CZ
The AKTION Programme outlines bilateral co-operation between the Czech Republic and Austria in the field of science and education and promotes the implementation of joint research projects and academic exchanges between institutions of higher education in both countries.
Since its inception in 1992, the Aktion Programme, which is co-ordinated by a board comprising ten members appointed by the Czech and Austrian Ministers for Education, has promoted in particular activities contributing to the long-term development of scientific and teaching potential of higher education institutions.
In the first phase of its implementation (1992-1996), the programme was focused on providing support to five Czech universities established after 1989 and offering scholarships to university students and teachers.
In the years 1997-2001, attention was paid particularly to the implementation of joint projects and steps were taken to stimulate direct co-operation between universities and colleges, promote the learning of the language of the partner country (especially through the exchange of scholarships for summer language courses) and enhance scientific and technical co-operation.
In the third phase of programme implementation (2001-2004), educational co-operation initiated in the previous phases continued, e.g. scholarship awards, lectures given by exchange professors, joint seminars and excursions. Summer collegiums were held and scientific co-operation including joint research projects intensified.
On 17 December 2004, the draft protocol for the 4th phase was approved by the ministerial Joint Commission, following upon activities carried out previously. The new amended programme outlines bilateral co-operation until 2009.
Detailed information (in Czech) is available at: http://www.dzs.cz/AKTION/AKTION.HTM.
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