FP7 Publications

www.euresearch.ch

Access to borderless knowledge

FP7 –7th EU Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development

This brochure is based on information available at the end of September 2006 before the political procedures of the EU and Switzerland for FP7 were completed. Possible changes are available at www.euresearch.ch/updateEuresarch cannot be held responsible for missing or erroneous information.© Euresearch 2006, 1st Edition

European research networks at your disposal.

The complex challenges facing Europe and the planet

as a whole (health, information society, energy, environ-

ment, transport, security, etc) as well as the develop-

ment of the tomorrow’s environment demand significant

resources and intelligent synergies in scientific research

and technological innovation.

This is why the European Union (EU) supports multi-

cultural, transdisciplinary projects that unite partners

from different countries and professional backgrounds

(research institutions, industry, SMEs, associations) for

the development of high quality knowledge.

Such conditions are especially favourable for creative and

efficient research. The many opportunities offered by the

7th Framework Programme of Research and Development

(FP7) are there for the taking.

In order to make your task easier, Euresearch – the Swiss

network for information and advice mandated by the

Swiss Secretariat for Education and Research – has pub-

lished this brochure (that is also available in German and

French), as well as the related guides that can be down-

loaded at www.euresearch.ch.

Cover: DLR Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt

1

www.euresearch.ch

WHY PARTICIPATE

Switzerland associated to European Research

FP7 – Why participate?

Testimonials

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPATION

FP7 at a glance

FP7 – Where to participate?

Opportunities for business

Health

Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology (FAB)

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies (NMP)

Energy

Environment, including Climate Change (ENV)

Transport

Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities (SSH)

Security and Space

Euratom

Basic Research (ERC)

Marie Curie Fellowships (People)

Research for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME)

Research Infrastructures

Science in Society

Activities of International Cooperation (INCO)

Regions of Knowledge

Research Potential

Coherent Development of Research Policies

Joint Research Centre (JRC)

Technology Platforms and Joint Technology Initiatives (JTI)

ERA-NET and Trans-national Research Initiatives

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

FP7 – How to participate?

Project preparation and submission

Finding partners and projects

Contractual issues

Intellectual property, use and dissemination of results

Reporting

Financial aspects

Types of project

Euresearch, your Swiss guide to European research

Contents

page

2

4

10–27

6

8

10

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

28

28

28

29

29

30

32

32

33

33

34

34

35

36

related downloadable

guides

Health R&D Guide

FAB R&D Guide

ICT R&D Guide

NMP R&D Guide

Energy R&D Guide

Environment R&D Guide

Transport R&D Guide

Space/Security R&D Guide

R&D Guides Space/Security

Euratom R&D Guide

Basic Research R&D Guide

Fellowships R&D Guide

SME R&D Guide

Infrastructures R&D Guide

Science in Society R&D Guide

INCO R&D Guide

Management Guide on contractual issues

Management Guide on IPR & dissemination

Management Guide on reporting

Management Guide on financial rules

Management Guide on project types

2

www.euresearch.ch

FP7 – Switzerland associated

to European research

With a budget of € 53 thousand million the

7th EU Framework Programme for Research and

Development (FP7) runs from 2007 to 2013. It

offers Swiss business and researchers a wide range

of opportunities for scientific and economic coop-

eration.

Researchers in Switzerland were involved in EU

research programmes between 1987 and 2003 on

a “project by project” basis via funding from the

State Secretariat for Education and Research (SER).

Switzerland’s association (attained by the Bilateral

Agreements I) and its complete participation in the

framework programmes as of January 2004 are a

continuation of its collaboration with Europe and

place Switzerland at the very heart of the European

Research Area.

Ever since then, Swiss researchers have been

receiving funding from the European Commis-

sion and are fully entitled to coordinate European

projects. The latter opportunity to directly influ-

ence the direction of a project and the choice of

partners is an undeniable advantage for the Swiss

research community and has considerably helped

to increase Swiss participation in the framework

programmes.

An interim assessment of the 6th Framework Pro-

gramme in the autumn of 2006 – extrapolated to

cover the entire programme – shows a 100 % return

on the contribution paid by Switzerland to Brus-

sels. At that time, involvement in FP6 amounted

to more than 1000 Swiss participations in 900

projects. 90 of these projects are coordinated by

Swiss organisations – a promising start related to

Switzerland’s full association. As the graph shows,

Swiss participation has increased with each suc-

cessive framework programme. Some two-thirds of

participants were from academic research institu-

tions (universities and institutes of technology) and

one-third from industry and small or medium-sized

enterprises (SMEs).

Although the financial return is an important factor,

Switzerland’s involvement in European research has

produced additional medium and long term bene-

fits. The results of a representative study conducted

on behalf of SER showed that Swiss participation in

the European Framework Programmes promoted

Switzerland’s permanent integration into European

research networks. For example, a significant pro-

portion of cooperative arrangements have continued

beyond the completion of a project. In addition, the

programmes enhance the quality of Swiss research:

close to 80 % of large companies, SMEs, universities

and other research institutions who responded to

the survey confirmed that they had derived major

scientific benefit from European cooperation.

Swiss participations in EU projects 1992 – 2005

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

600

0

500

400

300

200

100

FP3 FP4 FP5 FP6 Source: SER

Trend

3

www.euresearch.ch

Dear researchers and businesses,

“In a knowledge society, knowledge is developed at an ever faster rate and exchanged in ever larger

networks. As a result, the participation of Switzerland in the 7th European Framework Programme for

Research and Development (FP7) is an undeniable asset for of our economic growth.

In order to solve problems of global significance, universities, institutes of technology and other research

centres in Switzerland must have access to scientific networks in Europe. They provide our best research-

ers with opportunities to share and develop knowledge and technologies in cooperation with other

European scientific and economic partners. In addition, such networks foster the next generation of

scientists. They enable young researchers from Switzerland to participate in European research consortia

and establish a wide range of valuable international links. Equally, Swiss institutions can benefit from the

knowledge of talented young researchers from other countries.

Swiss companies also benefit from European research. In fact, the success of an innovation is often the

result of upstream research and development. Such research is often beyond the resources of companies,

particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and so participation in European projects allows them

to access new technologies and establish links with academic and commercial partners in Europe.

Fruitful cooperation between academia and business requires partners that are competent and reliable

as well as a clear definition of the rights and obligations of each partner. In the European context, such

cooperation involves a certain level of complexity that is not necessarily insurmountable. The choice of

appropriate projects and partners that mesh well with the innovation strategy of a research centre or a

company can generate genuine added value. Numerous success stories bear witness to this fact.

Euresearch, the Swiss network for information and advice on European research, mandated by the State

Secretariat for Education and Research, is there to help you identify the opportunities that exist in FP7

and turn them into projects. It’s your move!”

Pascal Couchepin

Federal Councillor

4

www.euresearch.ch

European projects offer a wide range of opportunities irrespective of whether you are a university, public

or private research centre, small or medium-sized enterprise, industry, association, chamber of com-

merce, non-governmental organisation or public authority.

The following table summarises the opportunities offered by FP7. In order to identify more precisely

which FP7 domains correspond to your needs and how you can participate please refer to “Where to par-

ticipate” (Page 8 – 9) and “How to participate” (Page 30 – 31) respectively.

Target participants

Participation in FP7 requires a certain level of commitment but at the same time creates numerous

benefits.

FP7 – Why participate?

Typical requirements Typical benefits

Potential opportunity

Opportunities

Benefits and obligations

www.euresearch.ch/why

• Involvement in leading-edge research projects• Information about future trends in research • Access to knowledge and technologies of pan-European consortia• Potential new contacts, networks and markets • Intellectual property rights• Contact with promising young researchers and potential new • employees • Financial support for your R&D project• Networking (the opportunity to participate in further projects)

• Acceptance of complex rules and procedures that can be tedious • at times • Exposure to strong competition during the selection procedure• Ability to commit for 2 – 5 years• Investment of a substantial amount of time and effort• Potential search for supplementary financial sources (Maximum • European funding level: 75 %)

• Targeted research within multi-partner consortia • Individual basic research projects• Applied research for the benefit of SMEs• Scientific networks (exchange, coordination and integration)• Research by public-private partnerships • Incoming and Outgoing Fellowships • Access to research infrastructures, co-financing of new, unique research • infrastructures at the European level• Conferences, studies and exchange of best practice

• Individual basic research • Fellowships for undertaking research abroad

• Targeted research within multi-partner consortia • Individual basic research projects• Research by public-private partnerships • Incoming and Outgoing Fellowships • Access to research infrastructures and co-financing of new and unique • research infrastructures of pan-European interest

• Targeted research within multi-partner consortia• Funding of research and development projects outsourced to competent research partners• Incoming and Outgoing Fellowships • Conferences, studies and exchange of best practice

• Targeted research within multi-partner consortia• Funding of applied research projects out-sourced to competent research partners• Conferences, studies, exchange of best practice

• Multinational coordination of national research programmes • Exchange of best practice

Universities and other tertiary schools Public research centres Private research centres

Individual researchers

Large companies, industry

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

AssociationsChambers of commerce Non-governmental organisa-tions (NGOs)

Public authorities

5

www.euresearch.ch

In FP7 it is possible for researchers based in Switzerland to coordinate a European project. While being

a coordinator requires time, talent and resources, it also generates numerous benefits for the researcher

and the institution alike.

Typical requirements Typical benefits

The State Secretariat for Education and Research offers incentive grants to those preparing European

research projects. Worth several thousand Swiss francs, these grants are intended to cover a proportion

of the costs related to the preparation of European projects. There are two sorts of grant:

Coordination grant

open to any institution based in Switzerland

coordinating a FP7 project

Additional information:

www.euresearch.ch/bonus

SME Grant

open to any SME based in Switzerland participating

for the first time in an FP7 project

Do you want to work at the European level?

This means in particular

• working with institutions from other countries

• attending meetings in other countries

• reading, writing and speaking in English

• accepting complex and somewhat onerous rules

and procedures

• signing a contract with collective responsibility

for the whole consortium

Are you prepared to work with partners from dif-

ferent professional and cultural environments?

