Welcome Address

Adriaan van der Meer
Executive Director
International Science and Technology Centre, Moscow

Dear Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Introduction
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you at the EU-CIS seminar on “Technologies of the Future” on behalf of the International Science and Technology Center in Moscow (ISTC). I also extend to you a special welcome from Andrew Hood, the executive director of our co-organizing, sister organization from Kiev, the Science and Technology Center Ukraine (STCU), who is represented by Michel Zayet at this seminar. 

I especially would like to thank our hosts and co-organizers Cayetano Lopez Marinez, and his team from Ciemat for their scientific, organizational and financial support. And, I would like to thank the European Commission for the continued support and commitment that they are providing and have provided to the mission of both the ISTC and STCU over the last 15 years.

I also would like to thank many others that were instrumental in organizing this event such as Albert Gozal and Jose Pradas. Last but not least, I would like to thank all the participants –mainly scientists- for contributing to this event. Many thanks indeed. !

I am grateful that today’s seminar could be organized within the framework of the Spanish Presidency of the European Union, for which the promotion of international scientific cooperation is among one of the priorities. This seminar is indeed an excellent example of international scientific cooperation. It brings together many scientists from different countries- worldwide.
Spain has played an important role in the ISTC from the beginning in 1994.Many Spanish universities and institutes worked as collaborators under our projects. Up to date, 46 Spanish Institutes collaborated in 75 regular projects.
Since 2004, Spanish firms joined the ISTC partner program. So far, Ciemat has co-funded a project closely connected to Euratom work. We look forward to strengthening our mutual relations.


Multilateral Scientific Cooperation
Both ISTC and STCU have a similar mission namely to promote multi-lateral scientific cooperation between States of the former Soviet Union and the EU, but also other member states to our agreements, such the Canada, Japan, Korea ,Norway and the USA.
To date, ISTC has supported more than 2,700 projects which have involved more than 90,000 scientists and engineers. The funding parties have contributed 820 million USD in support of this effort.

I am convinced that the global challenges s of today such as the development of new technologies for different purposes –being the subject of this conference - can only be solved through greater cooperation by scientists worldwide. Under the present circumstances, we need more international cooperation bringing the best experts together. This was understood from the beginning when the Centers started their work. 

Today and tomorrow further progress and developments will be discussed with respect to:
- Space and Aeronautics Technologies;
- Nanotechnologies;
-Advanced nuclear reactors, high energy physics, accelerators and other related

- Aerospace
During the past 15 years, 103 ISTC projects were funded in the field of aerospace with a total value of 29.5 million USD. 95 of these projects were implemented at 87 Russian institutes and 8 at other CIS institutes. Projects were mainly funded in areas such as: aeronautics ; unmanned space craft; extraterrestrial exploration; space safety; manned space stations; as well as spacecraft trajectories and mechanics.
- New materials
During the past 15 years, 103 projects were funded in the field of new materials and instrumentation with a total value of 30 million USD. 93 of these projects were implemented at Russian institutes and 10 at other CIS institutes. 

Research in the field of materials relates to materials synthesis and processing, high performance metals and alloys, composites and ceramics.

Work has resulted in development of new instruments such as the creation of a unique system of relativistic particle detection, new devices for X-ray registration as well as new material for the construction industry. New filters were developed as well as nano-ceramics of high quality which could be used for example for high strength windows and laser materials. 

Various new detection devices related to prototypes of a new photo recording camera have drawn the interest of the international business community in view of further commercialization. 
ISTC funding for the development of new dental implants based on nanotechnology is one of our success stories. 

- Nuclear sciences

During the past 15 years, 386 projects were funded in the field of nuclear science and technologies representing a total value of 124 million USD. 313 of these projects were implemented at Russian institutes and 73 at other CIS institutes. 
ISTC projects have resulted in safety improvements for existing power reactors as well as measures to and prolong the useful life of power reactors. This has meant more and cheaper electricity production. The security and accountability of nuclear materials have been increased and nuclear installations are now better protected. New decommissioning concepts have been developed. Fusion projects have been supported since the start of ISTC.


I would like to invite all present today to join us in this important work in facing these global challenges. In our view, there is a key role here for the private sector. Our private partner programs allow private companies to become a partner of ISTC and STCU free of charge. Working with the ISTC and STCU has many advantages. 

Conclusion
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Many bilateral and unilateral efforts exist that promote cooperative science. What is important to understand, however, is that the ISTC and STCU offer unique frameworks for multilateral scientific cooperation aiming to bring forward the technological developments that are subject of today’s conference. The Centers have developed extensive networks bringing together world-renowned experts to discuss issues of common interest. I trust this conference will lead to further awareness of their potential to deliver concrete answers to scientific questions based on the best available know how –worldwide. The content of the special conference booklet produced for today’s event is a clear witness of this potential.

I thank you for your attention.