The research team proceeded on 3 March 2011 to hold a workshop where they examined the project-related observations and recommendations with those involved on the ground.
President Dirk Boogmans raised the glass on a fascinating and inspiring 2011, in the presence of Flemish Minister of Innovation Ingrid Lieten and many guests. In his speech, he looked back on a few highlights of the first year of the VRWI
Ingrid Lieten Flemish minister for innovation, asks the VRWI for advice on the Green Book 'A new industrial policy for Flanders'. The VRWI will deliver its advisory report by early November 2010.
During the VRWI council meeting of September 23rd 2010, dr. Martin Lyes, Divisional Manager for the Research and Innovation Business Unit within Enterprise Ireland, gave a presentation on the Irish research and innovation policy. The Ambassador of Ireland to Belgium, Tom Hanney, made this meeting possible was present as well.
The VRWI-spearhead for Sustainable Chemistry (FISCH) organizes an event on September 24th 2010, in close collaboration with the Flemish Government and Essenscia Flanders. Theme of this meeting will be related to 'cluster intensification' and 'sustainable chemistry innovation' in the Antwerp Harbor region.
Minister Lieten considers it useful that the VRWI formulates its recommendations on the Flemish Environmental Policy Plan 2011-2015, given the strong interfaces that exist with the policy fields of science and innovation.
Within the Flemish Parliament an ad hoc Committee on Higher Education was established. The VRWI was asked to participate in the work of this committee. At the hearing today, the VRWI gave his view on this issue, from the 'research perspective'.
On April 23, 2010 the Flemish Government approved a one-time investment of 8 million euro grant to the Centre for Medical Innovation (CMI), following the proposal of Minister of Innovation Ingrid Lieten. Previously, on 18 December 2009, the Flemish Government adopted the structural funding agreement with the CMI.
Final approval of the bill accepting the Agreement establishing the European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC) and the bill accepting the Agreement establishing the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).