This entails

• different rhythms, rules and values

• different perspectives and interests

• potentially difficult negotiations about

intellectual property rights

Is your idea, technology/knowledge unique and

innovative?

It differs from the current state of art/knowledge,

is irreplaceable and has not yet been developed

Does it have a European dimension?

It cannot be developed nationally, meets a Euro-

pean need and potentially generates an advance in

its field.

Does it have genuine market potential?

It has pan-European market potential, can be mar-

keted within 2 – 5 years and has generated interest

from potential partners

Is it of strategic importance for your institution?

It corresponds with your innovation strategy

and has the support of the management of your

institution

→ The more that you answer “yes”, the more

you and your work are suited to FP7.

Incentive Grants

Coordinating a project

Before getting started, answer the following questions:

• Control of the management and influence over the scientific • direction of the project• Opportunity to build a strong international network • Privileged relationships with project partners and with the • European Commission (EC)• Access to new research circles in Europe • International reputation as a researcher and as a manager of • complex projects

• Sufficient resources to establish a consortium and prepare a project• Diplomacy and negotiation skills• Project management skills• Good communication and organisational skills

6

www.euresearch.ch

Cooperation

Ideas

People

Capacities

Euratom

Joint Research Centre

61%

14%

9%

8%

5%

3%

FP7 at a glance

FP7 (2007–20013) is

divided into several

specific programmes,

each of which con-

tains domains that are

clearly defined and

complementary. These

are summarised in the

following table:

Research projects in following themes• Health• Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology (FAB)• Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)• Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies (NMP)• Energy• Environment, including Climate Change (ENV)• Transport• Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities (SSH)• Security and Space

Basic Research at the frontier of knowledgeProjects in all areas of basic researchSelection based on scientific excellence onlyIndividual research teams (or collaboration)

Marie Curie FellowshipsIndividual and network fellowships allowing transna-tional and trans-institutional mobility and knowledge transfer for and of scientists

Support for existing and new Research Infrastructures

Research for the benefit of SMEs

Regions of Knowledge

Research Potential

Science in Society


Coherent Development of Research Policies

Research in the field of atomic energy

Research institutes run by the European Commission

DomainBudget 53(in thousand million €)

32.26.01.99.13.5

2.31.94.20.62.7

7.5

4.7

4.21.8

1.3

0.1

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

2.7(for 2007–2011)

1.7

Specific programme

7

www.euresearch.ch

Universities, Research institutionsIndustry, Small and Medium-sized Enter-prises (SMEs), Associations, Non Govern-mental Organizations (NGOs) Authorities

Universities and Research Institutions

Universities and Research InstitutionsIndustry, Individual researchers

Research infrastructures

Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME), SME associations, Researchers (universities, research institutions, …)

Universities, research centres, enterprises and regional authorities

Universities and Research Institutions in convergence regions

Universities, Research institutions, Associa-tions, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Authorities

Universities, Research institutions, Indus-try, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), Associations, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), AuthoritiesAuthorities, research funding agencies

Research Centres, industry

Joint Research Centre

Calls within pre-defined topics (top-down)Multidisciplinary consortia gathering several partners from different countries and with complementary competences.• Collaborative projects and networks: Collaborative Projects, Network of Excellence, Coordination and Support Actions• Joint Technology Initiatives: Public-private partnership bringing together industry, research institutions and the public in a sector to define and fund research projects based on a Strategic Research Agenda. Joint Technology Initiatives will be chosen from existing European Technology Platforms.• Co-ordination of national research programmes: networks bringing together national research programmes to launch transnational research activities (ERA-NET, Article 169)• International Co-operation: Integration of international researchers and research institutions into collaborative projects and networks.

Open calls, no pre-defined topics (bottom-up)Implemented through the European Research Council ERC (independent from European Commission)• Starting independent researcher grant (ERC Starting Grant): Support of researchers starting their first independent research team (less than 10 years after PhD)• Advanced investigator grant (ERC Advanced Grant): Support for established researchers

Calls for Host institution or for individual fellows, no pre-defined topic (bottom up)• Initial training of researchers: International research training networks for early stage researchers: Support for PhD students (4+1 years), for joint training programme in research and in complementary skills, and for chair positions and training events outside the network.• Life-long training and career development: Supporting the career of Post Docs (intra-European fellowship), Co-funding of national fellowship programmes. • Industry-academia pathways and partnerships: Longer term collaboration between one academic institution and one company (SME, industry), two-way secondments or recruitment of experienced researchers.• The international dimension: Outgoing international fellowships (with mandatory return), return of researchers after a research period abroad, incoming fellowships for highly talented researchers from outside the EU, exchange of researchers between European organisations and organisations from third countries, international reintegration for researchers from third countries.

Open calls, no predefined topics (bottom up) as well as for defined topics (top-down)• Existing infrastructures: Transnational access to infrastructure: Integrating activities; support to European research e-infrastructure (GEANT, GRID)• New infrastructures: Support for the construction of new infrastructure, Support of design studies for new infrastructureOpen calls, no pre-defined topics. Projects have to serve SME needs.Multidisciplinary consortia gathering several partners from different countries and allowing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to externalise their R&D needs to competent researchers.• Research for SMEs: projects with SMEs and researchers• Research for SME associations: projects with SME associations and researchers• Actions to support the participation of SMEs in FP7

Calls within pre-defined topics (top-down) Regional cluster: Support of regional “research-driven clusters”, to bring together regional actors involved in research from authorities, academia and business.Calls within pre-defined topics (top-down) Achieving the full research potential of the enlarged Union through: trans-national two-way secondments of research staff from convergence regions; recruitment of experienced staff by organisations in convergence regions; acquisition of research equipment in convergence regions; organisation of conferences for knowledge transfer; “evaluation facilities” for international expert evaluationCalls within pre-defined topics (top-down) Promotion of science in society: Reflection and debate on science and technology, involvement of researchers and the public, triggering interest for science in young people, gender research, role of universities facing the challenges of globalisation, science policyCalls within pre-defined topics (top-down) Coordination and support actions for the cooperation with third countries: Candidate and potential candidate countries, countries neighbouring the EU, developing countries, Brazil, China, India, ASEM (Asia), MERCOSUR (Latin America)Calls within pre-defined topics (top-down) Research policy: Co-ordination actions of national and regional research policies

Calls within pre-defined topics (top-down)• Fusion energy research: funding of ITER, including related R&D activities• Nuclear fission and radiation protection: management of radioactive waste, new fission reactor systems, radiation protection, infrastructures, human resources and training• JRC: Nuclear activities of the Joint Research Centre

JRC: Funding for the non-nuclear activities of the Joint Research Centres

Activities Target Participant

8

www.euresearch.ch

FP7 – Where to participate?

Apart from the thematic domains and their prede-

fined research topics (top-down approach), FP7 con-

tains so called cross-cutting domains, which cover

the entire field of science and technology. Some of

Information Processing & Systems

Electronics, Microelectronics

Telecommunication

Micro- & Nano- Technologies

Industrial Manufacturing

Material Technologies

Measurement Methods & Standards

Waste Management & Life Cycles

Construction Technologies

Aerospace Technologies

Biotechnology

Environmental Technologies

Agriculture and Food Technologies

Forestry and Forest based Industries

Fisheries and Resources of the Sea

Energy

Transport

Education, Training

Regional Development

Policies, Legislation, Regulations

Information, Media

Meteorology, Climatology, Astronomy

Environmental and Earth Sciences

Mathematics

Biology, Life and Food Sciences

Chemistry

Medicine

Physics

Socio-economic Sciences & Humanities

Hea

lth

Food

, A

gri

cult

ure

and

Bio

tech

nolo

gy

(FA

B)

Info

rmat

ion

an

d

Com

mu

nic

atio

n

Tec

hn

olo

gie

s (I

CT

)

www.euresearch.ch/where

these also have predefined research topics whilst

others are open to any topic (“bottom-up” approach).

The table below may help you to identify the FP7

areas of interest to you. Here is how to use it:

Vac

cin

e, t

ran

spla

nts

, im

mu

noth

erap

y

Gen

om

ics,

pro

teom

ics,

bio

info

rmat

ics

Pub

lic

hea

lth

, p

atie

nt

safe

ty

Gen

e th

erap

y, c

ell th

erap

y

Dru

gs,

dru

g r

esis

tan

ce,

ph

arm

agen

om

ics

AID

S, T

B,

mal

aria

Ch

ron

ic d

isea

ses

Can

cer

Car

dio

vasc

. d

isea

ses,

ob

esit

y, d

iab

etes

Rar

e d

isea

ses,

em

erg

ing

ep

idem

ics

Hu

man

dev

elop

men

t an

d a

gei

ng

, b

rain

Syst

ems

bio

log

y

Bio

log

ical

res

ou

rces

Food

, h

ealt

h,

wel

l b

ein

g

Bio

tech

nolo

gy

non

food

Int.

coop

., e

mer

gin

g p

olicy

nee

ds

Nan

o-e

lect

ron

ics,

ph

oto

nic

s

Com

mu

nic

atio

n n

etw

ork

s

Emb

edd

ed s

yste

ms

Soft

war

e, g

rid

s

Kn

ow

led

ge

syst

ems

Vir

tual

rea

lity

Pers

on

al e

nvi

ron

men

ts

Hom

e en

viro

nm

ents

Rob

oti

c sy

stem

s

Inte

llig

ent

infr

astr

uct

ure

s

eHea

lth

, eI

ncl

usi

on

eGove

rnm

ent,

ePa

rtic

ipat

ion

Mob

ilit

y in

tra

nsp

ort

Envi

ron

men

t, G

MES

Cre

ativ

ity,

eLe

arn

ing

, cu

ltu

ral h

erit

age

Research domains FP7

& Keywords for Euresearch E-ALERT

Thematic domains with defined topics

Cooperation

Your domain of activity

Specific programme FP7

9

www.euresearch.ch

Nan

osc

ience

s,N

ano-

tech

nolo

gie

s, M

ater

ials

and n

ew P

roduct

ion

Tec

hnolo

gie

s (N

MP)

Ener

gy

Envi

ron

men

t (E

NV

)

Tra

nsp

ort

Soci

o-e

co S

cien

ces

and

th

e H

um

anit

ies

Spac

e

Secu

rity

Nu

clea

r R

esea

rch

Bas

ic R

esea

rch

Mar

ie C

uri

e

Fellow

ship

s

Res

earc

h f

or

the

ben

efit

of

SMEs

Infr

astr

uct

ure

s

Scie

nce

in

Soci

ety

Inte

rnat

ion

al

Coop

erat

ion

Reg

ion

s

Pote

nti

al

Policy

→ Select your field of scientific activity (rows of the table) and identify the corresponding FP7 domains

in the columns. These domains correspond to the keywords that are used in the Euresearch

e-alerting service (E-ALERT)

→ Having identified your potential FP7 domains, look at the summary of each of them in this brochure

(Pages 12 – 29) and the related R&D guides.

