The European Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (2007-2013) is the main mechanism to support research activities of European importance. The programme includes opportunities for multi-national research collaboration; researcher mobility; frontier research; and capacity building. Although focused predominantly on Europe, participation of researchers in third countries (including New Zealand, Australia and Pacific Island nations) is not just allowed, but actively encouraged!

The People programme is the main focus for training and mobility of researchers. This programme offers fellowships to allow European researchers to spend 1-2 years career development with top-class researchers anywhere in the world. Alternatively, Europe aims to attract the best of the best, to Europe, to transfer their knowledge ‘in house’. Further, the International Research Staff Exchange Scheme builds connections between groups in Europe and the rest of the world. These initiatives are excellent opportunities to strengthen links with Europe.

The Cooperation programme supports ‘multi’ collaborations for research and networking. With 10 scientific themes, projects here are multi-national, multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral in their approach. These opportunities are an excellent way to share knowledge and gain insight into areas that complement your research.

The Capacities programme supports activities focused on those issues that underpin European research: infrastructures, policy development,, small businesses, science in society, regional activities and international cooperation. Typically more strategic in their nature, these projects tend to focus more on Europe - but that doesn’t preclude third country participation.

The Ideas programme - sometimes called the European Research Council - aims to support frontier (blue skies) research in Europe. By removing the need for collaboration, mobility or a response to the underpinning issues, this programme offers the opportunity to the creme de la creme of Europe to compete against each other for additional funds to deliver world-class research.