4th Forum of the French Researchers in Australia Network (FRAN)

 The 2015 FRAN FORUM on ‘Innovative ICT Research – Frontier knowledge for global challenges’ will gather top Australian and French scientists, representatives from research and innovation institutions as well as from the business sector and major stakeholders.

The French Researchers in Australia Network (FRAN) is a vibrant and creative community of French Researchers working either permanently or temporarily in Australia. The FRAN network, which was set up by the French Embassy in Australia in 2012, now counts 440 members. This network is gathering a wide spectrum of research skills operating successfully within Australian research institutions. FRAN researchers, through their practical and comprehensive knowledge of both Australian and French research ecosystems, are bringing highly valuable insights for developing bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation between France –and more globally Europe- and Australia, as well as for contributing to the design of appropriate frameworks and instruments in this area. Their scientific knowledge and capacity to address complex issues, their international experience, their cultural and personal open mindedness are of utmost value in a context where finding new ways for enhancing social and economic engagement out of research is a priority worldwide.

The 2015 FRAN FORUM on Innovative ICT Research – Frontier knowledge for global challenges will gather top Australian and French scientists, representatives from research and innovation institutions as well as from the business sector and major stakeholders. Both the fundamental dimensions of ICT research and its strong potential for innovation and technology transfer will be addressed through dedicated sessions focusing on two major societal challenges that are of particular relevance to Queensland: environmental resources management and bio-informatics for health.

In the context of the current S&T policy developments in Australia stemming from the Chief scientist’s position paper “Science, technology, Engineering and Mathematics- Australia’s future”, the FRAN FORUM will timely foster mutual learning on the respective French and Australian science and innovation capabilities and agendas, with the view to significantly progress in identifying key opportunities and areas for reinforced cooperation in S&T between our two countries. Dr Anne-Yvonne Le DAIN, Member of the French Parliament, will attend the Brisbane FRAN FORUM and will bring in the perspective of the Parliamentary Office for Scientific and Technological Assessment (OPECST).

This event is co-organized by the French Embassy in Australia and the Australian Academy of Sciences, with the active support of the University of Queensland.
Thanks to the mobilization of the Brisbane French community for actively supporting the organization of this event.

For more information, send an email to: [email protected].