CHAPTER 1
WHAT IS THE SIXTH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME? 7
Putting Framework Programmes into perspective 8
The Sixth Framework Programme 9
FP6 priorities 10
New ERA for European research 11
Sharing skills and results 11
Training for better performance 11
Budget for FP6 12
How research projects are organised and funded 13
Networks of excellence 13
Integrated projects 17
Specific targeted research or innovation projects 20
Specific research projects for SMEs 20
Actions to promote and develop human resources and mobility 21
Coordination actions 21
Specific support actions 21
Integrating activities 22
EU participation in programmes undertaken by several Member States (Article 169) 22

CHAPTER 2
WHO CAN TAKE PART IN THE SIXTH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME? 25
Participating in FP6 26
International co-operation 26
Categories of participants 28
Establishing roles and responsibilities 28
Advantages of participating in FPs 28
Instruments for FP success 29
RTD activities and EU funding by type of instrument 30
Human resource and mobility: Marie Curie example 31
Accompanying measures 32
Eligible costs 32
Intellectual property rights 33

CHAPTER 3
HOW TO TAKE PART IN THE SIXTH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME? 35
Offering a helping hand 36
Expressing interest in proposals 36
Where to find help: Infodesks and Info-days 36
Identifying a call for proposal 38
Finding official information 39
Choosing a call 40
Important documents and how to get them 41
Supporting preparation material 41
Preparing a proposal 42
Top tips on how to increase your chances of success 43
Submitting your proposal 45
Sending proposals and next steps 45
Evaluation of proposals - general information 46
Meeting the evaluation criteria 47
Rejected proposals 47
Accepted proposals 48
Contract negotiation 48
Participant rights and obligations 48
Project management, monitoring and impact 48
Monitoring procedures and payment 49

CHAPTER 4
WHAT ARE THE THEMATIC PRIORITIES OF FP6? 51
Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health 52
Information society technologies 54
Nanotechnologies and nanosciences, knowledge-based multifunctional materials
and new production processes and devices 56
Aeronautics and space 58
Food quality and safety 59
Sustainable development, global change and ecosystems 60
Citizens and governance in a knowledge-based society 62

CHAPTER 5
WHAT ARE THE OTHER PRIORITIES OF FP6? 65
• Specific activities covering a wider field of research 66
Policy support and anticipating scientific and technological needs 66
Horizontal research activities involving SMEs 68
Specific measures in support of international co-operation 69
Joint Research Centre 69
• Structuring the ERA 71
Research and innovation 71
Human resources and mobility 72
Research infrastructures 73
Science and society 74
• Strengthening the foundations of the ERA 75
Coordination activities 75
Coherent development of research and innovation policies in Europe 76
• Euratom priorities 77
Priority thematic areas of research 77
Controlled thermonuclear fusion 77
Management of radioactive waste 78
Radiation protection 78
Other activities in the field of nuclear technologies and safety 78

CHAPTER 6
WHERE TO FIND USEFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
AND ASSISTANCE? 81
Help desk email contacts for the thematic priorities and SMEs 82
Useful website addresses for more information about FP6 and EU (research) activities 83
Up-and-running EU information and assistance networks 83
National information services 84
Project and partner search resources 84
Other useful sources of EU information 85

Participating in european research

13/02/03