Wallonia-Brussels and Canada partnership supports researchers’ mobility

Brussels, Belgium – Mitacs’s new agreement with Wallonia-Brussels International will enable PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from Canadian and French-speaking Belgian universities (Wallonia-Brussels Federation) to take part in advanced research projects in the other country.

The agreement strengthens the Wallonia-Brussels–Canada relationship, and provides a catalyst for the development of new connections between universities from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and Canada. 

This new partnership offers Canadian PhD students and postdoctoral researchers opportunities to carry out 12-to-24-week advanced research projects at universities of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Similarly, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from universities of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation will undertake similar research projects at Canadian universities.

This bilateral program will be piloted for an initial period of two years, commencing on October 1, 2019, and will support up to 10 students (each way) from Canada and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation each year. 

Quotes:

Alejandro Adem, CEO and Scientific Director, Mitacs

“At Mitacs, we are delighted to work with Wallonia-Brussels International to promote Canada as a top destination for research opportunities and showcase Canadian research expertise around the world. The researchers from both countries will grow their skills and their global networks. This partnership represents a shared commitment to talent development and economic growth in both our countries.”

Pascale Delcomminette, CEO, Wallonia-Brussels International

“I am delighted to sign this memorandum of understanding with Mitacs today. This is a fantastic opportunity for our PHD students and Postdoctoral researchers wishing to conduct an advanced research project in Canada, which is renowned worldwide for its research excellence. Likewise, our universities are at the forefront of Scientific excellence and I am thrilled they will be able to welcome more researchers from Canadian institutions. I would also like to underline that this arrangement is for all disciplines and specialities, which perfectly corresponds to the values of our universities. I am convinced that this agreement means a significant step towards further integration within the scientific cooperation between Wallonia-Brussels and Canada and I look forward to working closely with Mitacs.”

About Mitacs:

• Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by solving business challenges with research solutions from the best academic institutions at home and around the world. See mitacs.ca.  
• Working with more than 60 universities, thousands of companies, and both federal and provincial governments, Mitacs builds partnerships that support industrial and social innovation in Canada.
• Funded by the Government of Canada, Canadian provinces, and Canadian universities, the Mitacs Globalink program offers two-way research opportunities between Canada and Mitacs partner countries for undergraduate and graduate students.

About Wallonia-Brussels International:

• Wallonia-Brussels International (WBI) is the agency responsible for the international relations of Wallonia and Brussels (French-speaking Belgium). It acts as an international policy instrument for Wallonia, the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and the French Community Commission of the Brussels Capital Region. See: http://www.wbi.be/about-us#.XSTjfo9CdhE
• The official representation of Wallonia-Brussels International in Canada is the Wallonia-Brussels Delegation in Québec. See http://www.wallonie-bruxelles.ca/en/pages/our-team-0
• The Scientific Liaison Officer of WBI for Canada, Adrien Sellez, is based in Montréal. See http://www.wallonie-bruxelles.ca/en/pages/adrien-sellez-ca 
• Detailed information about higher education institutions in French-Speaking Belgium is available on the website of Wallonia-Brussels Campus. See http://www.studyinbelgium.be/
• Detailed information about application forms are available on the website of WBI http://www.wbi.be. More information related to this subject can obtained via Anoula Kinnen (a.kinnen@wbi.be or (0032) 2/421. 82 03).

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Photo Caption: Alejandro Adem, CEO of Mitacs, and Pascale Delcomminette, CEO of WBI, advancing bilateral research mobility between Canada and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.