Positive elements of FP5 should not be excluded from FP6, argues Portugal
In its official response the European Commission's proposals for the next framework programme and the European Research Area (ERA), the Portuguese Ministry of Science and Technology welcomes the proposal as a 'step forward', but highlights many areas which it believes are better catered for in the current framework programme. The Portuguese ministry would like to see more provisions for international cooperation and research into risks and natural disasters, agriculture fisheries and forests, energy, nuclear safety and safeguards, the social sciences and marine science and technology 'Portugal cannot accept the break up of European competences in this area, nor the fact that it is not considered as a priority for FP6 [Sixth Framework programme],' states the paper in reference to marine science and technology. Referring to social and human sciences, the paper argues that the themes addressed in FP5 (Fifth Framework programme) are still relevant and pertinent. 'Therefore, they should continue to be addressed in the FP6, especially since the number of calls and approved projects was clearly insufficient to research the issues properly,' the paper continues. The Portuguese ministry also questions a couple of the priority thematic areas selected by the Commission, namely genomics and biotechnology and aeronautics. Health and disease control should be one of the areas where genomics and biotechnology (as well as other techniques) should focus, states the paper. 'Aspects other than genomics or biotechnology are hardly mentioned. We consider that this should be corrected.' Aeronautics conversely is perceived by Portugal as an area which 'may represent a scattering of efforts and resources of the FP, with no added value to Europe.' Although it is important to coordinate the European Space Programme with other lines of research, the paper argues that this should be under the main auspices of the European Space Agency (ESA). The thematic areas are also contended in relation to two new proposed tools, networks of excellence and large integrated projects. Portugal welcomes the proposal to create networks of excellence, but argues that they should not be created exclusively for those areas selected as thematic priorities. 'If we do that, we run the risk of reinforcing what is already well developed and optimised, instead of supporting what can be significantly improved both in quality of activities and of results,' states the document. This concern is also responsible for Portuguese reservations about integrated projects. 'The concentration of integrated projects in the priority thematic areas of the FP, as proposed by the Commission raises the risk that resources will be absorbed by established interests, instead of promoting an effective development of knowledge and innovative technologies,' the ministry states. The main objective of European Community policy supported by the framework programme should be the creation of a truly European Scientific Community, of the highest standard, where mobility is unrestricted, states the paper. The ministry goes on to argue that in order to promote training, mobility and the attraction of Europe for researchers from other continents, the dedicated budget for FP6 would have to be substantially increased.
Kraje
Portugal