Consultation on Cooperation Possibilities with European Space Agency

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Gregor Golobic, signed the European Cooperating State Agreement between ESA and the Republic of Slovenia in Noordwijk, The Netherlands, on 22 January. The status of ESA European Cooperating State thus acquired by Slovenia will enable Slovenian companies, researchers and students to co-operate with ESA in concrete projects within the PECS programme.

During the signing of the Agreement, the Minister said that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology will carry out an enquiry among Slovenian companies and educational institutions regarding their interest in cooperation in ESA projects. To this end, the Ministry will publish an invitation to submit project proposals for setting priorities within the Plan for a European Cooperating State.

On Wednesday 31 March, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, will organise a meeting between businesspersons and representatives of research and educational institutions interested in cooperation with ESA. The meeting will start at 11 am in the premises of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia at Dimi?eva 13, Ljubljana.

Opening speeches at the meeting entitled »European Space Agency Opens Its Door« will be given by the Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Gregor Golobic and the Director General of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, Samo Hribar Milic. Later in the meeting, ESA experts will present ESA plans and procedures. Dr Pedro Baptista, Head of the Office for Support to new Member States at ESA, will present the ESA structure, programmes and funds. Dr Marcos Bavdac, Head of ESA's Advanced Technologies Section will present the European Space Agency future projects and the opportunities for Slovenia. Bernard Zufferey, Head of the PECS Office will also address participants. Dr Alec Mihelic, Director General of the Technology Directorate, will then acquaint the participants with the public invitation to submit project proposals for setting priorities within the Plan for a European Cooperating State.