Science at the service of Europe

Transcription

1 2009: Strengthening Europe s position through research KI-AL EN-C E U R O P E A N COMMISSION European Research Area 7th Framework Programme Research activities in Europe seek to promote scientific excellence and innovative breakthroughs to increase Europe s competitiveness and to benefit its citizens. The main instrument to support cross-border cooperative research at EU level is the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), the largest of its kind in the world. In 2009 with the financial and economic crisis still ongoing, FP7 entered its third year. The EU research programme continued to fund research and training of researchers on the basis of the activities dedicated to specific research fields, and targeted part of its funds to initiatives to help Europe cope with the economic crisis. Its funding mechanisms were firmly in place and financial procedures were made more user-friendly. Science at the service of Europe A guide to the 2009 Annual Activity Report of the European Commission s Directorate-General for Research In this brochure based on the 2009 Annual Activity Report the European Commission s Directorate-General for Research presents a brief overview of the year s main achievements, illustrated by a selection of successful projects, providing information on some of the work in progress and results obtained. It also contains information and results of completed projects from the previous framework programme. Research policy

2 Interested in European research? Research*eu is our monthly magazine keeping you in touch with main developments (results, programmes, events, etc.). It is available in English, French, German and Spanish. A free sample copy or free subscription can be obtained from: Free publications : How to obtain EU publications European Commission Directorate-General for Research Communication Unit B-1049 Brussels, Belgium Fax (32-2) research-eu@ec.europa.eu Internet: via EU Bookshop ( at the European Union s representations or delegations. You can obtain their contact details on the Internet ( or by sending a fax to Priced publications : via EU Bookshop ( Priced subscriptions (e.g. annual series of the Official Journal of the European Union and reports of cases before the Court of Justice of the European Union) : via one of the sales agents of the Publications Office of the European Union ( EUROPEAN COMMISSION Directorate-General for Research Directorate R Resources Unit R.3 Strategic Planning, Programming and Procedures Contacts: Sabine Pölzl, Jeanette Coppens-Poole European Commission Office SDME 06/075 B-1049 Brussels Tel Fax sabine.polzl@ec.europa.eu

3 EUROPEAN COMMISSION Science at the service of Europe A guide to the 2009 Annual Activity Report of the European Commission s Directorate-General for Research 2010 Directorate-General for Research Directorate R - Resources / Unit R.3 - Strategic Planning, Programming and Procedures

4 EUROPE DIRECT is a service to help you find answers to your questions about the European Union Freephone number (*): (*) Certain mobile telephone operators do not allow access to numbers or these calls may be billed LEGAL NOTICE Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use which might be made of the following information. More information on the European Union is available on the Internet ( Cataloguing data can be found at the end of this publication. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2010 ISBN doi /20749 European Union, 2010 Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. Printed in Belgium

5 Foreword The European Union s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), the world s largest crossborder research programme, achieved significant results in 2009, its third year of implementation. FP7 is managed by the European Commission s Directorate- General for Research. It is my great pleasure to introduce this brochure, Science at the service of Europe, which outlines the year s most prominent achievements. Inside, you will find a general overview of the FP7 research programmes, together with brief examples of some newly launched FP7 projects in Progress has been made in the simplification of financial and administrative procedures under FP7 in relation to previous framework programmes. The Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs), a new instrument under FP7 to stimulate investment in areas where research could contribute to European competitiveness, were set up as public private partnerships in five fields, of which two launched by DG Research Innovative Medicines and Clean Sky reached full operational autonomy in The partnership between Member States and the EU to develop a European Research Area (ERA) has begun to bear fruit, especially in relation to the five ERA initiatives launched by the European Commission in Practical arrangements for the management of these initiatives have been agreed and were put in place in the course of 2009, allowing their implementation to go ahead. A major ERA conference, Working together to strengthen research in Europe, took place in October 2009 and brought together all the major stakeholders, including national governments, universities, research institutions, private companies, researchers and experts, to discuss the ongoing and future development of ERA policy. I hope this brochure will help you, the reader, to gain a better understanding of the research activities that are currently being carried out with EU funding, their added value for Europe, and how you will benefit from them in the future. R-J. Smits Director-General 3

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7 Contents 8 Health 10 Food, agriculture, and fisheries and biotechnology 12 Nanosciences, nanotechnologies, materials and new production technologies 14 Energy 16 Environment (including climate change) 18 Transport (including aeronautics) 20 Socio-economic sciences and the humanities 22 Risk Sharing Finance Facility 24 Ideas 26 People 28 Research infrastructures 30 Research for the benefit of SMEs 32 Regions of knowledge 34 Research potential 36 Science in society 38 Activities of international cooperation 40 Coherent development of the research policies 42 Fusion energy 44 Nuclear fission and radiation protection 46 Completion of previous Framework Programmes and other activities 48 Research programme of the research fund for coal and steel 5

