The Conference:

This year’s annual IST Conference taking place in Helsinki, Finland from November 21-23, 2006 is especially important because it marks the launch of the Seventh Framework Program for R&D. Beyond the thematic parallel sessions, the conference programme will be devoted to covering the content of the Seventh Framework ICT Programme.


IST-EC2 Networking Session:

Attending IST has always been a good occasion to find new project partners and meet representatives of the European Commission. If you are interested in exploring international partnerships, particularly with Canada, the IST-EC2 project is holding a networking session titled "Europe Canada IST Research Collaboration" which will take place on Thursday, November 23 from 11:00 - 12:30 in room 210 at the conference venue.

Express your interest in attending this Session by using the “Express your interest” button at the IST Conference web page, or contact the Project Coordinator and Networking Session Coordinator Mounib MEKHILEF for more information on how to participate in the Partnering Session. AND while you are there, register to become part of the IST-EC2 community, if you have not registered yet.

With the first Call for Proposals to be announced in December or January with a closing date of 24 April 2007, this is an ideal time to network with potential partners and discuss your research projects. Don't miss out on a valuable opportunity to showcase your ICT research priorities to a European and international audience.


Cocktail Reception:

People who expressed an interest in attending the Networking Session, will receive an invitation to attend a Canadian Embassy hosted Cocktail Reception, which will be held at the residence of one of the Embassy officers on the evening of Wednesday, November 22.


Catalogue of Profiles:

A catalogue is being prepared, if you would like to provide visibility to your profile, fill in the Profile Template at and send it back to Jim Burt by Thursday November 9th.


The Information Stand:

The IST-EC2 project will have an IST-EC2 Information Stand (stand: 7C) within the Country and Regional stands zone at the Exhibit Area that will be used to highlight Canadian research capabilities and projects for potential collaborations in the upcoming FP7 program.

IST-EC2 partners, both European and Canadian will also be in attendance to provide assistance, if required for networking opportunities. Throughout the event, the ICT objectives and procedures will be a main focus.

For more information on the conference visit the IST Conference web site:

Don’t miss this opportunity to ‘boost your research performance’ with international partners!