Background on the EU’s FP7 Programme

The European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7) will last for seven years (2007–2013) and has a total budget of fifty billion Euros.  The two main objectives of the FP7 programmes are :-

  • To strengthen the scientific and technological base of European Industry and
  • To encourage its international competitiveness, while promoting research that supports EU policies.

 

The funding is mainly for European research, however other countries – e.g. African, Pacific and Caribbean (ACP) countries are able to tap in and reap significant benefits in the form of research grants.  Activities that can be identified for collaborating with EU countries for example, can apply for funding. 

 

The Ten Thematic Areas are: -

  1. Health
  2. Food, Agriculture and fisheries and biotechnology
  3. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
  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. Space
  10. Security    

 

SRC as National Contact Point

Dr. Audia Barnett of the Scientific Research Council (SRC) has been appointed the National Contact Point for the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7).

As NCP Co-ordinator, Dr. Barnett will: -

  • Assist organizations, in particularly new actors and SME’s, with a view to increasing their awareness and participation in FP7, especially in those areas that may be of interest to their organization
  • Explain the scope and modalities of the whole spectrum of funding schemes to be used in FP7.
  • Advise on administrative procedures and legal issues as it relates to participants
  • Advise of “Calls for Proposals” as well as assist with application process.

The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) refers to this EU window which can be used to access funds for improving capacity in priority areas.  Jamaica is urged to take advantage of the opportunity of accessing funds for improving competitiveness in a range of areas.

 

Contact    Dr. Audia Barnett

                Tel:    876-9271771-4

                          876-7023440

                Email:audiab@src-jamaica.org

 

List of potential collaborating agencies: -

 

Calls for proposals – Active, Closing dates….