The workshop’s aim is to discuss and identify pertinent research topics of mutual interest for research, technology and innovation cooperation among the EU Member States, Horizon 2020 Associated Countries and countries of the Black Sea region (preparing for further uptake in Horizon 2020, and future bi- or multilateral joint calls).

The workshop will include:

Opening session (1hour)

• Welcome and opening from the host organization (ESIDG), local authorities (representatives of the Government and the Parliament of Georgia), as well as the EC DG Research and Innovation and Delegation of the EU to Georgia

• Presentation of International cooperation actions under Horizon 2020 by representative of the EC DG Research and Innovation.

• Presentation of the Black Sea Horizon project by Work package 3 & Task 3.1 Leader International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS)

Round table discussion (the rest of the day with the lunch break) of mutual interest, most relevant challenges, the excellence available in the region, and the existing or potential cooperation patterns is proposed within the following topics:

Topic 1: Riverine systems in the Black Sea Region (ecological status, morphology, human impact, water quality);

Topic 2: Coastal zones: morphodynamic changes, degradation, stability, technogenesis-related morphodynamic changes in the coastal zones and their impact on the coast stability and coast degradation;

Topic 3: Material exploitation and ecological impact in the Black Sea Region (water nexus, environmental impact on water bodies and systems).

The participants will be leading researchers from the EU Member States, Horizon 2020 Associated Countries and countries of the Black Sea region invited to take part in the workshop. The number of participants in the Round table discussion of specific research topics for further take-up in Horizon 2020 and future bi- or multilateral joint calls will be limited to 20 experts, in order to enable a focused exchange of opinions.

The workshop outcome will be thematic suggestions for pertinent research topics connected to Environmental Challenges in the Black Sea Region Related to the Water Systems for further take-up in Horizon 2020 or bi- and multilateral research initiatives targeting STI cooperation among the EU Member States, Horizon 2020 Associated Countries and countries of the Black Sea region.

The participation in this event is upon invitation only.

The working language is English.

The draft agenda is under development.

The contact persons are:

Ms. Zoia Natsvaladze, Director of ESIDG, , tel. +995 599 430104;

Mr. Oleg Shatberashvili, Chairman of ESIDG, , tel. +995 577 400 487.