With the initiative of Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia, Minister of Education and Science of Georgia and Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, in order to develop friendly international cooperation and establish a long-term, mutually beneficial connection, an agreement on the introduction of “Georgian Studies Research Programme” with seven European universities has been prepared.

On February 7, within the 100th anniversary of the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, the mutual cooperation agreement was signed by: Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Director General of Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia, Rector of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University and representatives of seven European Universities.

The Parties agree to support the development of Georgian Studies Research Programme, which, is important for sharing knowledge and experience and mutually cooperative relationships, to popularize Georgian Studies Programme in international scientific space and to get acquainted with cultural heritage.

Within the framework of the program Postgraduate students and young scientists of the Tbilisi State University will have the opportunity to conduct research visits to the Georgian Studies Programme in the following higher education institutions: University of Vilnius (Lithuania), University of Leiden (Holland), University of Bremen (Germany), University of Tartu (Estonia), Eötvös Loránd University (Hungary), Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena and Ca' Foscari University of Venice (Italy).

The host universities will provide a work environment and a mentor for young researchers from Georgia. Beside this, in the partner universities will be established and integrate into academic programs: Georgian Language learning programmes and lecture courses to popularize the Georgian culture. 

Participation in the joint program will be available on the base of open call.

Georgian scientists founded by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia will present at these partner universities as Academic Visitors of the first year. Budget of the Call is 30 000 EUR. Each winner will receive stipendium from foundation not more then 20 000 EUR (10 000 EUR per semester) for no more than 10 months (2 000 EUR for month). Duration of the visit can be from 5 till 10 months.

Scholars will be selected through the joint panel organized by the SRNSFG and partner universities. The winners will be revealed by the end of 2018.