At the Lisbon Summit in March 2000, the European Government agreed to create an internal market for science and technology called European Research Area (European Research Area - ERA).
The 6th Framework Programme (FP6) is a financial instrument to help create a true European Research Area.
Basic principles of FP6:
- integrate research in selected thematic priorities where Europe could achieve high added value;
- develop tools that will lead to a stronger link between national, regional and other European activities;
- ensure high effectiveness in solving research problems and the autonomy of the solving teams;
- to enable the structuring of research to ensure Europe's significant position in the development of human resources and in international cooperation in science and research.
3 main parts of FP6 activities and their financing:
1. thematic priorities and specific research activities (13 345 million EUR)
Research thematic priorities
- Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health
- Information society technologies
- Nanotechnologies and nanosciences, multifunctional materials and new manufacturing processes and tools
- Aviation and space research
- Food quality and safety
- Sustainable development, global change and ecosystems
- Citizens and Government in the Knowledge Society
Specific activities
- Supporting policies and anticipating scientific and technological needs
- Horizontal research activities for SMEs
- Specific measures to promote international cooperation
- Joint Research Centres - Non-nuclear activities
2. Structure of the European Research Area (2605 million EUR ) includes:
- Research and innovation
- Human resources and mobility
- Research infrastructures
- Science and society
3. Strengthening the foundations of the European Research Area (320 million EUR ) is implemented through support for coordination of activities and policy development.
In early April 2000, the European Commission launched specific support actions of €13 million. to stimulate, support and facilitate the participation of 13 candidate countries in the EU's 6th Research Framework Programme.
The aim of all future activities to be funded is also to promote the professional qualifications of candidate countries and to establish a link between their top research centres and scientific institutions in EU Member States.
Participation
The eligible entities that may participate in the project shall include as a priority:
- SMEs
- Research institutions
- Universities
- academic institutes
- intermediary organisations
- where applicable, other entities which are listed on the website:
http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/fp6 glance.htm
Financing
The European Commission has set aside an amount for the entire duration of the programme EUR 17 500 millionwhich is divided into:
- Focusing and integrating research, structuring the European Research Area and strengthening the foundations of the European Research Area in value 16 270 million EUR
- EURATOM budget in value 1 230 million EUR
The allocation of resources per priority and per specific activity for the entire budget period can be found at:
http://www.uniag.sk/SKOLA/rzs/slovak/6RP/frame.htm (Slovak version)
Duration of the programme:The duration of FP6 is from 2002 to 2006
Current challenges and partner search
Current current calls can be found in the English version at: http://fp6.cordis.lu/fp6/calls open.cfm
In case of interest in participating in the programme, it is possible to search for potential partners via Internet at the stand: http://fp6.cordis.lu/fp6/partners.cfm
For more information on the programme, please contact:
- National Coordinators
Soňa Straková, MŠ SR, tel: 69202212 Strakova@education.gov.sk
Dr Martin Kedro, SARC, @sarc.sk - SIKAS (Slovak Information Consultation Academic Network)
Date of issue: 19.08.2003