International Cooperation Department

The Higher Council for Science and Technology places systematic emphasis on promoting international scientific and technological cooperation and building effective partnerships with Arab, regional, and international institutions, supporting Jordan’s priorities in research and innovation while enhancing its standing within the global scientific community.

The International Cooperation Department plays a central role as the national contact point for European programmes (Horizon Europe, PRIMA, and COST), In this role, we provide guidance to researchers and institutions, raises awareness of funding opportunities, disseminates reliable and comprehensive information, and supports successful participation in international initiatives, thereby enabling Jordanian researchers and institutions to effectively access funding opportunities and strengthen their engagement in global research and innovation collaborations.

The department also oversees the implementation of scientific and technological cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding with international partners, ensuring that these partnerships yield practical results, including joint projects, knowledge exchange, and specialized scientific activities. This contributes to developing national research capacities and positions Jordan as an active partner within the international research and innovation network.

International Project – FUTURE4PRIMA 2024-2027

The EU-funded project aims to strengthen research and innovation in the Mediterranean region and support the development of a renewed PRIMA partnership under the next EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme. The project focuses on sustainable water management and food systems through an integrated resource management approach. It also seeks to accelerate the market introduction of innovative solutions, enhance collaboration among national R&I funding bodies, and shape regulatory frameworks to support economic growth and sustainable development in the region.

Role of the Higher Council for Science and Technology:

HCST participates as a project partner and coordinates Work Package 3, which focuses on “Supporting the Alignment of Processes to Facilitate the Implementation of Transnational Programmes.” The Council contributes to strengthening collaboration among national R&I funding bodies, supporting the participation of Jordanian researchers, and enhancing the Kingdom’s position within the Euro-Mediterranean research and innovation ecosystem.

Website (https://future4prima.eu/)

International Programs – Horizon Europe Program – Marie Skłodowska-Curie

The Horizon Europe programme is the European Union’s main framework for funding research and innovation, offering extensive opportunities for international collaboration through competitive funding schemes and advanced research partnerships. It enables researchers to access global scientific networks and enhance the quality and impact of their research outputs.

HCST, through the International Cooperation Department, serves as the national coordinating point in Jordan. It oversees the National Contact Points (NCPs) network and supports researchers and institutions in effectively engaging with the programme, strengthening their participation in international projects. Horizon Europe addresses global and societal challenges, promotes scientific excellence, and drives innovation in key priority areas, contributing to sustainable development and economic growth.

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions represent one of the most prominent instruments for researcher development, providing advanced opportunities for international cross-sectoral, and interdisciplinary mobility, training, and capacity building. These actions enhance researchers’ career pathways at all stages and support their integration into leading international research environments. MSCA promotes excellent research across all domains through a bottom-up approach and ensures attractive working and employment conditions, structuring impact on organizations and fostering strong collaboration with industry and SMEs.

The Horizon Europe is implemented through structured work programmes and well-designed competitive calls, enabling researchers, institutions, and stakeholders to engage in collaborative research and innovation projects that deliver tangible impact and strengthen international scientific cooperation.

Horizon Europe Website: https://horizon-eu.eu/

MSCA Website: https://msca-glopol.eu/

International Programs – European Cooperation in Science and Technology COST

The European Cooperation in Science and Technology is a leading European initiative supporting research and innovation through scientific networking. It provides Jordanian researchers with opportunities to engage in multidisciplinary international collaborations, build strategic partnerships with leading institutions in Europe and beyond, and enhance the quality and impact of their research.

HCST, through the International Cooperation Department serves as the national coordinating body in Jordan, enabling researchers to access and benefit effectively from COST opportunities. The programme focuses on funding networking activities rather than direct research, through flexible initiatives known as “COST Actions,” which allow researchers to interact with international experts, exchange knowledge, and contribute to shaping future research directions.

COST is implemented through open calls for COST Actions, supporting activities such as workshops, conferences, training schools, and short-term scientific missions. These activities allow Jordanian researchers to develop their skills, expand professional networks, and increase their participation in future international research projects with tangible scientific and societal impact.

COST Website: https://www.cost.eu/

International Programms – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area PRIMA

The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area program (PRIMA) adopts a co-funding approach between the European Union and 20 EU-Med countries, by providing the needed fund for EU-Med research consortia.

The Higher Council for Science and Technology is the national funding agency and the main focal point for Jordan. PRIMA focuses on addressing mutual regional challenges and developing joint innovative solutions in the themes of water management, sustainable agriculture, and resilient food systems, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening Jordan’s role in the Euro-Mediterranean research and innovation ecosystem.

PRIMA is implemented through annual competitive calls, offering researchers and stakeholders the opportunity to carry out collaborative research and innovation projects that deliver tangible results, foster learning, and expand scientific and professional networks at both regional and international levels.

PRIMA Website (https://prima-med.org/)

PRIMA 2026 Calls: Here

National Regulations for Section 2: Here Pg. 32

HCST Funding Template: Attached below

Proposals submission at: ic@hcst.gov.jo