Ottawa — Tunisia and Mitacs, a Canadian not-for-profit research and training organization, signed a letter of intent with a view to working together in promoting research exchanges between the two countries.
The agreementwas signed by Tunisian Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and ICT, Tawfik Jelassi and Mitacs interim CEO and Scientific Director, Rob Annan. The goal of this agreement is to provide opportunities over the next three years for ten participants each year from each country to pursue research projects in the other country, starting in 2016.
Through this program, Mitacs and Tunisia have committed to promoting research-sector cooperation and partnership by facilitating student mobility. Special emphasis will be put on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Tunisia is a priority partner under Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan and, as part of North Africa, under the International Education Strategy. Mitacs Globalink is a key component of the international education strategy, which was launched by Minister for International Trade Ed Fast on January 15, 2014. In addition, Tunisia represents a French-speaking population, which will help to increase Canada’s share of the international francophone student market.
About the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and ICT – Tunisia
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR) is committed to ease the execution of research programmes and to promote innovation and technological development. These goals are pursued by supporting innovative firms, underlining the results of research, strengthening partnerships between research structures and industry and creating an ambitious program to develop and support techno-parks and start-up firms.
About Mitacs
Mitacs is a national, private not-for-profit organization that develops the next generation of innovators with vital scientific and business skills through a suite of unique research and training programs, such as Mitacs Accelerate, Elevate, Step, and Globalink. In partnership with companies, government and universities, Mitacs is supporting a new economy using Canada’s most valuable resource – its people.
