EU 7th Research Framework Programme - First calls for proposal
On 22 December 2006, the European Commission published the first version of the FP7 work programme in Theme 1 – “Health” and the first calls for proposals under the new programme.
The main funding schemes under FP7 will be collaborative projects of two types: large-scale
integrating projects (requested Commission contribution EUR 6 - 12 million) and small or
medium-scale focused research projects (requested Commission contribution up to EUR 3 million). It
is important to remember that the funding thresholds will be applied as eligibility criteria when
projects are evaluated.
The call envisages only a one-stage submission procedure. Proposals can be submitted only
electronically via the web-based Electronic Proposal Submission System (EPSS).
Evaluations for the first call toke place during the months May-July 2007 and contract
negotiations for the short listed proposals opened in July/August 2007.
Researchers who intend to submit proposals under FP7 are strongly advised to study carefully the
call fiche, the work programme and all its annexes, the guide for applicants, the rules for
participation of FP7, the rules on submission of proposals and the related evaluation, selection
and award procedures and the guide for evaluators.
First calls for proposal (deadline 19 April 2007). Topics of interest for rheumatology
research
Of direct interest for rheumatology sector in the first calls for proposal under FP7 are the topic on osteoarthritis (large-scale integrating project) and two topics on osteoporosis (small or medium-scale focused research projects) in Chapter 2: Translating research for human health/Translational research in other major diseases/other chronic diseases.
Researchers are nevertheless advised to examine thoroughly the text of the work programme for further application possibilities.
Second calls for proposal (deadline 18 September 2007). Topics of interest for rheumatology research
The second call for proposals includes indicative topics, which should be of interest for rheumatologists, including a topic on “Early processes in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases” (large-scale integrating project) in Chapter 2: Translating research for human health/Translational research in other major diseases/other chronic diseases which should be of interest for rheumatologists.
The second call also includes a topic on “patient self-management of chronic diseases”
in Chapter 3: Optimising delivery of health care to European citizens/Translating the results
of clinical research outcome into clinical practice including better use of medicines, and
appropriate use of behavioural and organisational interventions and new health therapies and
technologies.
Calls for proposals of the European Research Council (ERC)
On 22 December 2006, the newly established funding mechanism for fostering basic research under FP7 – the European Research Council – published its first calls for proposals.
Two funding schemes are the core of the ERC operations: the ERC Starting Independent Research
Grants for excellent researchers at the stage of establishing and leading their first research
team or programme, and the ERC Advanced Investigator Grants for research projects of leading
advanced investigators.
The level of the Starting Grants varies between EUR 100,000 and 400,000 per year for a period
of up to 5 years. Applications will be submitted under a two-stage procedure. Proposals must meet a
quality threshold to qualify for funding; proposals will be funded according to the drawn ranked
list and within the available budget.
Pre-registration of proposals is required. Proposals have to be submitted electronically via the
web-based Electronic Proposal Submission System (EPSS).
The next call for Starting Grant proposals will be published in summer 2008 with a call deadline in
autumn 2008.
The next call for Advanced Grant proposals will be published in autumn 2008 with a call deadline in spring 2009.
RELATED INFORMATION
The European Research Council (ERC)
The ERC is the first pan-European funding body set up to support investigator-driven frontier research.
Application Guide for the ERC Starting Grant/Advanced Grant
The guide provides practical information to potential applicants in preparing and submitting an application for an ERC grant.