Participating Projects.

BALTFOODQUAL

General objective

To contribute to the realization of the full research potential of the enlarged European Union by unlocking and developing existing research potential in one of the convergence regions – the Baltic.

Website: www.sigra.lv/baltfoodqual
Contact: sigra@lis.lv

Specific objectives

• To strengthen the capacity of researchers in the Research Institute "Sigra" to participate at EU level in research projects and activities on animal feed and food quality.
• To improve the technical capacity of the Research Institute “Sigra” to carry out high quality research on animal feed and food quality and its impact on consumers health.
• To promote collaboration with other research institutions in the European Research Area, having similar scientific interests in order to use research capacity more synergetically and efficiently.

Long-term objectives of the project

To stimulate realization of full research potential of the enlarged European Union by unlocking and developing existing research potential in one of the convergence regions – Baltic.

Results to be achieved

• RTD capacity and the quality of research upgraded.
• Better integration of the research team of RI Sigra in the European Research Area (ERA) achieved.
• The capacity of RI Sigra for participation in FP7 projects improved.

The project will contribute towards the expected impacts listed in the Capacities Work Programme.

1. Capacity and the quality of research carried out by the Research Institute Sigra will be upgraded.
Skills and knowledge of the researchers will be increased during secondments to the cooperation research entities.
High quality researchers seconded from other research institutions will bring new research skills to the Sigra research staff.
Participation in workshops will give for researchers the opportunity to gain new knowledge in their field of research. Number of RI Sigra staff gained knowledge.
Acquisition of high quality research equipment followed by training to use the equipment will scientifically increase the quality of research carried out by RI Sigra.

2. Through development of well targeted partnership will be achieved better integration of the research team of RI Sigra in the European Research Area (ERA). Close cooperation will be developed in the respected field with the research teams from Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden and Denmark. It is expected also to promote networking with research teams from other EU countries (Poland, Finland, Germany) by inviting them to take part in conferences.

3. The capacity of RI Sigra participation in FP7 projects will be improved. By carrying out the project RI Sigra will get experience in implementation of FP7 projects.

4. The research capacity of Latvia and the Baltic region to improve economic and social cohesion will be increased. Choice of research area of the project - animal feed and food quality - is based on actuality in national and regional research area indicated by businesses, researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders being important for reaching the goals of grow, competitiveness and employment of the region. One of the most important business sectors will benefit significantly from developments achieved by the project.