Malta Council for Science and Technology Brief Introduction to FP7 14 th September 2007 Anthea Frendo National Contact Point for FP7

2 Outline FP7: the Basics FP7 Structure MCST’s role in FP7

3 FP7 at a Glance EU’s main funding tool for supporting research and technological development Total budget of over € 50 Billion Supports research in selected priority areas Objectives –to strengthen the scientific and technological base of European industry –to encourage international competitiveness, while promoting research that supports EU policies.

4 FP7 Structure + Ideas – Frontier Research Capacities – Research Capacity People – Marie Curie Actions Cooperation – Collaborative research JRC non-nuclear research Euratom direct actions – JRC nuclear research Euratom indirect actions – nuclear fusion and fission research

5 Budget: €50,521 Million

6 Ideas – Frontier Research Capacities – Research Capacity People – Marie Curie Actions Cooperation – Collaborative research

7 Cooperation Core of FP7 Promotes collaborative research in Europe and beyond Aims to gain leadership in key scientific and technological areas Supports cooperation between universities, industry, research centres and public authorities 10 themes

8 Cooperation 10 Themes: Health Food, agriculture and fisheries, and biotechnology Information & communication technologies Nanosciences, nanotechnologies, materials and new production technologies Energy Environment (including climate change) Transport (including aeronautics) Socio-economic sciences and humanities Space Security

9 Ideas – Frontier Research Capacities – Research Capacity People – Marie Curie Actions Cooperation – Collaborative research

10 Ideas Supports “frontier research” All areas of science and technology – “bottom- up” approach Selection based on scientific excellence only Individual research teams (or collaboration) Implemented via the European Resaerch Council (ERC)

11 Ideas - Objectives Stimulate excellence in frontier research in Europe and attract researchers to Europe: invest in bright and promising researchers and new ideas and unusual approaches stimulate competition at the European level offer incentives to individual researchers improve career opportunities and provide conditions for early independence of young researchers increase competition, recognition and international visibility for excellent individual scientists and scholars in Europe

12 Ideas – Frontier Research Capacities – Research Capacity People – Marie Curie Actions Cooperation – Collaborative research

13 People Provides support for researcher mobility and career development For both researchers inside and outside the EU Objective – to make Europe more attractive to the best researchers Implemented via a set of Actions

14 Ideas – Frontier Research Capacities – Research Capacity People – Marie Curie Actions Cooperation – Collaborative research

15 Capacities Aims to strengthen Europe’s research capacities through: Research Infrastructures Research for the benefit of SMEs Regions of Knowledge Research Potential Science in Society Specific Activities for International Cooperation

16 Who can apply? Any company, university, research centre or other legal entity established in: – a Member State – Associated Country – Third Country may participate provided that the minimum conditions have been met

17 Getting Support National Contact Points –The network of NCPs is the main structure to provide guidance and practical information –Personalised support during the project FP7 Enquiry Service –A service provided by the Europe Direct Contact Centre

18 Role of MCST in FP7 MCST is the NCP organisation in Malta for FP7. MCST has appointed an NCP for every thematic and horizontal area in FP7. List of National Contact Points on MCST website – Contacts Section Every local NCP is part of a NCP network at the European level.

19 Role of the National Contact Point Offers a helpful and FREE service. Disseminates information on FP7. Maintains website and provide updates. Identifies opportunities for Malta in current calls. Organises info days and training workshops. Helps in finding the right EC funding and partner.

20 Role of the National Contact Point cont… Advises on joining consortia and proposal writing. Networks locally and abroad. Assists in partner searches. Offers one-to-one consultations & full confidentiality. Assistance of FP7 Documents and procedures

21 National FP7 website Information on FP7 –Calls –Events (Local & International) –FP7 Documents and Publications –List of NCPs and contact details Organisation Profiles and Success Stories Project Ideas and Partner Searches Direct link with Cordis – Direct link with other FP7 initiatives

22 Thank you for your attention Anthea Frendo Malta Council for Science and Technology Villa Bighi, Bighi Kalkara Tel: (356) Fax: (356) Web: Other useful Sites: FP7 Malta: FP7 General: