The large number of European researchers conducting research abroad represents an untapped asset for European research. The European Commission (EC) is attempting to utilise this previously unrecognised resource by building and maintaining links with expatriate European researchers.
Through the EURAXESS-Links project (formerly ERA-Link), the EC has developed a networking tool for European researchers based in the USA and Japan. EURAXESS-Links provides information about research in Europe, opportunities for research funding, international collaboration, trans-national mobility and European research policy.
The Network for European Researchers in New Zealand seeks to develop a complementary system addressing New Zealand-based European researchers. To achieve this FRENZ is conducting a survey of eligible researchers, concerning their motivations for mobility and their personal experiences and perceptions of EU-New Zealand research, science and technology (RS&T) collaboration.
The survey will establish a database of New Zealand-based European researchers, allowing the EURAXESS-Links project to establish links with these researchers by developing an online toolkit to advise on relevant opportunities and developments in the European and New Zealand research sectors.
An outcome of this study will be a clearer picture of both the number and motivations for researcher mobility, and the opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual interest. This analysis will be presented to the EC and the New Zealand Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST) (co-funders of the FRENZ project), in order to stimulate policy dialogue with a view to the development of new joint activities.
If you are a European researcher conducting research in New Zealand, we would ask you to please participate in this survey by clicking on the link below. It should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Your input will help us to provide you with a better service.
Please note: Your privacy is important to us. Personal details will be delivered to the Facilitating Research cooperation between Europe and New Zealand (FRENZ) initiative and will not be used for purposes other than the design and implementation of the EURAXESS-Links New Zealand service. FRENZ will not pass on or sell the personal details collected to third parties; an overall summary will only be released in an anonymous format. Should you object to or change your mind about any submission you have made, contact us and we will endeavour to remove or make alterations as soon as possible. If, at any time, you have questions or concerns about FRENZ's privacy commitment, please feel free to email us at admin@frenz.org.nz
The Network for European Researchers in New Zealand Survey
Consistent with the view that expatriate researchers can provide a valuable contribution to the national research sector, a complementary study of New Zealand researchers based in Europe will be launched in October 2009.
For many New Zealand researchers the inclusion of a period of work in Europe is common, with the expectation that such a stay will develop their international standing and peer linkages required to support a career back in New Zealand.
However, whether expatriate researchers intend to return or not, MoRST wishes to build and maintain links with these researchers and has contracted FRENZ to establish an initiative mirroring that of the Network for European Researchers in New Zealand, outlined above.
If you are a New Zealand researcher based in Europe, or if you know someone who is, please contact us. This will enable us to invite you to participate in our New Zealand Research Diaspora survey once it is launched later this year.