EU Framework Programme 7 (FP7)

The EU will fund over €50 billion worth of research between 2007-2013 under the umbrella of Framework Programme 7 (FP7).

FP7 ends in 2013, with its successor, Horizon 2020, running from 2014 until 2020.

FP7 is made up of four specific programmes Cooperation, Ideas, People and Capacities.

Cooperation (€32.4bn)

This funds collaborative research between industry and academia in key technology areas in 10 themed areas:

See the Cooperation pages of the FP7 website for full details.

Funding basic research at the scientific frontiers through the European Research Council.

Research area can be anything cutting edge/ frontier, except nuclear fission and fusion research
The principal investigator and team members can be any nationality
The principal investigator must be based in Europe or an Associated Country for the duration of the grant - see the document FP7 Third Country Agreements for more details

Two types of grant schemes are offered - Starting and Advanced. The UK Research Office has detailed information on both Starting and Advanced grants.

See the Ideas section of the FP7 website for full details.

Supporting mobility and career development for researchers both within and outside Europe. Includes:

Marie Curie Networks – training of early career researchers
International - outgoing and incoming fellowships, international cooperation scheme, reintegration grants
Life-long training and career development
Individual fellowships
Industry-academia partnerships
Excellence awards

See the People section of the FP7 website for full details.