8 Boosting economic growth through research The European Commission s Directorate-General for Research is charged with the task of developing integrated and world-class research in Europe. Its policies and initiatives are dedicated to strengthening Europe s scientific and technological bases, and complement Member States efforts to increase investment in research. In 2009, the European Union was still a long way from reaching its research investment target of 3 % of gross domestic product (GDP) by The 2008 figures, the latest available, put research investment within the EU at 1.9 % of GDP. Private research funding has slowed down as a consequence of the economic crisis. As part of the EU s economic recovery plan, three socalled public private partnerships were set up in 2009 to boost R&D investment in the automobile, construction and manufacturing sectors, which were affected by the recent financial turmoil. Europe s transition towards a knowledge-based economy one where knowledge production and transfer drive economic growth and competitiveness is of paramount importance in the face of global competition from the USA, Japan, and more recently China and India, which invest in high-technology industries and in training highly skilled labour. Creating the European Research Area a European internal market for research to enable the free movement of researchers and knowledge, and to promote excellence and research efficiency and effectiveness is an essential part of the process. The aim is also to reinforce the international dimension of the ERA to attract the participation of the best researchers in the world, and to address challenges which go beyond Europe, such as climate change, energy security and ageing populations. The main instrument to implement EU research policy and to support the development of the ERA is the Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development (FP7) established under the EU and Euratom Treaties to run from 2007 to 2013 and 2011 respectively. FP7 is divided into five specific programmes covering 22 topics. Two agencies created to implement parts of FP7, the European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA) and the Research Executive Agency (REA), became fully operational in As one of the ERA s major instruments, FP7 is monitored every year to measure the progress of implementation using a set of core indicators. 6 In its first three years, FP7 received more than eligible research proposals in response to 170 concluded calls for proposals. Of these proposals, more than were retained for negotiations, which corresponds to an overall success rate of around 22 %. Small and Medium-sized enterprise (SME) participation in FP7 projects represented 16.4 % of the number of participants and 13.4 % of requested Union funding. FP7 participation is not restricted to EU Member States and associated countries. In 2009, 8.5 % of FP7 applicants were from third countries, the most successful applicants being from the USA, Russia, China, India and Brazil.

9 The indicative breakdown of FP7 (e million) The Cooperation Programme breakdown (e million) Research potential 340 The Capacities Programme breakdown (e million) Coherent development of research policies 70 Science in society 330 Activities of international cooperation 180 Research infrastructure 1715 Nuclear activities of the JRC 517 Nuclear fission and radiation protection 287 The Euratom Programme breakdown (e million) Regions of knowledge 126 Research for the benefit of SMEs 1336 Fusion energy research

10 Health Improving health through research Health research funded under the Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development (FP7) is a significant driver for the improvement of the health of European citizens and of global health, and for the competitiveness of European health-related industries and businesses. The programme funds research projects focusing on a variety of topics including, but not limited to: public health; infectious diseases; large-scale data gathering and systems biology; biotechnology, tools and technologies. In addition, other large-scale, ambitious efforts are also in progress. EU funding in 2009 : e million The Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) Joint Undertaking is the largest public private partnership in the area of medical research and reached autonomy in Jointly financed by the EU and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), it aims to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the drug development process while securing the competitiveness of Europe s pharmaceutical industry. More effective and safer innovative medicines will enable patients to obtain the most appropriate treatment. Many European health-related challenges and threats are in fact global and new breakthroughs in prevention and treatment of diseases often come in collaboration with researchers worldwide. This international approach of health research cooperation covers industrialised as well as developing countries. The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) was initiated to fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in developing countries. The EDCTP is an initiative where the EU participates in research programmes jointly financed and undertaken by several Member States. An independent evaluation of the EDCTP, published in 2009, strongly recommended the continuation of this programme, which is jointly funded by 14 EU members, Switzerland, Norway and the European Commission. The Health programme of FP7 also plays a coordinating role. By contributing to the organisation of the Member State-driven joint programming initiative aiming to tackle neurodegenerative diseases, the health theme provides leverage for the coordination of Member States research programmes and recognises the impact that neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer s disease, have and will have on an ageing European society. 8

11 Fighting bacterial infections The SATURN project studies the impact of specific antibiotic therapies on bacteria resistant to existing antibiotics so-called antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Research results will provide guidelines for the controlled use of existing drugs and future treatment of bacterial infections in clinics as well as in the community. The project combines microbiological, clinical, epidemiological and pharmacological research. SATURN Better quality of life PARADISE The PARADISE project will collect and harmonise information on psycho-social difficulties that people with various brain disorders experience in their daily lives. Examples include dementia, depression, epilepsy, migraine, schizophrenia, stroke and substanceabuse disorders. Some problems that sufferers are confronted with might be similar. Research results aim to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the treatment of these disorders.

