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Denmark and the United States agrees on future collaboration in research

Helge Sander, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, and the new U.S. ambassador to Denmark, Laurie S. Fulton today signed an agreement which will allow Danish and U.S. researchers better opportunities to cooperate.

The United States and Denmark has several common priorities and strengths in various research fields – for example in environment and energy. This agreement forms a framework within which researchers and students in the two countries can enhance cooperation through more joint projects and exchange of knowledge.

– It is a great pleasure for me to sign a formal cooperation agreement on research with such a large research nation like the United States. We already have good ties with the United States, but it is my clear expectation that the agreement can increase cooperation between Danish and U.S. researchers. The agreement, among other things, makes it possible for researchers and research teams to apply for grants for collaborative activities through the new International Network Program, which the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation created this autumn, says Helge Sander, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation.

The new U.S. ambassador to Denmark, Laurie S. Fulton sees great potential in cooperation between Danish and American researchers in areas such as renewable energy and green technology:

– Both Denmark and the United States has pioneered research in both areas and both countries see the importance of technological progress, combined with sustainable development. Green growth is conditional on new energy and technology types. Cooperation is the best way for us to achieve these common goals. This agreement helps to emphasize our two countries' clear intentions and wishes to strengthen our cooperation.

Already close allies

Today, Denmark and the U.S. already has a strong cooperation in several areas of research. Innovation Center Denmark, which is a Danish initiative in Silicon Valley plays a central role in supporting and co-organizing several conferences and workshops within important fields such as renewable energy and food research.

Several of the Danish universities and research institutions cooperate closely with the United States already and the agreement provides ground for more extensive cooperation.

Risø DTU is an example of this, as they are working to enhance cooperation with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a U.S. research institute.

– NREL is a very key partner for DTU. Cooperation between Denmark and the U.S. is important because it could pave the way for further cooperation with other U.S. research institutions for energy research, says Risø DTU's Director Henrik Bindslev.