New Zealand to explore scientific cooperation with EU

New Zealand Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce is spearheading efforts to boost reseach and education links with the European Union this week. Joyce is to open the biennial New Zealand-European Commission Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee in Brussels on Thursday. "The EU plays an increasingly major role in setting the agenda for Europe's research and innovation," Joyce said in a statement Monday. "There is scope to work closer together as we attempt to find science-based solutions to the world's problems," he said. "The EU also shares our focus of the need to grow business research and development to boost economic benefit." A delegation from New Zealand's research and innovation sector would also attend the Brussels meeting and workshops. Joyce would also visiting Poland, Germany and the United Kingdom to strengthen links in science, business and international education.