12 Food, agriculture, and fisheries and biotechnologies Research for sustainable bio-economy EU funding in 2009 : e million Natural resources like land and water serve us in all their diversity. The management of these resources, through agriculture, forestry or fisheries, is becoming more complex, as food security, environmental concerns and animal welfare, all need to be taken into consideration. At the same time, consumers expect safe, healthy and varied food products which meet their dietary requirements and lifestyles. As these interconnected concerns are constantly increasing, research is expected to provide us with an accurate understanding of our changing environment and to identify the best strategic options. The many different areas of biosciences research offer the prospect of a range of solutions to today s challenges, such as replacements for fossil fuels, greener industrial production, and food security. The knowledge-based bio-economy (KBBE) is part of an economy based on the sustainable management, production and use of renewable biological resources, from land and sea. The theme Food, agriculture, and fisheries and biotechnology research in FP7 seeks to build a strong and competitive European bio-economy and aims to address the major societal challenges such as greening industrial processes and products, reducing waste and enhancing consumer protection and well-being. KBBE research provides input to different sectors, such as the food and animal feed industry, chemicals, textiles and biofuels. Pressure on natural resources from a growing world population and the decline of fossil fuels affect us all, as do greenhouse gas emissions and the ensuing climate change. Dedicated research is also needed in areas such as health, food and ageing populations. No country can address these challenges alone. The European Commission is engaging in an intensive dialogue with Member States and is fostering coordination of national research portfolios in the areas of agriculture, food security, climate change and healthy food. Interdisciplinary cooperation is required to understand and adequately address present and future needs. As these challenges are not confined to Europe s borders, it is important to broaden and deepen collaboration in international research. In 2009, dialogue and cooperation took place with governments and research organisations from India on food, health and well-being, to Argentina in the areas of plant and soil, the USA on biotechnology, and Canada on food and bio-based products. 10

13 Innovative Africa The JOLISAA project assesses and compares the experiences of innovative agricultural systems or processes and local knowledge in three African countries: Kenya, South Africa and Benin. It aims to deliver pragmatic and collectively validated recommendations on the role of research, the improvement of future innovative practices, and the design of supporting policies with a view to enhancing food security in Africa and introducing efficient innovation into African farming systems. JOLISAA Life in extremes MAMBA The MAMBA project focuses research on the sampling and genomic analysis of marine microbial diversity at its limits. It analyses life at extreme and peculiar low water activity, temperature, pressure and salinity. Exploring the mechanisms of survival of living organisms in extreme environments is of great relevance for the design of therapeutics and of novel biotech processes that support the greening of the chemical industry. php

14 Nanosciences, nanotechnologies, materials and new production technologies Research changes our world EU funding in 2009 : e million 12 If it is to solve the problems of the delocalisation of industry and continuing job losses, European industry will have to become more productive and use more sustainable methods than its key world competitors. The competitiveness of European industry is being built up, step by step, in a wide range of sectors. Implementing knowledge for use in new applications is at the crossroads between different technologies and disciplines. Research is focused on generating high added-value products and related processes and technologies to meet customer requirements. It also targets growth, public health, safety in the workplace, environmental protection, and societal values and expectations. The sustainability concern the balance between economic growth, social well-being and environmental protection is at the centre of any industrial research and technological development. The nanosciences, nanotechnologies, materials and new production technologies (NMPs) research within FP7 addresses a wide spectrum of technologies and industrial sectors. At the same time, it contributes to the main goals of Europe s strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The NMPs encourage the involvement of industry and, in particular, of SMEs due to their key role in innovation. Nanotechnologies and their fast-evolving applications provide us with countless new possibilities and choices in many aspects of our lives, such as improved methods of diagnosis and drug delivery treatment in medicine. New and smart materials are used for surface coatings, more powerful computers, new batteries, solar cells and digital devices. The nanotechnology action plan continued to inspire various developments in research, innovation and policymaking. Its second implementation report, covering the period , was published in 2009 and demonstrates the significant progress that has been made towards an integrated, safe and responsible development of nanotechnologies. The FP7 calls for proposals in 2009 covered topics such as research into the development of nanotechnologybased systems for detection, diagnosis and therapy for cancer, effects of nanoparticles on human health, exposure and environmental impacts, better performing materials and new industrial models for sustainable and efficient production, to name a few. In addition, industry and the European Commission are working very closely together on the implementation of the three major public private partnerships: Factories of the future, Energy-efficient buildings and Green cars, which are part of the European economic recovery plan and which will have an immediate effect in the manufacturing, construction and automotive industries that face significant challenges in the transition towards a greener economy. Research is not only carried out at European level but also via international cooperation. A coordinated call for proposals was implemented with Russia in selected fields of applied nanotechnology such as sensing. The conception, design and realisation of sensors are being studied to improve their performance in terms of specificity, detection limits and response time.

