Austrian Embassy in Canada

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The Austrian Embassy in Canada has taken a unique approach to using the Internet for diplomacy. The month of May, 1996 will be Austrian/Canadian Science month on the Internet. The initiative is presented by the Austrian Ministry of Science and Canadian Ministry of Industry and Science.

The "Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Canada" will encourage and facilitate cooperation between EU member States and Canada in fields of common interest, supporting research and development activities to advance science and technology. The Austrian Government wants to encourage Canadian scientists and firms to take an interest in Austrian-Canadian cooperation within the framework of EU research programs.

In response to request to support Austrian/Canadian Science Days (a conference) , Canada's Minister for Science the Honorable John Gerard suggested that the Internet could serve as a market mechanism for scientific and technological cooperation. A much more cost efficient, effective and participatory platform than a traditional conference, this type of initiative could be centrally stimulated but implemented by a multitude of different institutions in a decentralized fashion.

The Austrian/Canada Science Month on the Internet will allow individual researchers as well as institutions from both countries to publicize their current research and seek cooperation from other institutions.

There will be four Main areas

1. Environmental technologies and renewable energy
2. Sustainable forestry and landscape management
3. Telematics
4. Other
   • Cultural sciences
   • Social theory realted to economic development

The Austrian/Canada Science Month homepage can be accessed at http://www.bmwf.gv.at/ .

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