A Guide to the EU Research and Development Programmes
European Union research and technological development (RTD) activities are organised in 4 year frameworks, managed by the European Commission. The European Commission publishes work-programmes for the different sectors or programmes of RTD and, from time to time, announces calls for proposals.
The latest news on the Sixth Framework, which will run from 2002-2006, can be found at the Cordis web service.
Most projects are funded on a shared cost basis, with up to 50% funding from the EC. Partners must fund the remainder, and be able to demonstrate that their accounting system enables them to identify all project costs, including staff time and overheads.
The project must be innovative, and be able to demonstrate that it will advance the 'state of the art' in its field. This means that you need to be sure that you know the current 'state of the art', and that your project idea has not already been carried out. For a project proposal to be eligible for funding it must have partners from at least 2 European Union countries.
If you are not sure where your research idea, or your organisation's work would best fit in, the Price Partnership would be pleased to help you identify the programme which would be the most appropriate.
Contact Simon.Price@PricePartnership.com,tel +44 (UK) 1564 742681, fax +44 1564 742887.