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A Guide to Applying for EU Research Funds
Many organisations have great difficulty in finding their way through application procedures for EU research funding. This leaflet is designed to help. It answers some common questions about the EU's Research Programme, the 6th Framework Programme, and provides contact points for more information. What is the 6th Framework Programme? Framework Programmes are the EU's primary vehicle for research funding. They have operated since 1984. The 6th is the biggest yet, worth €17.5 billion (£11 billion). It became fully operational in January 2003 and will end in December 2006. The seven thematic areas identified as being of significant importance to economic growth in Europe are:
Cross-border projects with other member-states and accession countries tend to be preferred. There are also guaranteed funds of €430 million set aside for multi-sector research amongst SMEs. Who can apply? Any legal entity in a member state or accession state can apply. In practice, this will primarily be commercial companies, academic institutions, or consortia of both types. For companies with limited experience of EU funding, local universities can be useful either as partners, or simply as sources of advice. Applicants have to demonstrate that they have the resources and competence to complete their research proposal and ensure that results are applied or disseminated. How do I apply? Applications must be submitted in response to a “Call for Proposals”, published by the European Commission. For details of current calls, please see: http://fp6.cordis.lu/fp6/calls.cfm You may also request an information pack on the call you are interested in via the Cordis website. You can submit a proposal online at the Cordis website: http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/subprop.cfm This method (known as Electronic Proposal Submission System, EPSS) is generally preferred as it is quicker and easier for theCommission. With some calls, the Commission may offer a pre-proposal check to help with preparation of the final proposal. But in all cases it is essential to study the Call for Proposals, and to obtain the Info Pack for the relevant proposal which will include a detailed guide to application. It is essential to follow the guidance to avoid having a proposal rejected on a technicality. If you do not have web access you can contact the National Contact Points (NCPs) for the thematic area you are interested in to request information and guidance on submitting a proposal. Where do I get further information? Please refer to the following National Contact Points (NCPs) addresses or Commission Help desk e-mail addresses shown overleaf for each of the seven thematic areas. Another good place to get help is through European Information Offices. These are a network of regional offices across the UK. Contact your local office, details of which can be found at: www.euro-info.org.uk Government Regional Offices should also be able to help you. Find your local office in the telephone Directory. Their European Secretariat will have people who specialise in most European matters. Friendly local advice can be sought from regional Chambers of Commerce and Business Links. You may also find it particularly helpful to get in touch with one of the universities in your area many of which have EU Funding officers who will have an in-depth knowledge of Research funding in Europe and how to get it. There is also a guide to Participating in European Research published by the commission. This is available in pdf format at: www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/pdf/how-to-participate_en.pdf Contact Details
Other Useful Contacts: Simon Bright UK National Co-ordinator Department of Trade and Industry/ Office of Science and Technology 1 Victoria Street London SW1H OET Tel: +44 20 72156429 Fax: +44 20 72156448 Email: simon.bright@dti.gsi.gov.uk Online Resources: For general information about the 6th Framework Programme: www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/ For information on research programmes and projects (highly recommended): www.cordis.lu Roger Helmer MEP Conservatives in the European Parliament Research Spokesman |