Sixty-six research installations selected under HCM large-scale facilities initiative
One of the main lines of action of the HCM programme (1992-94) is to support access for researchers to some of Europe's largest scientific facilities. Under the scheme, researchers carry out experiments at installations where access and time are normally very restricted - especially where the researcher is based in another country. In addition to supporting the research, mobility and training costs, some provision has also been made to upgrade the facilities, for example by adding a new port or workstation to the equipment. Since 1992, 66 facilities have been selected from 152 applications. They are all rare or unique in Europe and are, therefore, in great demand. The scheme not only opens up these outstanding scientific assets to scientists throughout the 18-country European Economic Area, but also leads directly to a more efficient exploitation of equipment. While the HCM programme is now closed to all new applications, most research contracts for selected facilities will continue until 1996-97. The HCM programme builds on an experimental initiative, the large-installations plan (1988-92), which covered 17 facilities. Further developments are planned under the forthcoming Training and Mobility Researchers programme under the Fourth Framework programme. This should be operational by the end of 1994. A complete list of the HCM large-scale facilities is contained in the TXT field of this news item. All enquiries should be addressed directly to the relevant facility.