15 Improving vision Research into nano-optical mechanical systems (NOMS) could radically change the life of blind or partially-sighted citizens. The NOMS project is building a visual-aid tablet with a tactile screen which will enable the visually impaired to read complex visual representations. Integrated into ATMs, personal computers, mobile telephones and ipods, this device should facilitate everyday activities. Experts in the areas of materials, optics, microsystems and neuropsychology are working together with end-users in the development of this novel assistive technology. NOMS Best foot forward A-FOOTPRINT The A-Footprint project aims to develop novel foot and ankle orthoses (durable medical devices) for common disability conditions, personalised to provide better fit and comfort, functionality, aesthetic appeal and ease of use. The research should help to make the devices more cost-effective and to speed up their manufacture, delivery and supply; they could be ready for patient use within 48 hours. This project could have a significant impact on the health and well-being of EU citizens while enabling SMEs to become international leaders with strong competitive advantages.

16 Energy Research to sustain our energy needs We depend heavily on energy in our everyday lives. Electricity and fuel light and heat our homes, cook our meals, wash our clothes, enable us to watch television, and much else besides. Energy transports us from home to work or to our holiday destination; it is at the heart of economic competitiveness. EU funding in 2009 : e million Today, fossil fuels, i.e. oil, gas and coal, provide 80 % of the EU s energy supply, with most of it imported from outside the EU. Dwindling energy resources, the negative effects of carbon-based energy on the climate, and the increasing demand for energy present major challenges. Research is crucial to find adequate solutions to providing cleaner, sustainable and affordable energy while securing Europe s energy supply. It also helps us to understand how our energy consumption provokes and influences climate change. A new generation of lowcarbon and more efficient technologies, which are economically viable, will enable the EU to meet its ambitious climate and energy targets. The Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) contains an innovative long-term energy research agenda for Europe. FP7 s nuclear and non-nuclear programmes are its main implementation instruments. Research in non-nuclear energy takes in areas such as hydrogen and fuel cells, renewable electricity generation, renewable fuel production as well as heating and cooling, CO 2 capture and storage technologies for zero emission power generation, clean coal technologies, smart energy networks, energy efficiency and savings. It also produces knowledge input for energy policymakers. In 2009, the European Commission published a communication, Investing in the development of low-carbon technologies, advocating an additional investment (public and private) of 50 billion over the following 10 years to achieve the SET-Plan objectives. Key technologies to be investigated include wind energy, solar energy, smart electricity grids, bio-energy and carbon capture and storage. Fuel cells, as an efficient conversion technology, and hydrogen, as a clean energy carrier, also have great potential to help reduce CO 2 emissions and create a cleaner energy system. The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), one of three DG Research-led Joint Technology Initiatives, aims to speed up market introduction of fuel-cell and hydrogen technologies. The projects funded in 2009 covered all the application areas in the FCH JU strategy, with the biggest project being H2 Moves Scandinavia a large-scale demonstration of road vehicles and refuelling infrastructures. 14

17 Safer transport of CO 2 Carbon capture and storage is a new technology which could significantly reduce CO 2 emissions from power plants into the atmosphere. Its safe transport to a place of permanent storage in deep geological formations or under the seabed needs to be assured. The CO2PIPEHAZ project studies the safety aspects of transporting captured CO 2 through pipelines for sub-seabed storage. Leading European and Chinese experts will develop and test models to predict the consequences of pipeline failure. Results will provide tools to determine their safe distance from populated areas, and define optimal emergency planning to ensure the safe operation of CO 2 pipelines. CO2PIPEHAZ New pathways to bio SUPRA-BIO The SUPRA-BIO project investigates new technologies to replace petroleum-based products. This should be achieved by improving current operational processes of bio-refineries in the conversion of biomass into biofuels, biochemicals and biomaterials. The project looks at different production process cycles in order to achieve a highly effective product mix from the feedstock. Research could show how to increase the economic competitiveness of bio-refineries in terms of the choice and optimal use of feedstock for producing high-value items such as healthcare products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, intermediates and platform chemicals.