→ Select the keywords corresponding to your profile of interest and enter them in our e-alerting system.

You will then be sent regular information on corresponding topics (see Page 36).

eBu

sin

ess,

eW

ork

, eF

acto

ry

Tru

st,

con

fid

ence

Futu

re a

nd

em

erg

ing

tec

hn

olo

gie

s

Nan

o-s

cien

ces,

-te

chn

olo

gie

s

New

mat

eria

ls

New

pro

du

ctio

n p

roce

sses

Inte

gra

tion

for

sect

ori

al a

pp

lica

tion

s

Short

to m

ediu

m t

erm

(d

emon

stra

tion

)

Med

ium

to lon

g t

erm

(re

sear

ch)

Clim

ate

chan

ge,

pollu

tion

, ri

sks

Sust

ain

able

res

ou

rce

man

agem

ent

Envi

ron

men

tal te

chn

olo

gie

s

Eart

h o

bse

rvat

ion

, as

sess

men

t to

ols

Rai

l tr

ansp

ort

, R

oad

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nsp

ort

Wat

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orn

e tr

ansp

ort

Air

born

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ansp

ort

Gal

ileo

Soci

o-e

con

om

ic S

cien

ces

Hu

man

itie

s

GM

ES

Spac

e te

chn

olo

gy,

-sc

ien

ce

Ter

rori

sm,

org

aniz

ed c

rim

e

Infr

astr

uct

ure

, u

tiliti

es s

ecu

rity

Bord

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ecu

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Res

tori

ng

sec

uri

ty

Policy

nee

ds,

cro

ss c

utt

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in

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st

Fusi

on

Fiss

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Was

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Rad

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on

pro

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Tec

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s an

d s

afet

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ERC

, Bas

ic R

esea

rch

in

th

e fr

amew

ork

of

the

Euro

pea

n R

esea

rch

Cou

nci

l

Init

ial tr

ain

ing

/In

du

stry

-aca

dem

ia/I

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a-

Euro

pea

n f

ello

wsh

ips/

Into

an

d o

ut-

of

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pe

fellow

ship

s/A

war

ds

Res

earc

h f

or

SMEs

/Res

earc

h f

or

SME

asso

ciat

ion

s

Exis

tin

g r

esea

rch

in

fras

tru

ctu

res/

New

rese

arch

in

fras

tru

ctu

res

You

ng

peo

ple

/Gen

der

iss

ues

/Sci

ence

com

mu

nic

atio

n a

nd

gove

rnan

ce/E

thic

al

issu

es

INC

O,

Act

ivit

ies

of

Inte

rnat

ion

al

Coop

erat

ion

Reg

ion

s of

Kn

ow

led

ge

Res

earc

h P

ote

nti

al

Coh

eren

t D

evel

op

men

t of

Res

earc

h P

olicy

Thematic domains with defined topics

Cooperation Ideas People Capacities Euratom

Cross-cutting domains

Open topics Defined topics

10

www.euresearch.ch

Opportunities for

business

FP7 is open to all types and sizes of business

including start-ups, spin-offs, small, medium and

large companies. Small and medium-sized enter-

prises (SMEs) are especially welcome as project

partners. In Switzerland, as elsewhere in Europe,

such enterprises are an essential part of the eco-

nomic fabric providing most of the jobs and a sig-

nificant contribution to growth. The well-being of

our society is largely dependant on SMEs remain-

ing competitive commercially, environmentally as

well as socially. It is crucial, therefore, that these

enterprises access the results of research in order

to translate the latter into products, processes and

services. This transfer of knowledge to compa-

nies happens predominantly within trans-sectoral

research projects.

Main opportunities for business:

• All thematic domains: e.g. Health, Food, Energy,

Transport, etc. (Pages 12 – 21, 26 – 27)

Any company, large or small, active in Research

and Development or interested in exploiting the

results of R&D may participate in projects under

these thematic domains. FP7 funding covers 50 % of

the costs incurred by industry in such projects and

75 % for SMEs (see definition overleaf). The research

topics are predefined and the size and duration of

projects depends on the type of activity.

• Projects “Research for the benefit of SMEs”

(Page 24)

Businesses that comply with the EU definition of SMEs

as well as SME associations, who want to solve a

shared problem can apply for funding. Businesses

are free to choose the research topic (bottom-

up) as well as the (private or public) research

partner(s). The main aim of this type of FP7 fund-

ing is to cover the costs of the partners who do the

research. The SMEs and/or the SME associations

acquire the rights to the results.

• Marie Curie Fellowships (Page 23)

Any company, large or small may participate

in a Marie Curie Action, in particular under the

“Industry-Academia pathways and partnerships”

scheme. This allows the company to fund research-

ers to work for them on a specific subject for a

specific period or to participate in exchanges with

academia.

• Infrastructures (page 25)

Companies that own infrastructure that is unique

in Europe or which would like to access to such

infrastructure can participate under this domain

of FP7.

• Basic Research (Page 22)

Scientists involved in basic research within a com-

pany may also submit a project under the domain

“Basic Research at the frontier of knowledge”.

→ Businesses: Identify the opportunities that best

meet your needs and then contact research

institutions in Switzerland or other European

countries.

→ Research institutions: Include companies in

your research projects, in particular SMEs.

“Our participation and coordination of this EU project has strengthened our position in the

underground safety research market in Europe.”

Maximilian Wietek, VersuchsStollen Hagerbach SA, Sargans,

Coordinator of the FP6 Project L-SURF

L-SURF is a Design Study looking at the creation of a European research centre for safety and security in

enclosed underground spaces. The aim is to increase operating safety and protect life and buildings in the

event of a fire, explosion or terrorist attack. The aim is to increase safety in tunnels, undergrounds and

multi-storey car parks and provide staff with an ideal environment in which to train for emergency situa-

tions.

11

www.euresearch.ch

“Through our participation, we shall position our company in truly innovative orthopedic

implants based on novel materials. We shall benefit from the collaboration of Universities,

research centers and SMEs.”

Dr Alberto Siccardi, Medacta International SA, Castel San Pietro,

partner ot the FP6 project NEWBONE

The aim of NEWBONE is to develop fibre reinforced composites (FRC) material load-bearing implant to pro-

duce two prototype resorbable fixation devices in knee/ligament repair and two non resorbable bone fixa-

tion devices for reconstruction of large bone defect and study the use of developed technologies in complete

hip, knee and spine implants.

• Definition of a enterprise (Article 1):

“An enterprise is considered to be any entity

engaged in an economic activity, irrespective of

its legal form. This includes in particular, self-

employed persons and family businesses engaged

in craft or other activities, and partnerships or

associations regularly engaged in an economic

activity.”

• Staff headcount and financial ceiling (Article 2):

An enterprise is considered to be an SME if it

• employs fewer than 250 persons and

• has an annual turnover not exceeding

• € 50 million and/or an annual balance sheet

total not exceeding € 43 million

• Autonomy of SME (Article 3):

A SME must be autonomous. It is considered

autonomous provided that no more than 25 % of

its capital or voting rights belong to one or several

other enterprises which themselves do not meet

the definition of a SME. There are exceptions to

this 25 % threshold for public investment corpora-

tions, venture capital companies, etc.

N.B: any holding by one company in other compa-

nies is taken into account for the assessment of

staff headcount, turnover and the balance sheet.

→ Consult the Guide “SME definition: User Guide

and Model Declaration” and determine whether

your enterprise qualifies as an SME

www.euresearch.ch/SME-definition

EU definition of an SME (2003/361/EC)

12

www.euresearch.ch

Health

The objective of this thematic is to improve the

health of Europe’s citizens and increase the com-

petitiveness of companies active in the European

health sector. At the same time, this thematic

seeks to address major health issues, such as

emerging epidemics. The emphasis will be on

translational research (translating research results

into clinical applications), the development and

validation of new therapies, methods of health

promotion and disease prevention, diagnostic

tools and technologies, as well as sustainable and

efficient health care systems.

Key activities:

• Biotechnology, generic tools and technologies

for human health

• Translational research that benefits human

health

• Optimising the delivery of health care to

European citizens

A special focus will be laid on child health, the

ageing population, gender issues, international

cooperation, patient groups and SME participation.

→ Please refer to our Health R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/health

“International contacts and mobility make the researcher profession attractive. The longer I am

involved in it, the more convincing I find European research.”

Prof. A. Aguzzi, University of Zurich is the coordinator of the TSEUR Project

This project deals with neuro-degeneration caused by prion infections. Certain medical interventions such

as blood transfusions can bring about the human-to-human transmission of prions. We currently have no

biological marker for a pre-clinical diagnosis of a prion infection in body fluids. The consortium plans to

develop innovative diagnostic tools to fill the gaps in prion detection, to improve the safety of blood trans-

fusions and develop very sensitive tools that can distinguish prion colonies. In addition to improving our

understanding of prion biology, the project is designed to throw light on the basic mechanisms underlying

neuro-degeneration.

