Embedding science and society issues throughout the thematic priorities of FP6
The Commission's Research DG has published a call for tenders for a study aimed at embedding science and society issues throughout the thematic priorities of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). The general purpose of this contract is to gather information and assist with policy development related to the integration of 'Science and Society' issues throughout the EU's framework programme. This process of integration is referred to as 'embedding'. 'Science and Society' issues such as gender, ethics, public outreach/dialogue, and education have been ingrained into key FP6 documents to become horizontal criteria requiring various actors to take them on board (embed) both during preparation and implementation stages of all FP6 projects. But introducing these criteria at proposal/project level is not the only way of ensuring the application of science and society issues throughout FP6 thematic priorities. Another way is to organise accompanying actions at the level of a given thematic research area (e.g. nanotechnology or aeronautics), for example with the help of such FP6 financial instruments as specific support actions, coordinated actions or specific targeted research projects, or through meetings and other initiatives directly initiated by the scientific officers in corresponding thematic directorates of the European Commission. The study will collect evidence of 'Science and Society' embedding across the activities of the themes of the specific programme 'Integrating and Strengthening the ERA' of FP6, devise a typology of embedding actions and identify best practices, provide indications of the relevance as well as strengths and weaknesses of embedding measures and formulate recommendations on 'Science and Society' embedding for possible implementation in the Seventh Framework Programme.For further information, please contact: European Commission Directorate-General Research Attn: Mr Rafal Rowinski SDME 7/1 B-1049 Brussels Fax +32-2-296-2006 E-mail: Rafal.rowinski@cec.eu.int To see the full details of the call, please: click here(opens in new window)