European Funding for Research Infrastructures
The HEA is the National Contact Point (NCP) for Research Infrastructures within the "Capacities" specific programme of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) which runs from 2007 - 2013.
For up-to-date information on FP7 calls, and on the Research Infrastructures Programme in particular, please consult the FP7 Ireland website hosted by the National Support Network for FP7.
Horizon 2020
In November 2011, Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn announced Horizon 2020, the multi-billion euro programme for investment in research and innovation which will succeed FP7. Horizon 2020 is the EU’s new programme for research and innovation, incorporating the Innovation Union, a Europe 2020 flagship initiative. Running from 2014 to 2020 with an estimated €80 billion budget, this integrated programme is part of the drive to create new growth and jobs in Europe. The Commissioner's proposal is subject to negotiation at Council and Parliament before the final structure and budget is agreed by the end of 2013.
Further information on Horizon 2020 can be found here
Background to the Framework Programme
Since 1984, the European Commission’s ‘Framework Programmes’ have been an important source of funding for research and development activities across Europe and beyond. The latest Framework Programme, the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), commenced on 1st January 2007 and will run for 7 years. It is designed to build on the achievements of the Sixth Framework Programme, in particular in relation to the creation of the European Research Area and the development of a knowledge economy and society in Europe, by providing grants to researchers from all over Europe and beyond through a competitive peer-review process. The total budget for FP7 is in excess of €50 billion and this is allocated over a range of thematic areas. Awards may take the form of research grants for individuals or funding for larger-scale projects hosted by institutions. Over €4 billion of the budget is assigned to the ‘Capacities’ programme, of which € 1.8 billion is allocated to the Research Infrastructures Programme.
Research Infrastructures in a National and International Context:
HEA/ Forfas Roadmap of Irish Research Infrastructure (2007)
Updated ESFRI Roadmap of European Infrastructures (2010)
Research Infrastructures Newsletter (May 2011)
European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) Practical Guidelines (2010)
Further Information:
Should you have any queries, please email fp7infrastructure [at] hea.ie
Further information on all thematic areas within FP7, and their National Contact Points, can be found at www.fp7ireland.com