1_Health

2_Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology

3_Information and Communication Technologies

4_Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies

5_Energy

6_Environment (including Climate change)

7_Transport

8_Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities

9_Security and

10_Space Research

11_Euratom

13

www.euresearch.ch

Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology (FAB)

“The quality of the university and industrial partners research is exceptionally high.”

Dr Martin Braunschweig, Université de Berne,

partenaire du projet FP6 SABRE

The objective of SABRE is to develop – based on fundamental knowledge in genomics and epigenetics

– know-how relating to the health and wellbeing of animals and the safety and quality of feed for domestic

animals used in agriculture. A further objective is to develop strategies that facilitate the use of these tech-

nologies in the animal selection process. The project will help feed producers develop animal breeding and

production programmes that reflect the needs of sustainable economic development, the environment and

the wellbeing of the community and which correspond to consumer expectations and European policies.

The objective of this thematic is to create a Euro-

pean knowledge-based bio-economy by bringing

together the scientific community, industry and

other interested parties in order to exploit research

perspectives that tackle the main social and eco-

nomic challenges that we face:

• a growing demand for safer, healthier and

higher quality food produced in a way that

reflects the concerns of animal welfare and the

rural environment

• sustainable production and use of renewable

bio-resources

• increased risk of epizootic and zoonotic

diseases and food-related disorders

• threats to the sustainability and security of

supply of agricultural and fish products,

particularly as a result of climate change

Enterprises in the agri-food sector (90 % of which

are SMEs) should benefit from the dissemination

of research findings and technology transfer, par-

ticularly via the development of standards and the

application of modern technologies that respect

the environment.

Key activities:

• Sustainable production and the management of

bio-resources from soil cultivation, forests and

the aquatic environment

• “Fork to farm”: food, health and wellbeing

• Life sciences and biotechnology for sustainable

processes and non-food products

→ Please refer to our FAB R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/FAB

1_Health




5_Energy


7_Transport


9_Security and

10_Space Research

11_Euratom

14

www.euresearch.ch

“Thanks to HAPTEX we regularly cooperate with excellent researchers from all over Europe,

working toward the realisation of a new generation of haptic interfaces and producing cutting

edge research results.”

Prof. Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, University of Geneva,

coordinator of the FP6 project HAPTEX

The main goal of HAPTEX is to develop a Virtual Reality System featuring a novel haptic interface which

integrates a force-feedback device with tactile actuators. This device will allow for multi-point interaction

with virtual textiles animated in real time. Possible applications include the online purchase of clothes as

well as adoption in the textile and entertainment industries.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

The objective of the ICT thematic is to allow Europe

to shape the future development of Information

and Communication Technologies (ICT) and to

improve the competitiveness of European industry

so that it can meet Europe’s economic and social

needs. The projects should strengthen Europe’s

scientific and technology base and make it a global

leader in ICT. These activities should also help

stimulate innovation through the use of ICT and

ensure that developments are quickly transformed

into benefits for Europe’s citizens, businesses,

industries and governments.

Achieving this innovation depends on a significant

increase in European investment in innovative ICT

research and a very high degree of accessibility to

the Information Society.

This thematic will focus on strategic research

centred on key technology pillars that guarantee

end-to-end integration of technologies and create

the knowledge and means to develop a wide range

of innovative ICT applications.

1_Health




5_Energy


7_Transport


9_Security and

10_Space Research

11_Euratom

Key activities:

• Nanoelectronics, photonics, integrated

micro/nano systems

• Universal communication networks with

unlimited capacity

• Embedded systems, computing and control

• Software, grid computing, security and

reliability

• Knowledge, cognitive systems with the ability

to learn

• Simulation, visualisation, interaction and

mixed reality

→ Please refer to our ICT R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/ICT

15

www.euresearch.ch

Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies (NMP)

In order to become more competitive, European

industry must concentrate its capabilities on high

value-added products and technologies that meet

the needs of consumers as well as environmental,

health and other societal expectations.

The objective of the NMP thematic is therefore

to support the development of knowledge in

nanotechnologies in order to create new products

and industrial processes, leverage the potential

of an interdisciplinary approach to materials

research and continuously innovative production

capabilities.

Key activities:

• Nanotechnology: interface and size-dependent

phenomena; self-assembly, metrology; impact

on human health and safety

• Materials: design and simulation; nano, bio and

hybrid materials, including their processing

• New production technologies:

next generation of high value-added products

and knowledge-based production systems

• Integration of nano, material and production

technologies in sectoral and cross-sectoral

applications

→ Please refer to NMP R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/NMP

“European projects are great for networking with other research groups which positively

impacts training and working together on new projects.”

Dr Roman Fasel, EMPA Thun,

coordinator of the FP6 project RADSAS

The aim of the RADSAS Project is to develop effective strategies for the parallel generation of surface-

organised molecular systems. The ability to produce supra-molecular structures in a controlled way – a

process known as self-organisation – is crucial to the development of future technologies in which mol-

ecules generate active elements through optical and electronic confinement. This requires interdisciplinary

research by specialists in the experimental and theoretical physics of surfaces and chemical molecular

synthesis – as has been the case with the RADSAS Project .

1_Health




5_Energy


7_Transport


9_Security and

10_Space Research

11_Euratom

Sourc

e: C

SEM

Cen

tre

Suis

se d

’Ele

ctro

niq

ue

et d

e M

icro

tech

niq

ue

16

www.euresearch.ch

Energy

Global demand for energy is predicted to increase

by 60 % in the next 30 years and the EU’s depend-

ence on external energy sources will grow from

50 % to 70 %. The growing demand for energy, the

liberalisation of energy markets and the urgent

need for measures to mitigate climate change are

all challenges facing energy researchers and will

require the development of new technologies and

new industrial products.

The long term objective of the Energy thematic

is to transform the current energy system based

primarily on fossil fuels into a more sustainable

system. The technologies developed must address

the twin challenges of security of supply and cli-

mate change whilst at the same time increasing the

competitiveness of the European energy sector.

Key activities:

• Hydrogen and fuel cells

• Power generation and fuel production from

renewables

• Renewable energy for heating and cooling

• Near-zero emission generation, including clean

coal technology as well as the capture and

storage of CO2

• Smart energy networks; energy efficiency and

savings

• Insight that informs energy policymakers

→ Please refer to our Energy R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/energy

“The European project has given us access to scientific and technological knowledge that is not

available in Switzerland, so ensuring research of a very high quality.”

Prof. C. Ballif, University of Neuchâtel,

coordinator of the FP6 Project FLEXCELLENCE

The Flexcellence consortium is developing processes and equipment for the production of flexible roll-to-roll

photovoltaic modules allowing the direct transformation of plastic or metal film into modules. The final

objective is to show that such modules can be produced for significantly less than with current technology.

The main challenge is to master the implementation processes.

1_Health




5_Energy


7_Transport


9_Security and

10_Space Research

11_Euratom

Sourc

e: P

SI P

aul Sc

her

rer

Inst

itut

17

www.euresearch.ch

Environment, including Climate Change (ENV)

Protection of the environment is essential if we

are to maintain the quality of life of current and

future generations as well as being essential for

economic growth. The objective of the Environ-

ment thematic priority is therefore to promote the

sustainable management of the natural and human

environment and its resources. This priority seeks

to improve environmental management by increas-

ing our knowledge of the interaction between the

biosphere, ecosystems and human activities and to

develop new tools, services and technologies that

ensure an integrated approach to global environ-

mental issues.

Key activities:

• Climate change, pollution and risks, health and

the environment, natural hazards

• Sustainable management of natural and

man-made resources; evolution of marine

environments

• Environmental technologies for the sustainable

management and conservation of the natural

and man-made environment; technologies for

assessment, verification and testing

• Earth observation and assessment tools

→ Please refer to our Environment R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/ENV

“European research is my reference point.”

Dr Niklaus Zimmermann, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and

Landscape (WSL) Birmensdorf, partner in the FP6 project INTRABIODIV

Do regions with good species diversity also have good genetic flora diversity? Where do we find the great-

est diversity of species and flora? What are the reasons for this diversity and how can we exploit it for the

purposes of managing and evaluating protected areas? These questions are being researched as part of the

FP6 project IntraBioDiv, in particular as they apply to Alpine and Carpathian plants. More than 15 teams

from the fields of botany, genetics and modelling are working together closely on these questions. WSL is

involved in all three areas of research and is playing an essential role in analysis and synthesis.

1_Health




5_Energy


7_Transport


9_Security and

10_Space Research

11_Euratom

18

www.euresearch.ch

Transport

The mobility of people and goods in a Europe with-

out frontiers is a central element of the European

Economic Space. The transport sector generates

about 10 % of the Gross Domestic Product of the EU

and accounts for 10 million jobs. Various factors

such as the growing need for individual mobility,

the networking of economic spaces and delivery

chains are generating further growth in transport

volumes and distances travelled.

The objective of the Transport thematic domain is

to decouple this growth in transport from energy

consumption and emissions for all means of trans-

port. The use of new technologies combined with

a new political framework should facilitate greater

integration of the different means of transport.

The future demands the use of smart systems such

as satellite navigation (GPS) or Galileo signals. The

objective is to create transport networks that are

cleaner, more sustainable, safer, more comfort-

able and more reliable and so allow the European

transport industry to protect its position as global

leader and remain competitive in the face of inter-

national competition.

“BESTUFS has provided us with a forum for an intensive exchange of ideas with European

experts. This has enhanced the company’s reputation outside Switzerland as a competent

partner.”

M. Ruesch, Rapp Trans AG, Basle,

Partner in the FP6 Project BESTUFS

BESTUFS stands for Best Urban Freight Solutions and provides a forum for the transfer of knowledge

between experts and public bodies. As part of the Project, a network of transport providers, planners,

system providers, transport and logistic consultants and research institutions is identifying innovation and

best practice in urban and regional freight transport. In addition, the Project is evaluating tools for model-

ling and quantifying commercial transport.

