Funding Excellence in Research
Only excellent research is to be funded. Independent experts from all over the world assist the Commission in the selection of proposals in a rigorously monitored peer-review process. The proposals are analysed and ranked by the experts according to several selection criteria, of which the most important is their scientific and technical excellence.The reviewers also identify potential issues and make recommendations to refine the proposals.
After a negotiation phase with the selected candidates, a grant agreement detailing the financial and scientific aspects of the project will be signed. The projects will then run typically from three to five years and their development will be monitored by the Commission services from a financial and administrative point of view to ensure good management and good value-for-money use of public funded. Independent reviewers may assist the scientific officers from the Commission in the assessment of the scientific results that will define the success of the project.
For more information on the European Commission's proposal evaluation process, consult Rules on submission of proposals, and the related evaluation, selection and award procedures.
The publication is available from http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/find-doc_en.html
*Who evaluates research proposals?
Most of the evaluators are leading figures in their fields. They are typically experienced researchers, university professors, clinicians, company managers, etc., from Europe and abroad. Evaluators work under confidentiality agreement and in a personal capacity, not representing their organisation.
A careful selection is made to avoid direct or indirect conflicts of interests, in order to ensure the impartial evaluation of every proposal. Each one is analysed by 3 to 10 experts, selected by the Commission services according to the expertise required and the complexity of the project. After a remote phase of individual evaluation, consensus meetings are held in Brussels to discuss each group of proposals of a given domain.
*How do I apply for funding?
A number of strategic areas to be funded are identified every year by the Commission services, taking into account the main priority lines of the Framework Programme, the input from an advisory group of experts, the scientific community and representatives from EU member states and FP7 associated countries.
Applications are invited through calls for proposals published online on the European Commission's FP7 website:
> Go to the website
Proposals are submitted electronically via the Electronic Proposal Submission Service (EPSS). This website provides access to all the necessary information for those wishing to apply for a call.
For general or specific FP7 queries in any of the official EU languages, call toll free, e-mail or visit a Europe Direct Contact Centre:
> Go to the website
National Contact Points (NCPs) also provide assistance and advice to potential applicants in their own language:
> Go to the website.
Legal Basis
On 18 December 2006, the Council of the European Union adopted decisions establishing the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) of the European Community for research and technological development and demonstration activities for the period 2007 to 2013. FP7 is made up of four specific programmes plus a fifth activity on nuclear research. The Cooperation Programme supports all types of research activities carried out by different research bodies in transnational cooperation and aims to gain or consolidate leadership in key scientific and technology areas.