SCI Director Dr Bassam Burgan attended a workshop (2/02/16) organised by the European Commission to discuss the RFCS funding programme for steel research. The aim was to provide feedback to the Commission from users of the programme. There was very strong encouragement from users to maintain the current format and resist the temptation to align the programme’s format with that of H2020 (while recognising the need for coordination between the two programmes in terms of content). Officials from the Commission affirmed the Commission’s commitment to RFCS going forward. There was also encouragement for greater emphasis on dissemination activity and industry involvement to increase the impact of the programme and use of its research outcomes.
Photo: Mme Lawrence Moreau Deputy Head of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel discussing the fund’s history and affirming the Commission’s commitment to the RFCS programme.
SCI has been involved in 38 RFCS projects over the last 20 years with a total budget of €50.5 million. SCI has co-ordinated RFCS projects with a value of over €21 million. RFCS funding enables SCI to remain at the cutting edge of steel construction research in partnership with the leading universities and steel research organisations throughout Europe.