Consultation on the 7th Research Framework

The European Commission is undertaking a consultation to identify ’thematic domains’ for future European support under the 7th Framework Programme.

The European Commission is using the following three criteria in order to identify which thematic domains will be included in the proposal for the 7th Framework Programme.

 Contribution to EU policy objectives

The research topic must generate new knowledge to meet societal needs and catalyse the delivery of a European policy objective(s), including the objective to transform Europe into a dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy, capable of sustainable economic growth.

 European research potential

The research topic must be one where there is a strong potential for excellent research and technological development and for disseminating and converting the results into social and economic benefits.

 European added value

There must be a strong need for additional public funding and for such intervention to be at a European level.

Deadline for responses to the consultation is the 31 December 2004

The Commission will present a list of thematic domains for future European Union support to research when it presents the proposal for the 7th Framework Programme, due in 2005.

For more details of the criteria and information on Research Themes in 7th Framework Programme please see designated page of the European Commission.