18 Environment Research response to climate and environmental change Europe has such diverse landscapes and ecosystems. We all live in different environments in urban or rural areas, some of us inland, others on the coast or in the mountains. We need to protect and preserve this natural environment, our life support system, for our own well-being and quality of life but also for future generations. However, the current consumption of natural resources by all of us companies, farms or households is not sustainable. The availability of fresh air, clean water and healthy soil is being threatened and affected by human activities and climate change, as well as by natural processes. All forms of life are experiencing the effects. EU funding in 2009 : e million EU research generates knowledge to understand better the extremely complex interaction between climate, biosphere, ecosystems and human activities. It helps us to develop new technologies which are environmentally sound and which prevent or reduce the waste we produce. Environmental research in FP7 investigates climate change, natural hazards, environment and health, natural resource management, biodiversity, marine environment, land and urban management, environmental technologies, earth observation and assessment tools for sustainable development. FP7 also endeavours to promote the best use of research results and new scientific findings for policy development and implementation. Changes in temperature and extreme weather conditions affect our everyday lives. These changes go beyond national or European borders. The United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen at the end of 2009 caught the attention of the whole world, and raised awareness of the importance of research in tackling the challenge of climate change. Results from past EU research projects provided policymakers with information and predictions of possible impacts if no action is taken to fight climate change. In 2009, EU research projects focused on adaptation to climate and environmental change. Adaptation needs have to be better identified, understood and monitored. The projects also investigated how to cope with an increasingly urban and ageing society in the EU, while fostering economic development. 16

19 abroad. Saving our coastal cities The important role of coastal cities is evident at both a global and national level. Many of these cities are growing at a fast rate given people s interest in their environment and economic possibilities (such as tourism, fishing and industry). However, increased population affects the coastal environment, already vulnerable because of climate change impacts. The SECOA project develops tools for policymaking to improve coastal cities development in Europe and SECOA Mediterranean s water security CLIMB Water security is becoming a serious issue in the Mediterranean region. It is affected by a broad range of climate-related threats, such as severe droughts and flooding. It is also endangered by unsustainable management practices, which cause salination of coastal aquifers, degradation of fertile soils and desertification. By analysing the natural, social and economic changes, the CLIMB project develops and tests adaptation strategies to water security in this vulnerable region. This will contribute to reducing tensions and conflicts between the political and economic actors involved.

20 Transport Research into greener transport Transport plays a key role in economic wealth and competition. It enables the free movement of people, services and goods. Thanks to today s transport infrastructures, we can live and work in different countries, trade services across borders, and have easy access to products from different parts of the world. But whether we travel by air, rail, road or water, the increased use of individual and mass transport comes at a price. Transport still depends on fossil fuels and is responsible for 25 % of CO 2 emissions. The improved planning, design and operation of transport infrastructures is required to ensure safer and more secure systems and, at the same time, reduce the negative impacts on the environment. EU funding in 2009 : e million Research and innovation seek to improve the mobility of people and goods to benefit the European economy, and to mitigate the negative impacts of transport on the environment and on health and safety. Transport research in FP7 focuses on greener, more efficient and smarter transport systems in Europe. It also promotes closer cooperation with international research partners, such as Russia and China in 2009, to address global challenges and to undertake and benefit from research activities that take place outside the European context. Air transport research investigates new technologies to reduce the environmental impact of the airline industry such as CO 2 emissions and noise. Cleaner and quieter aircraft are being developed with major industrial stakeholders in the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking, which became an autonomous organisation in The Green cars initiative, a public private partnership featured in the European economic recovery plan, focused in the 2009 calls for proposals on the electrification of road and urban transport. The objective of the initiative is to develop technologies and infrastructures that use renewable and non-polluting energy sources, and promote safety and traffic fluidity. Research into waterborne transport seeks to maintain the competitiveness of the European maritime industry but also to preserve the marine environment in line with the EU s strategy for marine and maritime research. The 2009 Ocean of tomorrow call for proposals addressed topics across different research disciplines such as changing climatic conditions in the Arctic, human and natural impacts on marine life, and the impact of subseabed carbon storage on marine ecosystems. 18

21 and universities. Virtual design The CRESCENDO project will develop a modelling and simulation system to predict behavioural, functional and operational aspects of aircraft and their components. This innovative simulation so-called behavioural digital aircraft will enable time- and cost-efficient design, production and testing of aeronautical products. Research results are expected to enhance significantly the competitiveness of the European aircraft industry. Aerospace and information technology industries will work together with research institutes CRESCENDO Making two wheels safer 2-BE-SAFE The 2-BE-SAFE project investigates the safety of motorcyclists and other users of powered two-wheelers (PTWs) who are disproportionately involved in fatal road accidents. Behavioural and ergonomics research could identify the major causes of accidents and develop countermeasures for enhancing the rider s safety. The project also aims to carry out the first naturalistic riding study involving instrumented PTWs. It has partners from 11 different countries in Europe, Israel and Australia, covering research institutes, end-user associations and industrial partners.

