About FEAST
Learn about FEED… the new phase of FEAST.
The Forum for European–Australian Science and Technology Cooperation (commonly known as “FEAST”) is an organization established by the Australian Government and the European Union to highlight, promote, and facilitate research collaboration between their respective communities.
The FEAST Secretariat is hosted by The Australian National University on behalf of the research community.
FEAST’s mandate is derived from intergovernmental talks between Australia and the European Union. The 1997 Joint Declaration on Relations between Australia and the European Union formalised the commitment to enhanced co-operation, and the Agenda for Co-operation (2003) specifically identified Australia and Europe’s commitment to making optimal use of FEAST as a key vehicle in promoting, facilitating, and evaluating collaborative research between Australia and Europe.
The Aims of FEAST
FEAST aims to:
- highlight existing multilateral and bilateral S&T cooperation between Europe and Australia; and
- improve this cooperation, particularly multilateral cooperation, through identifying priorities and enhancing the quality, quantity and visibility of future action.
Specific objectives of FEAST:
- To increase the links between European and Australian researchers;
- To better identify, promote, and demonstrate cooperation;
- To improve the process of providing information on Australian and European programmes promoting cooperating between Europe and Australia;
- To exchange best practices and support cutting edge research; and
- To provide opportunities for present state of the art S&T, and improve the prospects for cooperation in these fields.
Why FEAST?
The European Union is Australia’s largest scientific partner. Much of the collaborative activity occurs through collaboration between researchers in Australia and a single European country, but there is also a significant component of multilateral projects. The Delegation of the European Commission to Australia and the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research have embarked on a common approach to highlight and improve this bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Interviews and other reviews have shown a growing awareness of the value of closer European-Australian collaboration in research, both from the research and policy communities. However, there is a common perception supported by several studies that it is overly difficult for Australian and European researchers to build concrete long term relationships and undertake joint projects. FEAST aims to reduce the barriers to co-operation, and to assist researchers and groups wishing to engage through the provision of information and training, guidance, and specifically targeted activities. Networks developed by FEAST will provide critical mass and mentoring for younger researchers. FEAST will also operate at a strategic level, developing relationships with key organisations in Australia and Europe to facilitate the development of stronger alliances.
Learn more about FEAST
The primary resource is the FEAST website, providing access to a wide range of information resources, newsletters, and opportunities. As with all websites it is a work in progress, but is becoming a key portal for those interested in European–Australian collaboration.
Please also don’t hesitate to contact the FEAST Secretariat at any stage, via phone +61 (0)2 6125 7884, fax +61 (0)2 6125 7815 or email info@feast.org. We can often advise or guide you to the right person, piece of information, or programme. And finally, if you are registered with FEAST you can search our online databases and forums.
Register now and participate in the on-line forums, receive newsletters, targeted email announcements and access a range of other information resources.
Involvement in the FEAST community will give you:
- better knowledge and understanding of European-Australian cooperation;
- assistance in the identification of projects, programmes, and partners across Europe and Australia;
- quick access to relevant information (often existing but dispersed through a number of different sources);
- rapid diffusion of information about funding opportunities and other news;
- virtual workshops, preparation of events and more!
FEAST Governance
FEAST is governed by a Board representing the key stakeholders.
A European-Australian Joint Advisory Group (JAG) was established in December 2001. The JAG provides an opportunity for wider input and to build concrete commitment from all stakeholders, and to assist with the implementation of FEAST.
The FEAST Secretariat is located at The Australian National University, and is responsible for the delivery of all work programmes, under the supervision of the Executive Director, Dr Mark Matthews.
The History of FEAST
The importance of international linkages and collaboration is clearly recognised in recent Australian policy statements and reports, notably the January 2001 Innovation Action Plan Backing Australia’s Ability, the December 1999 White Paper Knowledge and Innovation: a policy statement on research training, the Australian Research Council’s strategic plan (2000-2002), the Innovation Summit Implementation Group’s Report and the Chief Scientist’s discussion papers on the Science Capability Review. These all underlined the role of international science and technology communication and collaboration as an essential activity for the transfer of ideas and knowledge, and crucial for maintaining world class human capital and economic competitiveness.
Even if most successful researchers are developing international links and networks as part of their normal modus operandi, much of this is still on an informal unstructured basis and lacks the recognition it deserves. The lack of visibility can also mean that other researchers, firms and institutions cannot take advantage of existing links and miss opportunities for extending the international collaboration.
A meeting of the joint Management Committee of the European Union and Australia on Science and Technology Cooperation was held in Brussels in March 2000, within the framework of the 1994 Agreement. One of the decisions made was to begin reflecting upon a target-based approach based on a strategy and common priorities.
In this context it was agreed in August 2000 by the diplomatic missions representing members of the European Union in Australia, to embark on an initiative of the French Presidency, to be known as the Forum for European-Australian Science and Technology (FEAST).
This initiative began in early 2002, and the first phase was completed in December 2004. An external review was undertaken (ec.europa.eu/research/iscp/pdf/feast-assessment-report_en.pdf), recommending expansion of the FEAST concept to other countries, and a continuation of FEAST in Australia.
FEAST supporting your events and activities
FEAST supports events and activities appropriate to its aims and vision. To use nomenclature such as ‘FEAST Activity’, ‘FEAST Event’ or ‘FEAST-related Activity or Event’, an activity/event must really contribute to the building and objectives of FEAST and integrate the existence of FEAST and use the tools when appropriate.
If you would like to use the FEAST logo with your event, please contact the FEAST Office.
Other FEAST-like organisations around the world
- Argentina
- ABEST: Argentinean Bureau for Enhancing Cooperation with the European Community in the Science, Technology and Innovation Area
- Canada
- ERA-Can: The European Research Area and Canada
- China
- STARTER: Strengthening the Strategic Research Partnership Between China and the EU
- Japan
- EURAXESS Links Japan
- Mexico
- UEMEXCyT: Bureau for European and Mexican Science and Technology Cooperation
- New Zealand
- FRENZ: Facilitating Research co-operation between Europe and New Zealand
- South Africa
- ESASTAP: European South Africa Science and Technology Advancement Programme
- Tunisia
- STREN: Scientific and Technological Results Exchange Network
- United States of America
- EURAXESS Links USA
