The 7^th Framework Programme (FP7) was launched on 22^nd December 2006. 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. Over the next 7 years (2007 – 2013) the European Commission will provide more than €54bn in support of research.

Co-operation: The Cooperation programme will support research cooperation between universities, industry, research centres and public authorities throughout the EU and beyond. The programme is sub-divided into ten themes based around broad disciplinary groups. While each theme will be operating their own programme there will be opportunity to allow for activities cutting across different themes.

Ideas: The ‘Ideas’ programme will support ’investigator-driven’ research projects in any field of research to be undertaken by individual research teams. Project funding will be awarded of the basis of proposals presented by researchers on subjects of their choice and evaluated on the basis of scientific excellence by peer review.The Ideas programme will be overseen and delivered by the newly created European Research Council (ERC).

People: The People programme aims to improve the quality of European R&D and increase the number of researchers and others working in the R&D sector. This will be achieved by encouraging people to enter into research professions, encouraging European researchers to stay in Europe and making Europe more attractive for the best researchers from around the world. The programme’s activities will be based on the Marie Curie actions as in previous Framework Programmes.

Capacities: The Commission’s proposals for the FP7 Capacities programme aim to enhance research and innovation capacities throughout Europe and ensure their optimal use

Address and contacts

London School of Economics
9^th Floor, Tower 1
Houghton Street
London WC2A 2AE

Tel: +44 020 7955 7113
Fax: +44 020 7955 6187

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