In his capacity as the Minister of Education and Science – Giorgi Amilakhvari,  has started his first working visit to Brussels. Within the scope of the visit, the Minister held a working meeting with the Director-General of Directorate-General for Research and Development of the European Commission - Marc Lemaitre.

Giorgi Amilakhvari thanked the European Commission for its invaluable support to Georgia and emphasized the importance of the EU framework program for research and innovation - Horizon Europe. The Sides discussed the opportunities for development of joint support mechanisms for increased participation of Georgian scientists in Horizon Europe.

Additionally, the sides discussed the possibilities of strengthening the scientific-research institutes and innovative ecosystem in Georgia in order to increase the success rate of Georgian scientists and innovators in the calls announced within the Horizon Europe, including recently opened call on regional innovation valleys.

During the meeting, Giorgi Amilakhvari informed the Director-General of Directorate-General for Research and Development of the European Commission about the Kutaisi International University and a large-scale research facility - Hadron Therapy Center, which is being built on the premises of the Kutaisi International University with the financial support of the "Cartu" Foundation. According to the Minister, the modern cyclotrons for the hadron therapy center have already been installed by IBA - the world's leading company for manufacturing proton therapy equipment for cancer treatment.

During the meeting, the Minister also stated that Kutaisi International University is interested in obtaining membership of and hosting the European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) for Hadron Therapy Center. Giorgi Amilakhvari expressed hope for the full support of his European colleagues in this process.