnik and the French Minister for Higher Education and Research
Valérie Pécresse signed on behalf of the European Union.
Negotiations on the STC Agreement have allowed New Zealand to participate in the European Union’s International Research
Staff Exchange Scheme, which supports collaboration between institutions based in Europe and countries such as New
Zealand.
The new STC Agreement will enter into force once full ratification has been completed by the European Union, expected by
the end of 2008.
ENDS