The project aims at developing and fostering the international academic mobility between the EU and Russia through a network initiated in year 2007 between 12 Russian and 8 EU Higher Education Institutions in the field of Agriculture, Life Sciences, Food Chain and beyond. This proven network serves as base and is expanded with regard to two aspects: 1. Three HEIs from Russia, with no experiences in EM projects, have been included in the consortium 2. The following new objectives have been identified to contribute to added value:- Fostering the cooperation of the HEIs with the business sector- Bringing Alumni of the project into contact with the business sector- Preparing the students for the working environment- Enhancement of practical oriented study programmes - Developing Joint or Double Degree Master programmes in line with the Bologna regulations- Strengthening the cooperation between the Russian HEIs within the consortium in order to share their capacities- Building a research network for PhD candidates in the field of agriculture with a special focus on topics related to aspects and current problems of “Rural Development in Russia” and topics in the field of “Bioeconomy”. - Enhancement of the qualification of teaching staff and younger researchers- Dissemination of the experiences and know-how among other EU and Russian HEIsIn the proposed project 235 mobility flows from Russia to the EU and vice versa are planned, involving all types of mobility: Undergraduates, Masters, Doctorates, Post-doctorates and Academic Staff. Candidates will be selected during a 2-step-application process (written application and interviews) respecting gender balance, and in particular encouraging the participation of disadvantaged groups. 25% of the planned mobility flows are planned for TG 2 applicants in respect to the widened thematic focus and to contribute to the dissemination of the project’s results. Six scholarships will be awarded to TG3 candidates.