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FP7 is the European Union's main instrument for funding research in Europe and it will run from 2007-2013. It comprises all research-related EU initiatives playing a crucial role in reaching the goals of growth, competitiveness and employment in Europe.
The broad objectives of FP7 have been grouped into four categories: Cooperation, Ideas, People and Capacities. For each type of objective, there is a specific programme corresponding to the main areas of EU research policy. All specific programmes work together to promote and encourage the creation of European poles of (scientific) excellence.
Cooperation
The specific programme Cooperation fosters collaborative research across Europe and other partner countries according to the following ten thematic areas:
- Health
- Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology
- Information and Communication Technologies
- Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and New Production Technologies
- Energy
- Environment
- Transports
- Socioeconomic Sciences and the Humanities
- Space
- Security
Ideas
The specific programme Ideas is implemented via the European Research Council and supports frontier research on the basis of scientific excellence. Research may be carried out in any area of S&T, including engineering, socio-economic sciences and the humanities.
People
The specific programme People provides support for researcher mobility and career development, both for researchers inside the European Union and outside. It is implemented via a set of Marie- Curie actions, providing fellowships and other measures to support researchers build their skills and competences throughout their careers.
Capacities
The specific programme Capacities operates in the following seven broad areas:
- Research Infrastructures
- Research for the Benefit of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
- Regions of Knowledge
- Research Potential
- Science in Society
- Coherent Development of Policies
- Activities of International Cooperation
The calls for proposals under FP7 will be set out in annual work programmes which will provide details about the topics, timings and implementation.
The CORDIS Homepage provides important information on FP7, such as categories, research themes, open calls, etc.
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Who can participate in FP7?
Any company, university, research centre, organisation or individual, legally established in any country, including third countries (not Member States, candidates or associated countries), may participate in FP7 provided that the minimum conditions laid down in the Rules for Participation in FP7 have been met ( including any additional conditions laid down by specific programmes or individual work programmes).
The international dimension is no longer limited to a specific scientific and technological (S&T) cooperation programme but is now integrated in all European Community research activities. Consequently, all thematic areas are open to third countries including dedicated actions and coordinated calls with third countries.
Third country participants on the list of International Cooperation Partner Countries (ICPCs) are funded by the European Commission, normally on exactly the same basis as participants from EU Member States. Alternatively, unlike Member State participants, they may opt for a lump-sum payment.
Read more about who can participate in FP7 and find the list of ICPC at CORDIS
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How to get support?
The network of National Contact Points (NCPs) is the main structure to provide guidance, practical information and assistance on all aspects of participation in FP7.
Search for the nominated NCPs and their contact data by country under CORDIS or contact us!
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The ERA WESTBALKAN+ project is funded by the European Commission under FP6