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5_Energy


7_Transport


9_Security and

10_Space Research

11_Euratom

Key activities:

• Aeronautics (greening of air transport,

customer satisfaction, safety, future

aeronautics)

• Surface transport (greening of surface transport,

modal shift and decongesting transport

corridors, safety and protection, competi-

tiveness)

• Galileo (exploiting potential, services and safety,

receiver technologies, infrastructures and the

development of systems)

→ Please refer to our Transport R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/transport

19

www.euresearch.ch

Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities (SSH)

The objective of this thematic domain is to gain a

better understanding of the complex challenges

facing Europe and also provide for more informed

European policy decisions.

By means of an interdisciplinary and trans-national

approach, research in this domain will throw new

light on issues such as growth and employment,

social cohesion, quality of life, access to educa-

tion, democratic governance in an enlarged Europe

and European values. It is particularly under the

heading European values that social scientists are

expressly invited to participate in projects and

contribute their historic, philosophic and linguistic

perspectives.

Key activities:

• Growth, employment and competitiveness

(knowledge management, structures and

economic policies)

• Combining economic, social and environmental

objectives in a European perspective (growth

and social cohesion)

• Major trends in society and their implications

(demographic changes, quality of life, cultural

interaction)

• Europe in the world (trade and finance,

governance, conflict prevention, international

law)

• The citizen in the European Union (public realm,

media, democracy, heritage and European

values)

• Socio-economic and scientific indicators

• Foresight activities

→ Please refer to our SSH R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/SSH

“In this project, three Swiss universities are looking at an emerging interdisciplinary issue

integrating linguistic and economic sciences.”

Prof. Anne-Claude Berthoud, University of Lausanne,

coordinator of the FP6 Project DYLAN

This project aims to show that Europe’s linguistic diversity is a potential asset rather than a barrier. Its

objective is to describe how the different ways of thinking, debate and action inherent in different linguistic

systems and cultures contribute to the construction and transfer of knowledge as well as their practical

implementation in divergent economic, political and educational frameworks.

1_Health




5_Energy


7_Transport


9_Security and

10_Space Research

11_Euratom

20

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Security and Space

Security

The objective of this new thematic domain is to

contribute to the security of European citizens.

All activities are purely civil in nature and must be

undertaken with strict respect for human rights.

The use of an integrated approach should facili-

tate the identification of situations that endanger

people and infrastructures, the prevention of risks

and the reduction or even elimination of damage

in the case of an incident. “Security” is a trans-

versal domain and includes both technical issues

- particularly IT and transport technologies – and

socioeconomic, ethical and systemic issues.

Key activities:

• Terrorism and crime

• Infrastructures

• Border security

• Restoring security and safety in case of crisis

• Security Systems Integration interconnectivity

and interoperability

• Security and society

→ Please refer to our Security R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/security

“ASSIST allowed us to apply our skills with an interdisciplinary team, extend our network and

further improve relations with existing partners.”

Dr Andreas Wiesmann, Gamma Remote Sensing SA, Gümligen,

partner of FP6 ASSIST

Assist aims at improving the capabilities of risk warning and risk management in the Alpine region by

implementing an integrated pre-operational service based on existing precursor services and related infra-

structure. Some 30 % of the EU territory encompasses numerous mountain ranges or chains (Alps, Sierra

Nevada, Island of Crete, Pyrenees, Apennines, Sierra da Estrela, Massif Central, upper Tatra, Carpathians)

and is also home to 30 million people. A consortium with partners from Austria, Germany, Italy and Swit-

zerland addresses risks typical to mountainous areas e.g. avalanches, landslides, debris flows, floods.

1_Health




5_Energy


7_Transport


9_Security and

10_Space Research

11_Euratom

1_Health




5_Energy


7_Transport


9_Security and

10_Space Research

11_Euratom

Space

The Space thematic is closely linked to GMES

(“Global Monitoring for Environment and Security”)

and applications designed to guarantee the stra-

tegic role of Europe in space and its exploitation.

Cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA)

will be strengthened. In addition to technological

issues, this thematic will also focus on coordi-

nating research activities and ensuring Europe’s

competitiveness.

Key activities:

• Global monitoring for the environment

and security (GMES)

• Space

• Research and development for the benefit

of space stations

→ Please refer to our Space R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/space

21

www.euresearch.ch

Euratom

Nuclear power is an important part of the energy

mix; it currently accounts for one third of the

electricity generated in the EU and this contribu-

tion is likely to be maintained for years to come.

At the same time, European citizens are entitled

to guarantees when it comes to the security of

nuclear installations. Europe’s response to these

challenges is EURATOM. Its research programme

is divided into two parts: firstly “indirect” research

actions into fusion energy, nuclear fission and

radiation protection and secondly “direct” research

actions by the Joint Research Centre (JRC).

Research into fusion energy includes work on the

joint implementation of ITER (as an international

research infrastructure). Research into nuclear

fission includes the management of radioactive

waste, the continued safe operation of existing

reactor systems, radiation protection, access to

research infrastructures and the development of

knowledge and competence in the nuclear field.

Activities of the JRC will focus on the management

of nuclear waste and its environmental impact and

on nuclear safety.

Key activities:

• Nuclear fusion

• Nuclear fission and radiation protection

• Nuclear activities of the JRC

→ Please refer to our Euratom R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/euratom

“Switzerland is one of the leaders in international fusion research.”

Prof. Minh Quang TRAN, EPF Lausanne,

Director of Euratom Association Switzerland (fusion)

Nuclear fusion is one of the rare energy sources with the potential to be compatible with sustainable devel-

opment and providing electricity on the large scale. This domain is often cited as being a model of European

research coordination and integration. Switzerland is one of the key actors in fusion at the European and

global level. The activities undertaken via Euratom intend to both better understand plasma and fusion

phenomena as well as obtain the knowledge required for building a fusion reactor.

1_Health




5_Energy


7_Transport


9_Security and

10_Space Research

11_Euratom

22

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Basic Research (ERC)

Funding of basic research (also known as Fron-

tier Research) is one of the main novelties in FP7

and represents a unique funding opportunity for

leading researchers and research teams in Europe.

In order to support and strengthen research in

Europe, a European Research Council (ERC) that

is independent of the European Commission has

been set up under the aegis of FP7. The ERC is led

by a Scientific Committee of eminent European

scientists and funds basic research in all areas of

science (no pre-defined research topics). Projects

are selected by international experts solely on

the basis of scientific quality. These prestigious

awards are open to individual research teams as

well as cooperative projects undertaken by several

national or international teams. ERC funding is

available to researchers from both the public and

private sector.

Key activities:

• “Starting Grants” : Initially, ERC funding will be

available primarily to promising young

researchers just getting established (within

10 years of their doctorate)

• “Advanced Grants” : From 2008 onwards, the

ERC will also support experienced researchers

and provide them with a new source of funding

for basic research

→ Please refer to our Basic Research R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/erc

“We are developing new concepts and platforms with our European colleagues that will be the

basis for new industries.”

Prof. Sven Panke, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology,

Zurich, coordinator of the FP6 project EUROBIOSYN

Industrial methods to manufacture even simple saccharide structures are extremely complex and expen-

sive. Living cells, meanwhile, readily synthesise saccharides using enzymes. By blocking unwanted meta-

bolic pathways and engineering the regulatory properties of key enzymes in bacterial cells, scientists

hope to convert bacteria into highly efficient, environmentally friendly and economic saccharide factories.

EUROBIOSYN will furthermore demonstrate the possibility of using bacteria for the economic manufacture

of many other complex molecules.

horizontal R&D guides:

12_People (Fellowships)

13_Basic Research

14_Research fort the benefit of SMEs (co-operative, collective)

15_Infrastructures

16_INCO

Science and Society?

Knowledge Regions?

23

www.euresearch.ch

Marie Curie Fellowships (People)

The aim of the People programme is to make

Europe more attractive to researchers from around

the world and in particular to the next generation

of European scientists. The objective is to stimu-

late and support careers in science by encourag-

ing international mobility amongst researchers via

Marie Curie actions. With no age limit and available

for any research topic, these actions are designed

to adapt to the experience of researchers and the

objectives of the host organisations. The latter can

be academic, private research centres, industry or

SMEs.

Key activities:

• Initial research training: This action supports

the training of researchers at the start of their

career (e.g. PhD students)

• “Life long training”: This action encourages

experienced researchers (e.g. postdocs) from

an EU or Associated State to work in a different

country in Europe

• Partnerships between industry and academia:

This action aims to establish or consolidate

partnerships between public research bodies

and industry, including SMEs

• The International dimension: This action

encourages experienced researchers from an

EU or Associated State to work outside Europe.

Conversely, it allows foreign researchers to

work in Europe

→ Please refer to our People R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/people

People (Fellowships)

“This project brings together leading European universities and industries.”

Prof. Karen Scrivener, EPF Lausanne,

coordinator of the FP6 project NANOCEM

Cement and concrete are essential materials in the construction industry. However, improvements can and

must be made: The industry has been somewhat tardy in material development and this project aims to fill

the gap by developing a basis for further research and offering pan-European training for the 21 Century.

The project brings together leading universities and industries in Europe. The research programme is built

around three main themes depending upon whether the specific need is short-term, medium-term or long-

term and is designed to facilitate future technological and scientific breakthroughs. In each case, the aim

is to show the value of a basic understanding and educate network partners in the behaviour of cement,

including industrial issues and standards.

st

24

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Research for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME)

The objective of this domain is to help increase the

competitiveness of small and medium-sized enter-

prises (SMEs) by funding research and development

activities in cooperation with qualified public or

private research performers (universities, insti-

tutes of technology, industry, SMEs). There is no

restriction in terms of research topics (bottom-up

approach), provided the research meets the needs

of the SMEs involved and has clear potential for

exploitation.

The principle is as follows: qualified research insti-

tutions (e.g. universities, research centres) work

with SMEs and associations of SMEs to develop

solutions for the SME’s problems. Those perform-

ing the research are funded 100 % and the SMEs

obtain exclusive rights to exploit the results.

