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Content archived on 2023-03-27

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Multiannual research action programme (EEC) in the field of biotechnology (BAP), 1985-1989

 
Part of the first Framework Programme (1984-1987) under subactivity 2.3.: "Biotechnologies", this second Community programme in the field featured the new element of concertation. In addition, new transnational entities known as European Laboratories Without Walls (ELWW) were entrusted with specific tasks under the programme. Nine tasks were assigned to the Concertation Unit for Biotechnology in Europe (CUBE).
To establish a supportive infrastructure for biotechnology R&D in Europe, to eliminate, through research and training, the bottlenecks preventing the exploitation of modern biology by industry and agriculture, and to assess possible associated biohazards.
Two actions:

- Research and training:
. Contextual measures for R&D in biotechnology:
Research into bio-informatics and the collections of biotic materials;
. Basic biotechnology:
Comprising research and training, two COST actions (aquatic primary biomass (marine macroalgae) and plant in vitro culture) and the involvement in the activities of the technology, growth and employment working group;

- Concertation:
Improving standards and capabilities in the life sciences and enhancing the strategic effectiveness with which these are applied to the social and economic objectives of the Community and its Member States.
The Commission, assisted by the Management and Advisory Committee (CGC) on Biotechnology, was responsible for implementing the programme through contract research, training and concerted actions.

Shared-cost contracts were placed with industrial organizations, research laboratories and university institutes, or combinations of these. Priority was given to contracts bringing together the technological resources of firms and institutions from different Member States. The participating Member States and the Community regularly exchanged information on execution of the research involving concerted actions.

The Community was authorized to conclude agreements with non-Member States participating in European cooperation in the field of scientific and technical research (COST) or with international organizations with a view to ensuring cooperation between the Community's concerted action projects and the relevant programmes of such States or international organizations.

During the second year the programme was reviewed and the results communicated to the Council and the European Parliament.