Sander: Prospect of Closer Research Cooperation on Energy and Health

– We may expect far closer cooperation in European research in areas of key importance to society, such as renewable energy and health.

This was noted by Helge Sander, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, when taking part in the Council Meeting of EU research ministers in Brussels today, Tuesday 22 May.

– In times when climatic changes and global environmental problems increasingly influence our lives, renewable energy and energy efficiency should be high on the priority list in European research. But we are facing great challenges also in the health area, where closer European collaboration will be an advantage, says Helge Sander.

At the meeting, the Ministers discussed the establishment of the European Institute of Technology (EIT). The Institute is intended to create networks in areas of high societal and strategic relevance. At the meeting the Ministers agreed that two or three of such networks should be established initially.

– I expect much from EIT and will work to ensure that Danish knowledge institutions participate in the leading research networks. As a matter of fact, the large investments in research and development in Denmark in the years to come mean that we are in a favourable position to contribute to these networks, says Helge Sander.

– I have also listened to the Commission's presentation of the proposal for a common technology initiative on safer and more effective medicine. The objective is to increase Europe's research activities in this area, and it is an area in which Danish enterprises and knowledge institutions have every opportunity to take part, says Helge Sander.

Science Minister Helge Sander may be contacted via Special Adviser and Communications Manager Niels Hovmand on mobile phone +45 40 82 89 58 or e-mail .