"The PRIMA-ERA project is designed to reinforce research collaboration between the Institute of Physics, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (IPA) and research centres in the European Research Area. The IPA is a leading organization on scientific research, knowledge transfer and graduate education in physics in Azerbaijan. PRIMA-ERA will facilitate the collaboration of the IPA with research centres in EU member and associate countries and reinforce its engagement in the FP7 projects in research topics covered by such thematic priorities as energy and nanotechnologies.The primary objectives of the project are:- to increase IPA capacities and preparedness for collaboration in the FP7 through twinning and networking, development of joint research plans and training modules and trainings;- to increase visibility of IPA for international scientific community and other stakeholders through dissemination of scientific information and promotional activities;- to ensure the compliance of the IPA’s research activities with socio-economic needs of the country and regionally and provide better career opportunities for young scientists through encouragement innovative approaches and development of research strategy.The project consortium between the IPA, CNRS Institut de Recherche et Development sur l’Energie Photovoltaique, CNRS-IRDEP (France) and TUBITAK – Marmara Research Centre, TUBITAK - MAM (Turkey), has been established to effectively fulfill the project’s objectives.The PRIMA-ERA will comply with the EU strategies for an “open ERA” as mentioned in the EC Communication for International S&T Cooperation by providing mobility and access to research facilities between the centres with similar research interests. The project actions will be in coherence with the concept of the “mutual interests of the EC and the ENP partner countries” as stated in the mentioned Communication."