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7th Framework Programme
“Ideas”
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Basic research has an important impact on economic performance
Europe is not making the most of its research capabilities
A new funding mechanism is needed at European level
to reinforce excellencebased on competitive support to individual teamssole criterion for selection should be scientific excellence
European added value through impact of Europe-scale funding
*Europe and Basic Research, January 2004, COM(2004)9; following Mayor Expert Group Report
The background*
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Investigator-driven research
All areas of science and technology
Excellence through competition
Scientific autonomy
Minimal bureaucracy
The basic concepts
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Cooperation - thematic research areas
Ideas - frontier research (ERC)
People - human resources
Capacities:
Infrastructures SMEs Regions of knowledge Research potential Science in society
FP7 (2007-13) – Building the Europe of knowledge
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Key principles for FP7 implementation:
Flexibility (with continuity)
Rationalisation (better balance between risks and controls)
Coherence, consistency and user-friendliness
Simplification
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Financial Perspectives 2007-13: Commission proposal for new budget structure for growth
A necessary precondition to meet the ambitions of FP7
Research to grow from € 5 bn to € 10 bn per year
ERC = € 1.5 bn (average)
A doubled budget for research
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Frontier research
Support to individual teams, to promote excellence through Europe-wide competition
Dedicated implementation structure (Executive Agency)
Independent scientific governance (Scientific Council)
Simplified grant mechanism
The “Ideas” programme in theFP7 proposal
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Commission “Guidelines” communication, published in June 2004
Favourable responses from:
Council of Ministers, Presidency conclusions November 2004
European Parliament (Locatelli) resolution March 2005
Economic and Social Committee, Committee of Regions
State of play in the political debate
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A new term is needed to avoid outmoded distinctions:
Between “basic” and “applied” research
Between “science” and “technology”
Between “traditional” disciplines
“Frontier research” reflects the concern to go beyond these categories, and also to promote new and emerging, high risk research
Why “frontier research”
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European added value through Europe-wide competition:
Encouraging and supporting the finest talent
Selecting the most promising research areas
Giving European visibility to research leaders
Catalysing the creation of a more efficient European research system
Individual teams
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Autonomous (independent of political interest)
Efficient (low bureaucracy)
But also….
Accountable (scientific, financial)
Feasible
Executive agency; possible Article 171 structure later
Implementation requirements
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Implementation structure ERC – European Research Council
Commission
* Created by Commission decision * * Under the responsibility of the Commission
• Preparation of work programme
• Set up of peer review: pool of reviewers, nomination of review panels, evaluation guidelines
• Oversight of the evaluation procedure
• Annual scientific report
• Information and support to applicants
• Reception / eligibility of proposals
• Organisation and execution of evaluation
• Selection decision
• Scientific and financial follow-up of contracts
• Annual implementation report
• Approval of work programme, as defined by the Scientific Council
• Instruction to implement work programme
• Approval of annual implementation report
• Information to programme committee
Scientific Council*
Externalised tasks (exec agency)**
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Independent; respected personalities, reflecting the full scope of European research
Responsible for scientific strategy, oversight and guarantee of quality in scientific decision-making
Prior to FP7 decision, would act as advisory body in the development of the “Ideas” programme
ERC Scientific Council
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Mandate to identify members of a future ERC Scientific Council
Independent group, outstanding scientists and scholars
Consulting the scientific community
Interim report published 21 March
ERC Identification Committee
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Frontier Research grant: Key principles
An investment in research and research leaders:
• Financially attractive
• Administratively simple
• Flexible in application
• Transparent
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Frontier research grant: a scenario
Financing model - two options:
• flat rate approach: not cost-based, therefore simplified system for accounting
• cost-based approach (100% direct costs)
Contractual aspects: “grant not contract”
Reporting requirements: must reflect nature of scientific research, not project micromanagement
Payments structure: for regular and efficient project financing
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Excellence and transparency are key principles
Permanent pool of accredited peer reviewers needed (= Europe’s best scientists and scholars)
High throughput, quasi-continuous processes may be necessary
Scientific Council should set parameters and oversee the process
Peer review process
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2005 April FP7 proposal
June Identification committee namesDecision on financial perspective?
Sept Specific programme proposal Rules of participation proposal
Autumn Scientific Council starts work
2006 Decision on FP7 Decision on Agency structure
2007 Funding starts
Timetable (provisional)
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Further information
Basic research website:Basic research website:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/future/basic_researchhttp://europa.eu.int/comm/research/future/basic_research
ERC Identification committee:ERC Identification committee:
[email protected]@cec.eu.int