Specific research programmes (EEC) to be implemented by the Joint Research Centre - Exploratory research -, 1988-1991

Part of the second Framework programme for Community activities in the field of research and technological development (1990 to 1994) under subactivity III.6.: "Human capital and mobility", Joint Research Centre (JRC) exploratory research is provided for in the two Council Decisions adopting the 1988-1991 JRC programmes: Decision 88/521/EEC and Decision 88/522/Euratom, both of 14 October 1988 (Official Journal No L 286 of 20.10.2988).

In its communication to the Council concerning "A new outlook for the Joint Research Centre" (COM(87) 491 of 20.4.1988) the Commission welcomed the proposal of a Panel of Senior Industrialists that a share of the total turnover of the JRC should be dedicated to "preparatory research". The arguments which would lead to the selection of a particular action were:
- The improvement of scientific vitality and potential;
- The exploration of suitable and promising avenues;
- The testing of new ideas or concepts on a small experimental scale;
- The provision of additional facilities for visiting scientists and fellows;
- The enhancement of the impact of industrial club activities.

The Board of Governors first approved a number of exploratory research projects at its meeting of 9 June 1988 and the necessary transfer of funds was duly made as a charge upon the resources of the specific JRC research programmes. The results of the projects, which were carried out by the JRC Institutes in Geel, Ispra, Karlsruhe and Petten, were described in the JRC's annual reports.
To increase the level of excellence of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) laboratories in selected scientific areas and to search for new ideas.
Information not presently available.
The Commission, assisted by the Board of Governors of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), was responsible for carrying out the research by means of the services of the JRC.

Proposals came essentially from those responsible for scientific activities at the JRC. This process was reinforced by the scientific opinions that the Advisory Committees of the JRC Institutes was called upon to give concerning the work of their respective Institutes. Together, these proposals were analyzed and a selection made by the Director- General, who included the preparatory research themes for a particular year in the work schedule for that year, submitted to the JRC Board of Governors for approval.

An amount equivalent to 5% of the amounts deemed necessary for each specific JRC programme could be used for the research.

The Commission was required to submit annual reports and a final report on the research to the European Parliament and the Council.