1. SummaryChallenge Necessary and advantages of international cooperation in environmental science projects International cooperation gives the Institute a possibility to take the lead in technology development as well as to build up sustainable social interrelations through education. All environment problems and challenges can be divided in three levels: a.local, b.regional, c.global-scale. The Institute goal is to become a top level and recognizable institute not only in Latvia, but also in Europe in which international collaboration and communication is a key point. International cooperation and exchange have always been the emphasis of IESE, which has scientific and technological exchanges with over 30 members organizations from approximately 15 European countries. It is able to improve IESE scientific research level as well as its self-innovation, gaining much higher knowledge to its own advantage. Also international cooperation research is needed to support decision-making to obtain early indications of emerging environmental issues in all levels. Since 1992 the Institute of Energy Systems and Environment of Riga Technical University has being involved in international cooperation projects targeted to the improvement of energy and environment sectors, integration of innovative energy systems into Latvian and European energy markets and the mitigation of climate change through environmental friendly energy systems. The Institute, in cooperation with the leading European and international scientific researching institutions, implements projects of: the Nordic Council of Ministers, the European pre-accession funds and EU structural Funds Project programes, the European Commission the Organisations for the Promotion of Energy Technologies (OPET) Network and Intelligent Energy Europe programmes, EU 5th and 6th Framework projects, etc. International cooperation – a keystone for research development From one hand, international activities of the Institute of Energy Systems and Environment are directly pointed to technological progress: efficient energy use, promotion of alternative energy resources, popularization of sustainable and environmental friendly way of thinking and living, i.e. efficient usage of natural resources and mitigation of climate change effects. From the other hand, collaboration with the leading European and international research institutions improve and increase the scientific potential of staff involved in project implementation: bachelors, masters, PhD students and technical staff. From this point of view, as additional benefit the social interrelations must be taken into account, for creating a joint, sustainable scientific area between different institutions and different countries with a common aim – to build up next generation as sustainable society through education. The Institute’s activities within international projects consolidate international objectives and local interests: a lot of local municipalities and enterprises are being involved in implementation of projects and participation in project management groups. It gives a possibility for smaller regions to develop their future action strategies at the same level as it is done in developed countires. International Cooperation in Environmental Science Projects Dzintars Jaunzems, Julija Gusca Riga Technical University (RTU), the Institute of Energy systems and Environment dzintars.jaunzems@rtu.lvdzintars.jaunzems@rtu.lv, julija.gusca@rtu.lvjulija.gusca@rtu.lv http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/army/docs/astmp98/figvii7.gif http://www.esi.nagoya-u.ac.jp/eng/imgs/kasou/img_03.gif