22 Socio-economic sciences and the humanities Research to understand our society The way societies are organised and governed and how they interact with each other has a strong influence on our lives. Europe, with its diverse societies, has different cultural traditions, lifestyles, beliefs and models of government. Whether we define ourselves as Europeans or citizens of a particular Member State, we depend on our governments to make basic resources such as clean water and energy readily available. Economic trends also have an impact on the way we live, our quality of life and how we make a living. Our social structures are currently being transformed by many factors such as climate change and an ageing population. EU funding in 2009 : e million Research into socio-economic sciences and the humanities can help us to understand the complexity of societies and can provide decision-makers with the knowledge they need to make informed choices. FP7 projects address major societal trends and their implications on the lives of EU citizens but also Europe s role in a changing world. Current and future socio-economic challenges in areas such as employment, education, migration and integration have been identified and analysed in order to develop the tools and knowledge needed to confront them. FP7 also investigates the role of the media as a source and communicator of information. Among the projects selected in 2009, the MediaACT project studies the media accountability systems and transparency in different EU Member States. Accountability systems make the media responsible to the public. They differ in form between established and new media. Whether it is via a press council ruling or a media blog posted on the Internet, media accountability systems foster public debate and can support media professionals and media users alike. In 2009, as the EU rethought its policies to cushion the impact of the global crisis and prevent macroeconomic and financial imbalances, the European Commission brought together international experts to discuss global economic governance and the options available to Europe to promote the changes in governance needed to confront these new socio-economic challenges, which affect the whole world. 20

23 Impact of inequality The main focus of the GINI project is the study of social, political, cultural and economic impacts of inequalities in income, wealth and education. It compares data for 25 EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA and investigates the current rise in income and wealth inequalities in the developed world and how they affect differently the integration of modern societies. Results will be useful for determining policy-making. GINI Tools for global change PASHMINA The PASHMINA project studies, on a 20-year perspective ( ), how global changes could be better addressed. Tools and models are being developed that have enhanced capabilities and can predict the interaction between the economy and the environment. The project explores the impact of model shifts in Europe that might be provoked by reaching threshold limits of availability of resources such as oil and water, or by the emergence of new technologies, conflicts or environmental threats.

24 Risk Sharing Finance Facility Innovative financing instruments for European research EU contribution to RSFF loans in 2009 : e million We benefit from scientific discovery and technological advances in our daily lives new innovative goods and services are available that are tailor-made to our specific needs. At the same time, research creates new knowledge that can help to address the global challenges and risks we are facing such as climate change, energy security and environmental pollution. It is also a key economic factor in terms of its potential to create growth, income, employment, competitiveness, a strong market position and environmental protection. Research needs investment for this, but does not always guarantee immediate success. Research projects are high risk, due to their uncertain outcome or potential for exploitation. Financial support is thus difficult to obtain. In addition, the economic downturn has rendered it more difficult to reach the European Union s initial goal of investing 3 % of GDP from the public and private sectors in research. FP7 provides a new financial instrument to invest in promising research projects: the Risk Sharing Finance Facility (RSFF). The RSFF has been jointly developed by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB), and each institution is making available up to 1 billion for the period to share the risks related to RSFF finance. The EIB provides loans to private and public entities investing in research, development and innovation (RDI) projects. The European Union supports the EIB by providing partial risk coverage for its loans. Through its leverage effect, the RSFF can support riskier investment in RDI of up to 10 billion until The RSFF targets research-intensive entities and research infrastructures, irrespective of their size and ownership, which contribute to the objectives of FP7. In 2009, the demand for RSFF loan finance was particularly strong despite the economic and financial crisis. Budget resources of 70 million were therefore brought forward from the 2010 budget to 2009 to meet the high demand for RSFF loans from private-sector companies. The EIB approved a total amount of 6.3 billion for 62 projects in 20 EU Member States and associated countries up to the end of Of those 62 approvals, 46 loan contracts between the EIB and beneficiaries have already been signed, for a total value of 4.5 billion involving projects in the field of engineering, life sciences, energy, information and communication technologies, research infrastructures plus risk-sharing with banks for smaller-scale projects. 22

25 New satellite communications Alphasat, a joint undertaking between Inmarsat PLC, a private company, and the European Space Agency (ESA), will be the first satellite to use a new European high-power telecommunications platform. It will accommodate four technological demonstration payloads (TDPs) developed by several European universities, industry and space organisations. This research infrastructure will support a new generation of mobile technologies and enable robust communications across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. It will provide research communities from industry and academia with scientific applications in sectors such as the media, maritime transport, oil and gas. ALPHASAT Innovative healthcare PHILIPS The Dutch-based electronics group, Philips, will conduct R&D activities across a range of innovative healthcare projects, including image-guided intervention, clinical applications and decision support systems that can improve diagnosis and therapy. Innovation in home healthcare will provide patients with next-generation technologies to ensure the best possible care in their own homes instead of in hospital. Philips open-innovation environment in the Dutch city of Eindhoven will bring together SMEs, research institutes and universities from across Europe allowing close collaboration for their future R&D.

