Why participate in FP6?
New opportunities, new contacts, mobility and EU funding are all good reasons for researchers to participate in the Sixth Framework programme (FP6) for research and technological development, according to Richard Escritt, Director of the 'ERA: coordination of Community actions' directorate within the European Commission's Research DG, speaking at an information day on FP6 in Ireland, Dublin on 12 July. Mr Escritt admitted that getting involved in an EU project requires 'more effort and more enthusiasm' than collaboration with colleagues next door, but added that 'it is very clear that in taking part in the Framework programme, one has access to more opportunities, contacts and experiences that are second to none.' The mobility that is ensured for participants of an EU Framework programme is another reason to become involved. 'The Framework programmes have made mobility across Europe something that is straightforward and almost a natural part of a European researcher's career,' said Mr Escritt. Finally, the security of knowing that there is a 'substantial budget stable over a number of years' should interest researchers, said Mr Escritt. 'It is there up for grabs,' he said. New opportunities include wider partnerships, a more flexible approach, coordination activities, which Mr Escritt described as 'outward looking', moves to stimulate a debate on science and society and new initiatives to support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The research community as a whole will benefit from the implementation of FP6, said Mr Escritt, as the Commission 'is trying to move away from a programme which is simply a research programme,' and has instead 'tried deliberately to offer opportunities which will have a longer lasting effect.' FP6 focuses on key capacities in Europe, said Mr Escritt, 'it is an organised way of capitalising on infrastructures.' FP6 was also described by Mr Escritt as a leverage for the consolidation of efforts, the final goal of which is the European research area (ERA). 'Our thinking may be somewhat confusing for you, and that's inevitable with the shock of the new, but it [FP6] is a simple structure, and I'm sure that you will find your place in it,' declared Mr Escritt.