Key activities:

• Research for SMEs

Target participants: a group of SMEs with a

common or complementary need and public or

private institutions capable of performing

research or development activities to find

a solution

• Research for SME associations

Target participants: associations representing

a number of SMEs with a common or comple-

mentary need in a sector or value add chain and

public or private institutions capable of

performing research or development activities

in order to find a solution. The associations

disseminate the resulting knowledge through

appropriate training schemes.

→ Please refer to our SME R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/SME

“Participation in an EU research programme can provide your company with a major boost.

Working in a consortium offers you access to exceptional scientific and commercial partners.”

Prof. Ch. Rohrer, Regatron AG, Rorschach,

partner in the FP6 project SOLARPLAS

The main objective of this project is to look at new methods of production based on plasma processes for

crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. Simplified layer-based fabrication combined with process improve-

ments should significantly reduce specific production costs. The project is led by experts in basic research,

producers and manufacturers of special equipment from four European countries.



13_Basic Research


15_Infrastructures

16_INCO


Knowledge Regions?

25

www.euresearch.ch

Research Infrastructures

The objective of this programme is to provide

Europe with up-to-date research infrastructures.

The support is designed to give European research-

ers optimal access to existing infrastructures and

to contribute to the creation of new pan-European

infrastructures in all fields of science and technol-

ogy.

The term research infrastructures in this context

means research installations, various types of

resources or services which the scientific commu-

nity needs for research in all fields of science and

technology: large instruments or combinations of

instruments; collections, archives, structured infor-

mation or systems linked to data management;

enabling ICT-based infrastructures such as GRID,

computing, software and communications.

The European Commission designates priority

projects for the creation of new infrastructures

based on a strategic road map prepared by the

“European Strategy Forum for Research Infrastruc-

tures (ESFRI)”.

Key activities:

Support to existing research infrastructures

• trans-national access to the best research

infrastructures

• integrating activities to better structure the way

research infrastructures operate

• development of research e-infrastructure:

high-performance communication and

grid infrastructures

“Participating in I3 is essential as much for external users as for the infrastructures themselves.”

Dr Stefan Janssen, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen-PSI,

User Office, partner of FP6 project NMI3

The goal of this project is to encourage scientists, based on the excellence of their application, to obtain

time limited access to major research infrastructures, such as the Swiss Spallation Neutron Source (SINQ).

In return such infrastructures receive funding that can be used to further improve the quality of their

service to users.



13_Basic Research


15_Infrastructures

16_INCO


Knowledge Regions?

Support to new research infrastructures

• construction of new infrastructures and major

updates of existing ones based on the work

conducted by ESFRI (European Strategy Forum

on Research Infrastructures)

• design studies: exploratory awards and

feasibility studies for new infrastructures

→ Please refer to our Infrastructures R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/infrastructures

Sourc

e: P

SI P

aul Sc

her

rer

Inst

itut

26

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Science in Society

The aim of the Science and Society programme is

to develop a cultural and social environment that

encourages research and the use of its results.

That notwithstanding, researchers must take

account of the legitimate concerns of society with

regard to high-risk research in order to encourage

a more democratic debate with a better informed

public. The creation of a more favourable climate

should act as a spur to those seeking a vocation or

career in science and improve the dissemination

of research findings amongst members of society

and policymakers. This will bring about the gradual

integration of science into society.

Key activities:

• A more dynamic management of the

relationship between science and society:

Strengthening the European system of science,

the ethics and objectivity of science, scientific

policies and the interests of society and the role

of universities

• Strengthen potential and broaden horizons.

Women and science, young people and science

• Improve communication between science

and society. Relationship with the media,

promotion of science, Descartes prize

→ Please refer to our Science in Society R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/science-society

“The project allowed us to leverage our mentoring experience for future female researchers,

share with other programmes and develop the basis for European integration.”

Helen Fueger, University of Fribourg,

coordinator of FP6 project EUMENT-NET

EUMENT-NET is made up of 4 countries and 5 mentoring programmes for female researchers interested in

pursuing a career in science. The goal of the project is to increase the visibility of and accessibility to these

programmes. The activities also include documentation and the organisation of conferences in order to

encourage the creation of further networked European programmes.

Science in Society

27

www.euresearch.ch


If Europe is to become more competitive and play

a leading role in global R&D and innovation, it

must develop strong and coherent links with third

countries. It is against this background that INCO

supports strategic partnerships in scientific areas

of mutual interest and enables the best scientists

in the world to work in and with Europe.

In FP7, cooperation with third countries is targeted

particularly at the following groups of countries:

• Candidate countries

• Countries neighbouring the EU, Mediterranean

countries, countries in the Western Balkans that

are not candidate countries, Eastern Europe and

Central Asia

• Developing countries (focusing on their

particular needs)

• Emerging economies

In principle, partners from these target countries

are eligible to receive funding.

Key activities:

• INCO research activities are implemented

through the thematic domains of the

“Cooperation” programme

• Exchange activities are implemented through

the Marie-Curie fellowships under the “People”

programme

→ Please refer to our INCO R&D Guide

and information

www.euresearch.ch/INCO

“An EU grant for the prevention and control of dengue has allowed research teams from all over

the world to rapidly design strategies for overcoming the spread of this disease in the tropics.”

Prof.Axel Kroeger, Tropical Disease Research and Training (TDR) at the World

Health Organization, scientific coordinator of the FP6 DENCO project

The trans-disciplinary research in eight dengue endemic countries on this mosquito transmitted viral

disease will show new ways of predicting at an early stage the development of severe and life-threatening

forms of the disease. Furthermore DENCO aims to develop and validate new vector control strategies and

identify major existing barriers towards vaccine development. Research findings will be swiftly brought

to the attention of national and international control managers thanks to the project being coordinated

by a Geneva based UN Organization.



13_Basic Research


15_Infrastructures

16_INCO


Knowledge Regions?

28

www.euresearch.ch

The objective is to strengthen research potential in

European regions, in particular through the devel-

opment of regional research-driven clusters bring-

ing together bodies such as universities, research

centres, companies and regional authorities.

Projects will cover the joint analysis of regional

research agendas and the implementation of meas-

ures aimed at meeting the needs of these regions.

In particular, partnerships with less developed

regions will be funded. The measures are designed

to improve research networks and access to fund-

ing sources, as well as integrating research players

and institutions into the regional economy. If pos-

sible, there should be synergies with EU Regional

Policy.

For more information, please refer to

www.euresearch.ch/regions

This domain is aimed at the key players in research

politics and at regional and national funding

organisations. Its objectives are to enhance the

effectiveness and coherence of national and Com-

munity research policies and their articulation with

other policies and the private sector.

Activities under this domain include

• monitoring and analysis of research related

public policies and industrial strategies

• strengthening voluntary coordination of national

research policies via of the open method of

co-ordination (OMC)

• trans-national co-operation initiatives.

For more information, please refer to

www.euresearch.ch/policy

Joint Research Center (JRC)

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is the research

centre of the European Commission. It is made up

of seven different institutes at five sites around

Europe, each with its own area of expertise. Their

remit is to provide scientific and technical support

for the conception, development, implementation

and monitoring of EU policy. The JRC act as the

EU’s reference centres for science and technol-

ogy. Being close to the European decision-mak-

ing process, they serve the common interest of

Member States, yet are independent of special

private or national interests whether. The JRC is

funded from the EU budget through the Framework

Programmes.

The JRC institutes are key players in European

research, whose work has a major influence on the

direction of EU research, the content of work pro-

grammes and the calls for proposals. Furthermore,

they are excellent partners for FP7 projects.

→ Find out about the JRC activities in your area

of interest

www.euresearch.ch/jrc

Regions of KnowledgeCoherent Development of Research Policies

Research Potential

The objective is to stimulate the full research

potential of the enlarged European Union by

developing research capability in the convergence1)

regions of the EU. Indirect measures will be used

to increase the participation of researchers from

these regions in European research activities.

In particular, activities will include trans-national

exchange of researchers between convergence

and other regions, the development of research

infrastructures, workshops and conferences for

knowledge transfer as well as research evaluation

activities. All activities are complementary to the

European Regional Policy and Structural and EU

cohesion funds.

For more information please refer to

www.euresearch.ch/potential

1) EU regions with weaker economies, which are entitled

to receive funding from the European Regional

Development Fund, the European Social Fund and

Cohesion Fund.

29

www.euresearch.ch

ERA-NET and Trans-national Research Initiatives (art. 169)

ERA networks are mainly of interest to public

authorities and research funding agencies.

In Europe, more than 95 % of public research is

funded at the national level. This is why the

creation of the European Research Area calls for

greater coordination and cohesion between

national and regional research programmes. This

is the essence and in fact the main objective of

the ERA-NET initiative. National research agen-

cies and programmes work together in project

consortia called ERA-NET in order to coordinate

activities in a specific field. Cooperation ranges

from the exchange of best practice, the develop-

ment of exploratory measures right through to the

development and implementation of joint research

programmes.

Article 169 of the EU Treaty allows the European

Union to participate in new R&D programmes

undertaken jointly by several Member States.

Article 169 programmes are initiated by a certain

number of Member and Associated States – enough

to ensure a critical mass. The EU then makes a

financial contribution to the integration process.

Research institutes and enterprises can become

involved as soon as an ERA-NET consortium pub-

lishes a call for project proposals. In general, they

are open to partners from the countries who are

members of the ERA-NET consortium. Each ERA-

NET has its own rules of participation and these

rules are not necessarily the same as those for FP7

projects.

→ Monitor the calls for proposals from the

ERA NET in your field of activity and check

whether Swiss partners can participate

www.euresearch.ch/era-net

Technology platforms

Each European Technology Platform is an industry-

led forum of key stakeholders from a particular

sector that defines medium and long-term research

and development needs, objectives and priorities

for that sector at a European level. The Technol-

ogy Platforms cover the all parts of the economy,

so ensuring that knowledge generated by the

research activities is translated into technologies

and processes and then into marketable goods and

services.

