1. Dr. Riitta Mustonen Academy of Finland, Vice President (Research) Strategic Forum for International S&T Cooperation, Chair 24.01.12

2. Globalization creates opportunities for increasing scientific excellence 24.01.12

3. The Strategic Forum for International S&T Cooperation (SFIC) 24.01.12

4. European Research Area Research Infrastructures Knowledge Transfer Human resources and Mobility Joint programming International Cooperation

5. Strategic Forum for International S&T Cooperation (SFIC) The Strategic Forum for International Scientific and Technological Cooperation (SFIC) is a partnership platform in the field of S&T cooperation with the aim to facilitate the further development, implementation and monitoring of the international dimension of European Research Area (ERA) by sharing of information and consultation between the partners. The basis of this cooperation is the identification of common priorities which could lead to coordinated or joint initiatives and the coordination of activities and positions vis-à-vis third countries and within international fora.

6. Oher Countries SFIC MEMBERS SFIC OBSERVERS SFIC is a strategic and advisory body in MS/EU international STI cooperation. SFIC activities are implemented on a voluntary basis following the principle of variable geometry SFIC takes an active role in the realization of ERA and its international dimension, especially by building up synergies with the existing and future EU-level funding instruments. The added value of SFIC is created by optimizing the use of national, European and global resources and avoiding duplication of activities.

7. The United States and SFIC 24.01.12 The USA is by far the most important partner for European researchers outside the European Research Area (ERA) and vice versa. Cooperation of the EU and Member States with US partners can build on strong existing links, rich experience and well-established relations. SFIC is formulating a joint European roadmap towards a coherent and lively cooperation between the United States and Europe. The aim of the SFIC activities is to create opportunities for thematic and mobility cooperation between the United States and Europe

8. More information 24.01.12 WWW-site of the Council of Europe http://www.consilium.europa.eu/policies/era/sfic.aspx?lang=en To contact the SFIC Secretariat, please send an e-mail to [email_address]

9. Success in international cooperation is based on cooperation among the best of the best. 24.01.12

10. FiDiPro Finland Distinguished Professor Programme Funding programme for top researchers in science and technology Led and financed by the Academy of Finland & Tekes (the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation) 87 FiDiPro Professors and Fellows have been funded (November 2011) 24.01.12

12. ” Finland has an extremely high scientific level, high innovation potential, and reliable, hard-working, and pleasant people. Professor Willem M. de Vos Wageningen University Netherlands Academy Professor 2011-2015 University of Helsinki FiDiPro - Finland Distinguished Professor Programme NWO/Spinoza Prize 2008

13. ” The achievements in mobile communications are direct results of the great synergy between Finnish industry and academia. Professor Behnaam Aazhang Rice University Houston, Texas FiDiPro - Finland Distinguished Professor Programme

14. More information 24.01.12 Finland Distinguished Professor Programme http://www.fidipro.fi/ Academy of Finland http://www.aka.fi Tekes, Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation http://www.tekes.fi

15. 24.01.12 Thank you for your attention!