NATO programmes in science and technology for Eastern and Central Europe

One of the instruments (opportunities) to enhance the collaboration between East and West European Institutes is the Science for Peace Sub-Programme, part of the NATO Science Programme. Since its foundation in 1958 the NATO Science Programme has developed support mechanisms like advanced study institutes, collaborative research grants and science fellowships in order to support training of young scientists and engineers, mechanisms that are still in use. Since the early 1990s the NATO Science Programme has been extended to support also scientists from NATO Partner countries. In 1999 the Science Programme was transformed so that support is now devoted to collaboration between scientists of Partner countries and NATO countries. NATO activities in research and technology are stimulated via the Research and Technology Organisation, RTO. In this paper attention is paid to the Science for Peace Sub-Programmes and to other science sub-programmes. We overview the NATO and Partner countries, elucidate some examples of projects under NATO funding, and describe RTO areas.