The remit of each platform is to develop its own

Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) that defines the

needs and objectives of medium and long-term

research. Around thirty technology platforms have

been set up by the end of 2006; more can be

expected.

The implementation of a Strategic Research

Agenda mobilises financial and human resources

from both the private and public sector, in particu-

lar from FP7.

The Strategic Research Agendas influence the

work programmes of the different domains of FP7

and thus the specific topics of the actual research

projects.

→ Study the Research Agenda of the Technology

Platform in your field of activity

www.euresearch.ch/TP

Some technology platforms develop into Joint

Technology Initiatives (JTI).

Joint Technology Initiatives

Joint Technology Initiatives (JTI) are public-private

partnerships between the European Commission

and certain key sectors in Europe. Research activi-

ties based on a Strategic Research Agenda for

these sectors are jointly funded by private partners

and the Commission, in particular via FP7. The

Joint Technology Initiatives publish their own “Calls

for proposals” with their own rules of participation.

→ Follow the development of the Joint Technology

Initiatives in your field of activity

www.euresearch.ch/JTI

Technology Platforms and Joint Technology Initiatives (JTI)

30

www.euresearch.ch

Proposal writing and partner search• Study in detail the “Guides for pro posers” and “Guide for evaluators” • Choose the right type of project.• Fine tune your project (Work packages, deliverables, budget, …)• Complete the consortium • Draft a first Consortium agreement • Submit your project in time!

… checks if your proposal meets written and soft requirements… helps you write the political part of your proposal (“European dimension”)… gives you administrative support (financial, contractual, IPR,…)

FP7 – How to participate?

The submission of a European research project adheres to a spe-

cific logical process involving a number of stages that are strictly

regulated by the EU:

• Publication of a Work Programme for each domain of FP7

• Publication of calls for proposals

Previous preparation• Network with potential partners (R&D colleagues, suppliers, customers, competitors, …)

Previous preparation• Network with potential partners (R&D colleagues, suppliers, customers, competitors, …)

… provides you with up-to-date information (events, e-alerts)… assists SER in the consultation process associated with drafting of Work Programmes

Project preparation and partnersearch• Define main project content and structure (Work packages)• Find key partners• Check rules of participation and funding• Make sure you have resources until project starts (writing, managing)

… helps your find the most appropriate FP7 domain for you… checks if main project structure meets the requirements of an EU project… helps you screen databases and find partners/projects… offers you focused workshops (i.e. proposal writing)

Publication of Work Programme (usually annual)

Publication of Call for Proposal (usually annual)

approx 3 month approx 3 month approx 3 month

• Preparation and submission of project

• Project evaluation

• Contract negotiation

• Start of project

www.euresearch.ch/how

Development of Work Programme

Preparation of calls for proposal

Process CEC(Commission of the European Community)

Your tasks as project coordinator

Your tasks as project partner

Euresearch …

Project preparation, partner / project search and proposal writing

• Check if your project fits with topic(s) of Work Programme (draft or open call)• Check opportunities in horizontal domains (Research for the benefit of SMEs, Fellowships)• Attend events related to European R&D • Find projects in preparation and position yourself as valuable partner or coordinator• Screen databases of running projects (consortia often prepare new projects) and partner search databases• Contribute to proposal writing

31

www.euresearch.ch

Project implementation• Manage the project work (tasks, milestones, meetings, ..) • Foster team spirit• Do research• Organise payments to partners• Compile technical and financial reports on time

Project implementation• Do your research work• Deliver technical and financial reports in time• Attend meetings• Cultivate relations with partners

… supports you with respect to• payments• guarantees• reporting• audits• intellectual Property Rights IPR• contractual issues and amendments• general troubleshooting

Contract negotiation• Get familiar with EC contract (IPR, room for negotiation, reports, start date, tasks, budget, cuts, audits,…)• Negotiate the technical and administrative terms with the EC officer• Inform partners, collect request information and forms• Finalise consortium agreement

Contract negotiation• Submit all requested forms and documents to project coordinator• Ensure the Consortium agreement does not conflict with your interests

… helps you with contract preparation forms… checks questions related to budget, intellectual property rights IPR (Consortium agreement), guarantees, …… offers support in Brussels with your contract negotiations (possibility of support by SwissCore)

Waiting during Evaluation phase *-

Waiting during Evaluation phase *-

… informs you about the evaluation process

Submission Deadline Notification of evaluation results

Signature of contract and start of project

approx 3 month approx 3 month 1.5 – 5 years

The following illustration provides a summary of the various

tasks to be completed by the partners along with the support

offered by Euresearch during each stage of the process. The fol-

lowing pages provide further information on certain aspects.

* Become an expert and evaluate European projects

Input your profile into the EC ex-perts database. Project evaluation provides you an exceptional op-portunity to see how the evaluation process functions and to make new contacts.

Independent peer review

Contract negotiation Carrying out project

32

www.euresearch.ch

Project preparation and submission

The submission of a European research project is a

response to a call for proposals from the European

Commission (EC). The call refers to a specific part

of the Framework Programme. Each FP7 thematic

has its own Work Programme which is updated

annually. You first need to check whether your area

of expertise/interest is included in a Work Pro-

gramme. The next stage is to identify a consortium

of European partners who are preparing a project

or to set up your own consortium and act as the

coordinator. It is important that the project is pre-

pared with the utmost care and in accordance with

the Guide for Proposers issued by the Commission.

Projects respecting these requirements are evalu-

ated by a panel of independent experts. If selected,

the coordinator for that project is then invited to

contract negotiations with the Commission after

which the project can start.

→ For more Information, please refer to

www.euresearch.ch/proposal

Finding partners and projects

A balanced consortium with complementary skills

that add value to the project is crucial to the

success of a project. The project should also have

a reasonable representation of researchers and

end-users (academia, industry, SMEs, associations).

Finally, there should be an appropriate geographic

spread which ensures a critical European mass for

the topic to be researched.

The best way to find FP7 partners is to use your

existing networks in academia and industry as well

as suppliers, customers and even your competi-

tors.

In addition, we recommend that you attend the

major conferences organised by the European

association of your field, events such as “Partner

Search” or national and international workshops

linked to FP7.

The CORDIS database is another useful source of

information in the search for partners as it is quite

common for existing consortia to submit new

projects.

In addition, there are various support mechanisms

that help with the search for partners, provide

information on projects being prepared and where

you can publicise your profile.

Finally, Euresearch acts as an intermediary in the

search for partners via the National Contact Points

(NCPs) who have contacts throughout Europe,

including NCPs of other nations.

→ For more Information, please refer to

www.euresearch.ch/partnersearch

33

www.euresearch.ch

Contractual issues

On completion of the evaluation process, the coor-

dinators of projects selected for funding enter into

negotiations with the Commission; as part of this

process, they prepare Contract Preparation Forms

(CPF) and if necessary revise the Technical Annex

to their original proposition (Description of Work).

The terms and conditions regulating European

projects are contained in two documents: 1) the

Grant Agreement between the consortium and

the European Commission and 2) the Consortium

Agreement signed only by the partners.

Grant Agreement

The Grant Agreement (GA) specifies the rights

and obligations of participants with respect to the

European Commission and between partners. The

GA consists of a core contract plus several annexes

(description of project, etc.) and determines the

implementation of the project: the amount of

funding from the EU, duration of project, payment

arrangements, the timetable for reports, general

provisions on rights of access to know-how, exploi-

tation and legal liabilities, etc.

The GA comes into force on the date of its signa-

ture by the coordinator and the Commission. All

partners adhere to this Agreement by signing a

specific form.

Consortium Agreement

The Consortium Agreement specifies the rules

of participation in the consortium (rights/obliga-

tions of coordinator and partners, relationship

with individual decision-making bodies, etc.) and

the arrangements for intellectual property rights,

valorisation and dissemination of results.

The agreement is drafted by the coordinator, is

generally based on existing model agreements and

is signed by all partners before the signature of the

GA. The Commission is kept informed but does not

necessarily intervene in the process.

It is recommended that the key elements of the

Consortium Agreement are negotiated when the

project is first developed as they have an influence

on the distribution of work and the nature of the

cooperation.

→ See our Management Guide on

contractual issues

www.euresearch.ch/contracts

Intellectual property, use and dissemination of results

Knowledge generated (foreground) by an FP7

project must be applied through commercial

exploitation or relevant dissemination. If the fore-

ground can be translated into industrial or com-

mercial applications, the latter must be protected

appropriately. Responsibility for the protection

or dissemination of results lies with the owner of

the new knowledge acting with the consent of the

partners.

Intellectual Property Rights

New know-how (foreground) acquired during a

European project is owned by the partners who

undertake the research. Where the know-how is

generated by several partners, it belongs to them

jointly. The partners can stipulate what pre-

existing know-how (background) is included or

excluded via an annex to the Consortium Agree-

ment.

Dissemination of results

Any action to disseminate know-how must be

compatible with intellectual property rights, confi-

dentiality requirements and the legitimate interests

of the partners (see Consortium Agreement). The

partners must be informed or consulted before

results are disseminated (including publication via

journal article, the web, at a conference, etc.).

The respect of intellectual property rights is a con-

tractual obligation (see Grant Agreement above).

This is why these aspects form part of the project

proposal, are specified in the Consortium Agree-

ment and are validated in the intermediate and

final activity reports.

→ See our Management Guide on

IPR and dissemination

www.euresearch.ch/IPR

34

www.euresearch.ch

Reporting

The Grant Agreement and its annexes specify the

reports to be provided on FP7 projects. At the end

of each reporting period, the consortium must pro-

vide the European Commission with a report.

On completion of the project, the consortium is

required to submit a final report for the entire

project. This report must incorporate the main

elements of the interim reports and detail how the

results are to be exploited and disseminated.

The project can only continue and the next tranche

of the grant paid if each interim report is approved

by the Commission.

