European 7th Framework Programme (FP7)
- 12-6-2010
- Categorized in: Collaborative Projects
This is the current main EU collaborative R&D programme, and as the name implies, the 7th in the series...
The EU source for information is found on the CORDIS (Community Research and Development Information Service) FP7 sub site which can be found here (opens in a new window)
Hoadlands Consultants have been involved in FP6 and FP7, all the way from project proposal, through negotiation and running successful projects.
The key issues about FP7 projects are that a project team has to be established from a minimum of 3 EU organisations (lots of detailed rules exist about participation for EU and non-EU organisations), from at least 2 EU countries, and a project which aligns with and meets the demands of FP7 themes and calls.
A brief introduction to FP7 can be found on the CORDIS web site below (opens in a new window)
http://ec.europa.eu/research/fp7/understanding/fp7inbrief/home_en.html
The R&D funding scene in the UK is changing quite rapidly (who said politics is boring?) the main UK page for FP7 information has moved and is now found at;
https://ktn.innovateuk.org/web/fp7uk/overview
Specifically for UK Projects in the ICT area, the support organisation and page has been moved and can now be found at;
https://ktn.innovateuk.org/web/fp7-ict
And in a similar way, the UK FP7 page for NMP (which not only covers "Nano" materials but also materials in general and production techncology) can be found at;
Also very useful in this area is The NMPTeAm project which is a focus for all FP7 things NMP, see
This site also provides links to the national organsiations, and partner serach and resuqest sites!
Why get involved? Well the usual reason is to "do something that you ordinarily couldn't do", a simple example, you have and R&D idea that fits in the FP7 arena, but to take the idea further you need skills and resources outside your organisation - a possible way forward is an FP7 project, and you will (most likely) get financial support if the project bid is successful! There are many rules, and it's not perfect for everyone - we can help you decide, contact us!
How we can help
Our mode of operation is to be involved from Project Bid, as an active partner, usually as the Project Manager (a lesser role in these projects than the Technical Manager), also taking part in other work packages such as;
- Project Management
- User requirements, use case definition, user scenarios
- System design and System Architecture, and
- dissemination of information e.g. web site, preparation of information for publication and conferences
- and, as a prerequisite, proposal preparation support
Use the Contact Page to find out more.