26 Ideas Research at the frontiers of knowledge Curiosity leads to discoveries, and creativity to inventions. Most researchers possess these two qualities which enable them to acquire, investigate and generate knowledge. A research environment which fosters unconventional thinking can produce new ideas and trains of thought to be investigated. Research generates new knowledge which does not necessarily have to be transferred into immediate practical or commercial applications. EU funding in 2009 : e million The advancement of scientific knowledge and the understanding of the fundamental principles that rule man and matter can solve the challenges that our societies face and can lead to new technologies which could eventually create commercial as well as social benefits for all. Basic or fundamental research has traditionally been publicly funded by Member States and carried out in universities. The Ideas programme in FP7 supports pioneering frontier research solely on the basis of scientific excellence and on the understanding that the best researchers are well placed to identify new opportunities and directions to follow at the frontiers of knowledge. The Ideas programme is implemented by the European Research Council (ERC), comprising an independent scientific council of distinguished scientists, engineers and scholars to direct and monitor its funding strategy, and an executive agency which handles the operational management and which became fully operational in Two grant schemes designed by the scientific council form the core of its activities: Starting Grants (StG) and Advanced Grants (AdG). As a learning organisation, the ERC has made adjustments to the grant programmes following the experience gained in the first few years of operation. The ERC Starting Grants support researchers at the early stage of their careers, with the aim of providing working conditions that enable them to become independent research leaders. The ERC Advanced Grants are designed to support outstanding and established research leaders by providing the resources necessary to enable them to continue the work of their teams. ERC-funded projects in 2009 cover highly ambitious groundbreaking research across all scientific domains. 24

27 Sweet burst of energy The FUEL-PATH project studies saccharification the process by which plant cell walls break down into fermentable sugars a key process for biomass utilisation. It aims to provide new knowledge on plant cell wall and innovative biotechnological solutions for biomass utilisation by improving the saccharification process. This line of research is at the frontier of knowledge and also has immense policy and commercial potential. It could contribute to improving widespread sustainable exploitation of biomass resources, aiming to ensure at least 14 % bio-energy in the EU energy mix by FUEL-PATH Improving energy conversion GREENEST GREENEST investigates the fundamentals of ultra wet combustion and aims to develop the technology for a prototype combustor, not only capable of burning natural gas, hydrogen and fuels from coal or bio-waste gasification, but also with low NOx emissions. NOx is a pollutant which gives rise to health risks. This would enable gas turbines to play a more prominent role in energy generation in the future, and more new power-generation installations to be built with lower CO 2 emissions. Research will include the combustion process, the aerodynamic design, acoustics and control.

28 People Researchers of tomorrow Research and innovation rely on a highly qualified workforce. To enable it to tackle and provide solutions to today s problems, Europe needs an abundant supply of highly trained researchers. It also needs to attract and sustain public and private investment in research and innovation to foster scientific excellence. The People programme and its Marie Curie actions in FP7 contribute to upgrading researchers skills at all career stages, enabling them to improve their career prospects across the European Research Area in both the public and private sectors. The Marie Curie actions provide several different approaches to training researchers. EU funding in 2009 : e million 26 The initial training networks (ITNs) offer the majority of the thousands of training fellowships available annually. The Industry academia partnerships and pathways (IAPP) action is designed to open up and foster dynamic pathways between public research organisations and private enterprises, in particular SMEs, and traditional manufacturing industries. Intra-European fellowships (IEFs) offer individual fellowships for experienced researchers in Europe, and reintegration grants provide support to (re)integrate researchers following a period of mobility. New or existing fellowship programmes are supported by the Marie Curie funding of regional, national and international programmes (COFUND) with the aim of increasing the possibilities for European-wide mobility of researchers. Besides the individual international outgoing and incoming fellowships (IOFs and IIFs), international mobility is promoted by the new International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES), which was created to boost research partnerships through staff exchanges between European research organisations and organisations based in countries having a science and technology agreement with the EU or which are covered by the EU s neighbourhood policy. Since 15 June 2009, all Marie Curie activities have been managed by the Research Executive Agency (REA) under the supervision of the European Commission. In 2009, the Marie Curie actions supported some fellows to train or do research in the European Research Area, or be hosted by leading institutes worldwide. The People programme also contains specific policy actions aimed at ensuring, in partnership with the Member States, the free movement of researchers and thus knowledge, as part of the fifth freedom. As an example, the EURAXESS Researchers in motion project brings together the European Commission and 37 European countries with the aim of providing a wealth of information on research careers across Europe and assistance to researchers moving within or back to Europe.

