Ireland launches FP7
With the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) nearing the end of its legislative journey to implementation, Member States are starting to prepare their researchers for participation in the next round of European funded networks and projects. Leading the way among them is Ireland, which officially launched FP7 at an event on 15 November in Dublin. Despite its small population (3.7 million), Ireland has had a relatively successful track record in the EU research framework programmes. A glance at the latest statistics for FP6 show 650 Irish participants in 522 FP6 signed contracts, with a total EU contribution to Irish participants amounting to around €142.5 million. 'Irish researchers have built up a strong reputation for excellence internationally through their Framework experience to date. Participation in the programme has enhanced our capability for research and innovation and has increased the visibility of Irish research on the global stage,' said Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Michael Martin, who attended the launch. Mr Martin went onto say that the Irish government's recently published National Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation has placed great emphasis on participation in FP7 to deliver on its key objectives of 'cementing and building upon Ireland's reputation as a dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy'. To encourage participation, particularly among small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), a National Support System has been set up. Among its tasks will be simplifying the application procedure. According to Dr Imelda Lambkin, National Director for FP7, the system will also include a network of national contact points to ensure all researchers are made aware of the opportunities available through the EU research programme. She hopes that the network will send a motivating message to stakeholders in industry, academia, the healthcare sector, voluntary organisations and elsewhere. 'Traditionally researchers in higher education institutions have been the most active in applying for Framework funding. One of our key objectives in launching FP7 today is to convey the message that FP7 funding is highly relevant for researchers in industry and elsewhere and that it can be used to complement the existing R&D and innovation strategies of SMEs, MNCs [multinational corporations] and other bodies,' she said. 'This launch is essentially a call to action for Ireland's R&D [research and development] community...The message is clear - the funding is available for the appropriate projects [under FP7], it is our job to ensure that researchers are aware of the opportunities that exist,' Dr Lambkin added.
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Ireland