The Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT) and the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS) announce the signing of the renewal of a scientific cooperation agreement with the Bavarian State Ministry for Science and the Arts. The purpose of this agreement is to support short missions between Québec and Bavaria, thereby contributing to strengthening ties and collaborations between researchers in these regions in research fields such as biomaterials, organic molecules and biomolecules, climate change, computer science and algorithmics. A first memorandum of understanding was signed in 2014. This renewal coincides with the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Bavaria and Québec.
"Scientific collaboration between Québec and Bavaria is very fruitful and deserves support", indicates Québec's chief scientist, Rémi Quirion. "This synergy developed between the two communities around research topics of common interest in key nature, technology and health research areas contributes to the establishment of scientific missions and research projects with a high potential for innovation."
Bernd Sibler, Bavaria's Minister for Science and the Arts stated: "Bavarian universities and research institutions want to intensify their international partnerships and networks. To achieve this, we need strong partners. Québec is the place where we have found them. This is why I am very glad that we can extend our partnership for four more years and sign the Joint declaration. Together, we will address the future issues of science and find innovative answers for the pressing questions of tomorrow."
The renewal of the agreement is taking place during the visit to Québec of Minister Sibler. Accompanied by a delegation of 20 university presidents and two members of the Bavarian Parliament, this visit of Minister Sibler aims to further strengthen academic and scientific ties between Bavaria and Québec.
The mission also provides an opportunity to hold a collaborative symposium on the challenges the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution poses for universities in terms of research, teaching and the management of relationships with industry and civil society. The FRQNT and the FRQS are associated with this symposium, which will highlight the Québec approach to AI including the International Observatory of societal impacts of AI and Digital Technologies, which is funded by the three Fonds de recherche du Québec. The symposium will also address areas of AI research which could give rise to bilateral projects between Bavaria and Québec, for example on the ethics of AI.
Information
Benoit Sévigny
Director of Communications and Knowledge Mobilization
Fonds de recherche du Québec
514 864-1619