→ See our Management Guides on reporting

www.euresearch.ch/reporting

Financial aspects

EU funding is available to any type of legal entity

(universities, industry, SME, etc. established in a

EU Member State, or associated country, a partner

country with whom international cooperation has

been agreed and any international organisation

with a European interest. Other entities may be

funded under certain circumstances. Funding is

generally in the form of a reimbursement of costs,

a lump-sum payment or a combination of the two.

Reimbursement of eligible costs

This type of financial contribution is based on the

concept of “eligible costs” that include both direct

and indirect costs. Direct project costs are the cost

of personnel (permanent and “additional”), equip-

ment, travel, etc. and must be calculated in accord-

ance with the accounting practices and principles

normally used by the institution. For indirect costs

(overheads), if the institution’s accounting system

does not allow the allocation of indirect costs to a

specific project, the amount charged is based on

a standard rate specified by the EU. If an institu-

tion can provide documentary evidence of indirect

project costs, it can claim the full amount.

Participation in an FP7 project is always based on

the so-called “full cost” model. Under the full cost

model, participants charge for the following

• all direct costs (including the cost of permanent

staff involved in the project)

• indirect costs, either an amount equal to the

standard percentage of total direct costs or an

amount equal to that contained in their

schedule of actual indirect costs.

The level of reimbursement depends on the type of

activity, type of projects and the legal entity.

“Lump-sum” funding

The EU funding can also be a fixed rate or a lump

sum. For example, research under the Networks

of Excellence initiative is a lump sum based on

both the number of researchers “integrated” in the

project and its duration.

Monitoring of project costs

The initial proposal includes the total cost of

the project and how much EU funding is being

requested. It is essential, therefore, to prepare

a detailed budget at the outset that provides an

appropriate cost model for each partner.

The Commission determines its maximum contri-

bution during the evaluation and contract nego-

tiation phases. Once the contract is signed, the

first funding tranche is paid to the coordinator

for distribution to the partners. If funding is on

a reimbursement of costs basis, this payment is

considered as an advance and can only be retained

if justified subsequently in a financial report.

→ See our Management Guides on financial rules

www.euresearch.ch/financing

35

www.euresearch.ch

Collaborative projects(targeted actions, integrated projects)

Networks of excellence

Coordination and support actions

«ERC/Basic research» projects

Marie Curie actions

Research for SMEs/SME associations

Access to existing infrastructures

ERA-NET

Article 169

Joint Technoloy initiatives (Article 171)

New infrastructures

Types of project

Activities supported under FP7 are implemented

and funded by a series of project or action types

grouped into “funding scheme” categories. Projects

are initiated by calls for proposals or as part of

large-scale initiatives instigated by the European

Commission. In general, the European Commission

specifies the project type in the Work Programme

and the call for proposal.

Projects initiated by call for proposal

In principle, the different project categories are

open to any type of participant (universities,

industry, SMEs etc.). In addition, most projects and

actions are multi-partner (at least 3 partners from

3 EU or Associated States) with the exception of

ERC / Basic Research and individual Marie Curie

fellowships.

In terms of topic choice, projects involving

“research at the frontiers of knowledge”, “Marie

Curie fellowships” and “research for the benefit of

specific groups (SMEs)” generally follow a bottom-

up approach whilst for the others, the topics are

defined in Work Programmes (top-down approach).

Large-scale initiatives instigated by the European

Commission

Certain large-scale initiatives are instigated by the

Commission following a decision by the Euro-

pean Council and the European Parliament. These

initiatives are often financed from several funding

sources. These initiatives include:

• Coordination of national research programmes

based on Article 169 of the Treaty

• ERA-NET

• Joint Technology Initiatives

• New infrastructures of European interest

Knowledge, technologies, products

Integration of research activities, long term collaboration

Coordination and Support to research/EU policy

Knowledge

Mobility, excellence of young researchers, scientific career development

Products and processes

Facilitate access to unique research infrastructures

Integration of research pro-grammes, long term collabora-tions

Common implementation of national research programmes

Knowledge, technologies, products

New infrastructures of European interest

Industry: 50%SME/Universities: 75%50%100%100%

Lump sum, calculated on the ba-sis of the number of “integrated” researchers

100%

100%

100%

Research mandate given by SME to research performer: 100%

100%

Variable

Variable

Variable

Variable

Projects and initiatives

Overview of project types and intitiatives in FP7

→ See our Management Guide on project types

www.euresearch.ch/projects

Initiated by call for proposal

Instigated by the European Commission

Objectives/Results

* N

ota

ben

e: T

hes

e fu

nd

ing

rat

es w

ere

not

def

init

ely

adop

ted

at

the

tim

e of

pri

nti

ng

Research

DemonstrationTrainingManagement

Integrating activites, research, training

Conferences, workshops, ex-change of researchers

Innovative basic research “at the frontier of knowledge”

Research, training

Applied research, demonstration, training

Transnational access to research infrastructures, integrating activities of infrastructures

Coordination of national re-search activities

Integrating activities, research

Integrating activities, research, training

Planning and realisation of new research infrastructures

Activities Funding*(% of eligible costs)

36

www.euresearch.ch

Euresearch services

Information & training

European research programmes pave the way for you to new opportunities including networks, knowledge, markets and funding sources.European projects are like an expedition; they require ambition, careful preparation, team spirit, training, perseverance and dedicated knowledge. The mission of Euresearch is to increase the participation of Swiss researchers and companies in European projects, thus firmly anchoring the academic community in the European research area and fostering the competitiveness of Swiss companies. Our network provides expert advice, professional training and hands-on support in all phases of applying for and managing European projects. Our services are free of charge.

Euresearch, your Swiss guide to European research

Euresearch INFO

Our monthly newsletter (electronic or hardcopy)

keeps you abreast of all news about European

research programmes.

→ Subscribe to Euresearch INFO

www.euresearch.ch/newsletter

Euresearch E-ALERT

Our system of e-alerts sends you regular emails

with information corresponding to your profile of

interest (based on your choice of key words from

the table on pages 8-9). The alerts cover calls for

proposals, events, news and partner searches.

Your profile also gives you access to a personal-

ised entry point to our website.

→ Define your profile of interest

www.euresearch.ch/e-alert

Euresearch NET

Our website and its contextual navigation offers

you an exhaustive overview of the programmes

and domains of FP7, calls for proposals, events,

trends, partner searches, evaluation statistics and

participation rules. From Euresearch NET you can

download various guides that go into more detail

than this brochure as well as find links to the most

important European information sources in the

field of research.

→ Visit our website

www.euresearch.ch

Euresearch EVENTS

A range of events (conferences, courses, seminars)

offer you the opportunity to familiarise yourself

with European issues, obtain information on

the contents of calls for proposal, increase your

knowledge of a topic or exchange experience and

best practice.

→ Participate in our events

www.euresearch.ch/events

Advice and help

Helpline

We answer all your questions related to FP7.

Idea Check

We help you identify opportunities that meet your

needs.

Partner search

Euresearch has contacts throughout Europe and

can help you with the search for partners or

projects.

Project preparation & pre-screening

We can check the main points of your proposal

before submission.

Contract negociation & Intellectual

Property Rights

We support you during the negotiation and help

you protect your rights.

Administrative support & project management

We help you with the administration of EU projects

(reports, cash flows, audits).

Euresearch Regional Offices

The employees of the regional offices are familiar

with FP7 and the specifics of their own institution.

They are happy to answer questions of a general

nature and support you throughout all stages of a

European project, whether you work in academia or

in industry.

→ Contact your nearest regional office for all

general questions relating to FP7:

contact details

www.euresearch.ch/RO

[email protected] telephone +41 (0)61 267 28 33/12 37

[email protected], telephone +41 (0)31 631 48 08/09

[email protected] telephone +41 (0)26 300 73 30/32

[email protected] telephone +41 (0)22 379 75 60

[email protected], telephone +41 (0)21 693 47 50/35 70




[email protected] telephone +41 (0)71 224 25 28/29

[email protected] telephone +41 (0)44 632 57 52/77 05

* State Secretariat for Education and Research (SER) The SER is in charge of all political aspects of Switzerland’s participation in FP7, in particular it’s representation in the various programme committees. State Secretariat for Education and Research (SER), Hallwylstrasse 4, CH-3003 Bern Tel: +41 (0)31 322 75 82, [email protected], www.sbf.admin.ch

« Make a first move towards your European project: contact us!»

Head Office

The Head Office comprises all National Contact

Points (NCP) who specialise in the various domains

of FP7 and are familiar with the corresponding

European networks. They are ready to answer all

related questions.

→ Contact the appropriate NCP for questions

relating to a specific domain of FP7:

contact details

www.euresearch.ch/NCP

Euresearch Head Office, Bern

Effingerstr. 19, PO Box 7924, CH-3001 Bern

[email protected], tel : +41 (0)31 380 60 00

SwissCore

SwissCore is the Euresearch bridgehead in

Brussels. It supports Swiss partners in their con-

tacts with the European Commission (for instance

during negotiation) and also provides them with

office space and meeting rooms in the heart of the

Brussels European quarter.

The liaison office of the Swiss National Science

Foundation is co-financed by the State Secretariat

for Education and Research (SER) and the Federal

Office for Professional Education and Technology

(OPET).

→ Contact Swisscore before travelling

to Brussels :

[email protected], www.swisscore.org,

telephone +32 2 549 09 80

The Euresearch Network

Euresearch is the Swiss network that provides information on European Research and works on behalf of the State Secretariat for Education and Research (SER)*. The network, composed of Head Office in Bern and regional offices in each university and college of technology, collaborates closely with Swisscore, the Swiss bridgehead in Brussels.

www.euresearch.ch

Production TeamEditors: Anne-Emmanuelle de Crousaz, Susanne Failing, Sibylle Hodel, Cédric Höllmüller (concept and coordination), Julian Randall, Alex WaehryContributors: Daniela di Mare, Patrick Furrer, Gerhard Gass, Sasha Hugentobler, Olivier Küttel, Thomas Marty, Stefan Müller, Danièle Rod Wiesner, Andy TauerLayout: www.secondfloorsouth.com

Documents

FP7 Publications