Brussels, 23/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 24 July, European research ministers will hold an informal meeting in Vilnius where they will discuss a single subject: skill shortages in Europe affecting the ability to provide appropriately skilled workers in the science and innovation sector.
After attending a gala at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania on Tuesday, ministers will meet for a plenary session divided into two parts, though both are entitled, “What skills do we lack in Europe now and in the future to be able to serve the needs in the field of science and innovation?” During the first part of the session, three different approaches will be presented. The analytical point of view will be looked at by Marijk van der Wende, the Dean of University College Amsterdam. Mary McNamara, from the Dublin Institute of Technology will providing the universities' perspective, and Algimantas Markauskas from the Thermo Fisher Scientific company will present the point of view of those active in the private sector. After this introduction to the subject, ministers will have the opportunity to debate the different issues. The secretary general of the European Research Council, Donald Dingwell, will be the chairman during this discussion. (JK/transl.fl)