National Launch of FP7
€50 Billion Seventh EU Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development Launched
15th November 2006, Royal Hospital Kilmainham
Dr Imelda Lambkin National Director for FP7 with Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin TD pictured at the National Launch of FP7.
The Irish launch of the €50 billion Seventh EU Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7) was announced on 15th November by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr. Micheál Martin at an information event held in the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. The programme will run from January 2007 to 2013 and offers Irish researchers in industry, higher education, public research organisations and elsewhere, the opportunity to tap into European research networks and funding.
FP7 encompasses the key areas of ICT, healthcare, agri-food, energy, environment, space, security and nanotechnology and is a follow-on from the current Framework Programme (FP6), which is due to end in December 2006. Irish researchers have drawn down almost €200 million from FP6 to date, with researchers in higher education institutions accounting for around 70% of this figure. Researchers in industry have drawn down almost €40 million, with Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) accounting for two thirds of this figure and multinational corporations (MNCs) accounting for the rest.
Speaking at the National Launch of FP7 at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, the Minister said: "Irish researchers have built up a strong reputation for excellence internationally through their Framework Programme experience to date. Participation in the programme has enhanced our capability for research and innovation and has increased the visibility of Irish research on the global stage. The recently published National Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation has placed great emphasis on participation in FP7 to deliver on its key objectives of cementing and building upon Ireland’s reputation as a dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy."
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin TD speaking at the National Launch of FP7.
A newly strengthened National Support Network has been put in place to encourage and facilitate Irish participation in FP7. Dr Imelda Lambkin, National Director for FP7, has been appointed to spearhead the national effort to ensure that all researchers and companies are made aware of the opportunities available through the programme and to send a motivating message to stakeholders in academia, industry, public research organisations and elsewhere.
Commenting on the launch, Dr Lambkin said: ‘Traditionally researchers in higher education institutions have been the most active in applying for Framework Programme funding. One of our key objectives in launching FP7 today is to convey the message that FP7 funding is also highly relevant for researchers in industry and elsewhere and that it can be used to complement the existing R&D and innovation strategies of SMEs, MNCs and other bodies".
The Irish Marie Curie Office at the IUA will continue to play a vital role in encouraging applications for the Marie Curie element of FP7. The first FP7 calls for proposals are expected in early 2007. €4.7bn will be available through the Marie Curie programmes over the next seven years to fund research in all areas of industry and academia.
Dr Conor O’Carroll, Head of the Research Office at IUA, speaking at the launch.
About the EU Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development
The EU Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development was founded in 1984 with a budget of €3.8 billion. It is the European Commission’s main instrument for supporting collaborative research and development in science, engineering and technology. To date, the Framework Programmes have been designed to last for a period of 4 years. However, the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) will cover a 7 year period from 2007 – 2013 with a budget of €50 billion. FP7 presents strong elements of continuity with its predecessor, FP6, and is designed to make a key contribution to the objectives of the Lisbon strategy. Special attention has been paid in the design of FP7 to the needs of industry.
Mr Richard Escritt of the European Commission (centre) pictured with Ned Costello and Bill Brandon of the Dept of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
