on February 17, 2007
Knowledge lies at theheart of the European Union’s Lisbon Strategy to become the “most dynamic competitive knowledge-based economy in the world”.
The ‘knowledge triangle’ – research, education and innovation – is a core factor in European efforts to meet the ambitious Lisbon goals. Numerous programmes, initiatives and support measures are carried out at EU level in support of knowledge.
The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) bundles all research-related EU initiatives together under a common roof playing a crucial role in reaching the goals of growth, competitiveness and employment; along with a new Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP), Education and Training programmes, and Structural and Cohesion Funds for regional convergence and competitiveness. It is also a key pillar for the European Research Area (ERA).
The European Council adopts the 7th Framework Programme.
On 18 December 2006, the European Research Council (ERC) adopted decisions establishing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community (EC) for research and technological development for the period 2007 to 2013, and the FP7 for nuclear research activities (Euratom) for 2007 to 2011.
The Council also adopted a regulation laying down the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centers and universities in actions under FP7-EC and for the dissemination of research results.
For more intormation http://cordis.europa.eu/
Overall the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) represents a 60% increase in EU funding for research over the previous program (FP6) now drawing to a close.The majority of this funding,under the Cooperation program of FP7, will support trans-national, collaborative research projects in 10 broad scientific areas, bringing a critical mass of resources to bear on strategically-important challenges and technologies. In addition, the newly-created European Research Council (ERC) will operate as a pan-European funding organization,supporting high-impact,cutting edge research through open and direct competition across the EU.
The expanded program of ‘Marie-Curie’ activities funded under FP7’s People Programme will support researcher training, career development and mobility through a variety of fellowships and networking activities.
The Capacities Programme is designed to optimize the development and use of research facilities in Europe by supporting, for example, research infrastructures, high-tech SMEs, regional clusters and international cooperation.
IRB Scientists are already actively engaged in preparing grant applications for the FP7. The preparation for the changes was well anticipated thanks to the intense involvement of group leaders in FP6 programs and the timely information provided by Giovanni Pellegri and his colleagues at the various offices of the USI and SUPSI, involved in research coordination (TicinoRicerca).
One of the key limitations to access to European grants is the overwhelming amount of administrative work required to obtain and manage grants. In fact the European Union judges applications in equal measure for their scientific validity as well as the host institute’s ability to manage grants. The majority of participating institutes are affiliated with large universities that have their own dedicated Grant Offices to handle the administration of the grants.
As the IRB continues to increase involvement in complex collaborative projects the Group Leaders are forced to spend more time at the keyboard than at the lab bench or in the lecture room.
To alleiviate this problem the IRB is examining the possibility of establishing a grant office which would work in unison with the administration and with the group leaders on the coordination of grant applications and reporting.
