The Joint Research Projects component, part of the Research Thematic Fund, reached its half time implementation stage. On this occasion a midterm meeting was organized in Bucharest, on 5 June 2014. Most of the 26 research projects, which completed the half of the implemented period, were invited to participate in this meeting.

The meeting offered to the Swiss and Romanian researchers the opportunity to present their preliminary findings, as well as the already produced publications and communications to the international conferences. This scientific co-operation is highly valued by the Romanian researchers. They emphasised, in particular, the complementary approach enabling researchers to benefit from the specific strengths of their partners. In addition, the programme offers young researchers from Switzerland and Romania a perfect opportunity to gain experience in international research and build networks.

Switzerland is contributing to the EU enlargement by supporting efforts to reduce economic and social disparities. In this context, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) commissioned the SNSF and its partner in Romania UEFISCDI to conduct a research programme, for which a single call was issued in 2012. The call resulted in 26 projects to be implemented. The projects in Romania concern the following areas: major diseases, impacts of waste and pollutants on environment and climate, sustainable energy, economic growth and social disparities.