Download International cooperation – a keystone for research

International Cooperation in Environmental Science
Projects
Dzintars Jaunzems, Julija Gusca
Riga Technical University (RTU), the Institute of Energy systems and Environment
[email protected], [email protected]
Summary
Challenge
Since 1992 the Institute of Energy Systems and
Environment of Riga Technical University has
being involved in international cooperation
projects targeted to the improvement of energy
and environment sectors, integration of innovative
energy systems into Latvian and European
energy markets and the mitigation of climate
change through environmental friendly energy
systems.
The Institute, in cooperation with the leading
European and international scientific researching
institutions, implements projects of: the Nordic
Council of Ministers, the European pre-accession
funds and EU structural Funds Project
programes, the European Commission the
Organisations for the Promotion of Energy
Technologies (OPET) Network and Intelligent
Energy Europe programmes, EU 5th and 6th
Framework projects, etc.
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International cooperation – a keystone for research
development
From one hand, international activities of the Institute of Energy Systems and Environment are
directly pointed to technological progress: efficient energy use, promotion of alternative energy
resources, popularization of sustainable and environmental friendly way of thinking and living, i.e.
efficient usage of natural resources and mitigation of climate change effects.
From the other hand, collaboration with the leading European and international research
institutions improve and increase the scientific potential of staff involved in project
implementation: bachelors, masters, PhD students and technical staff. From this point of view, as
additional benefit the social interrelations must be taken into account, for creating a joint,
sustainable scientific area between different institutions and different countries with a common
aim – to build up next generation as sustainable society through education.
The Institute’s activities within international projects consolidate international objectives and local
interests: a lot of local municipalities and enterprises are being involved in implementation of
projects and participation in project management groups. It gives a possibility for smaller regions
to develop their future action strategies at the same level as it is done in developed countires.
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Necessary and advantages of international cooperation in
environmental science projects
International cooperation gives the Institute a possibility to take the lead in technology
development as well as to build up sustainable social interrelations through education.
All environment problems and challenges can be divided in three levels:
a.local,
b.regional,
c.global-scale.
The Institute goal is to become a top level and recognizable institute not only in Latvia, but also in
Europe in which international collaboration and communication is a key point. International
cooperation and exchange have always been the emphasis of IESE, which has scientific and
technological exchanges with over 30 members organizations from approximately 15 European
countries.
It is able to improve IESE scientific research level as well as its self-innovation, gaining much
higher knowledge to its own advantage. Also international cooperation research is needed to
support decision-making to obtain early indications of emerging environmental issues in all levels.