ESASTAP is a dedicated platform for the advancement of European - South African scientific and technological (S&T) cooperation.

High-level research is increasingly complex, interdisciplinary and costly, and requires a constantly growing critical mass, as well as intensive international cooperation.

The building of strong international relations is also seen as crucial to achieving and maintaining enduring and equitable benefits from S&T for all South Africans. The relationship with the European Union is undoubtedly one of South Africa's most strategic partnerships in international S&T relations. South Africa and the European Union enjoy a privileged partnership marked by longstanding political, economic and development cooperation ties. The first intergovernmental agreement ever concluded between South Africa and the European Union, the Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation signed in 1996, afforded South African researchers the opportunity to participate fully in the EU's Framework Programmes for Research and Technology Development.

The European South Africa Science and Technology Advancement Programme (ESASTAP), a Specific Support Action, implemented by the South African Department of Science and Technology (DST) and funded by the European Commission (EC) under the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), will significantly enhance the support and assistance available to both South African and European researchers to optimally leverage mutual benefits from this partnership. Through enhanced networking and partnering, scientists and institutions from the European Union and South Africa can jointly explore new and emerging scientific and technological areas, anticipate future science and technology needs, and cooperatively seek to resolve major global issues.

ESASTAP aims to ...

• Promote improved cooperation between South African and European research groups
• Promote synergy between South Africa's Framework Programmes (FP) participation and bilateral cooperation with EU Member States
• Highlight South African S&T excellence internationally to encourage S&T partnerships
• Advance the achievement of strategic South African S&T priorities and strengthen regional Partnerships
• Enhance the internationalisation of the European Research Area (ERA)
• Derive benefit for participating countries by leveraging economic growth and social development benefits through S&T cooperation