29 Virtual archaeology RADIO-PAST is developing alternative archaeological search methods that avoid the need for destructive techniques such as excavation. New radiological methods would allow virtual reconstructions of Europe s underground historical heritage. Open laboratories have been set up to carry out experiments and investigative research; the principal one being on the archaeological site at Ammaia, Portugal, centred around an abandoned Roman town. Young researchers are trained on techniques such as remote sensing, ground-based geophysics, systematic recording of surface materials, GIS-based analysis and visualisation tools, and geomatic and geomorphological survey. RADIO-PAST Boost for R&D in south Moravia SOMOPRO SoMoPro is a regional grant programme set up to attract foreign researchers to undertake research training at a research institution in south Moravia, Czech Republic. The programme offers 23 incoming and reintegration grants to experienced researchers. The project started on 1 April 2009 and runs for four years. It aims to make the region more attractive to international researchers and to increase international exchange and cooperation in the area of research and innovation. The project supports research in science and technology, while the actual research fields are chosen freely by the applicants.

30 Research infrastructures Infrastructures for research Scientists need a range of instruments, installations, facilities and resources to conduct successful research in their respective fields. Such research infrastructures include collections, special habitats, libraries, databases, biological archives, clean rooms, high-capacity/high- speed communication networks, data infrastructures, research vessels, satellite and aircraft observation facilities, coastal observatories, telescopes, and networks of computing facilities. Research infrastructures play a key role and are very expensive to operate. EU funding in 2009 : e million Top-class scientific and technological development would not be possible without major research infrastructures. They are essential both for top-class activities in basic and applied research, and for attracting young people to science. The existence of recognised world-level infrastructures allows Europe to maintain a strong presence on the international research market. The Research infrastructures activity in FP7 provides support for the development of a European approach and for the operation and enhancement of existing infrastructures, which have to keep up with the latest technological advances. To respond to the latest research challenges, the European Commission has continued to ensure specific support for the creation of new large-scale infrastructures identified by the European Strategy Forum for Research Infrastructures (ESFRI). The FP7 support in the preparatory phases helps to catalyse national resources and efforts which, on their own, would not be sufficient. At the end of 2009, nine projects had effectively started. The approval by the Council of the European Union (Competitiveness Council) of the European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) regulation in June 2009 is another important step towards the realisation of new/upgraded research infrastructures of pan-european relevance. This new legal form is designed to facilitate the joint establishment and operation of research facilities of European interest. The conference on Research infrastructures and the regional dimension of ERA held in Prague, Czech Republic, in March 2009, emphasised that research infrastructures (including e-infrastructures) are not only at the root of science and technology, but are also vital for the future of Europe itself. It confirmed that networking and integration are the way forward for Europe. 28

31 Coordinating research fleets EUROFLEETS aims to enhance coordination between the European research fleets and to promote the cost-effective use of their facilities. Marine research infrastructures require a variety of expensive specialised facilities, such as research vessels, satellites, observation networks, data centres and computing and experimental facilities. The project supports the efficient provision of research services for the monitoring and sustainable management of the regional seas and oceans and allows access to all European scientists. This should enable the EU to reach its ambitious goals of maintaining ocean biodiversity and understanding climate change. EUROFLEETS Preserving our cultural heritage CHARISMA CHARISMA studies the nature and artwork properties of materials and their deterioration, which is useful for the conservation of our cultural heritage. Museum curators, conservators, restorers and scientists will have access to different kinds of facilities providing knowledge, analytical data, and advanced portable non-invasive measurement instrumentation. They will also be able to take advantage of two large-scale facilities in France and Hungary to carry out the most advanced studies on artwork materials and their alterations. The project consortium includes 21 leading European art conservation bodies.

32 Research for the benefit of SMEs Research for businesses Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) play a key role in Europe s innovation process. Although diverse in nature, start-up companies, university spin-offs and small highly innovative firms act as knowledge spillovers, create new markets and new consumer demands. As a source of creativity, ideas, competencies, products, strategies, innovations and dynamism, they are vital for Europe s economy. Around 99 % of all European businesses are SMEs. They account for almost 70 % of total employment. SMEs face the pressures of global competition and need to cope with rapid change. Most have limited financial resources and need to act within short timeframes. EU funding in 2009 : e million Eurostars is a joint programme currently involving 32 European countries which pool resources to support innovative, multi-partner projects driven by SMEs engaged in R&D activities. This joint programme is one of the so-called Article 169 initiatives (now Article 185 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU). The operational aspects of the Eurostars programme are managed by the Eureka secretariat in Brussels. Short time-to-market and small, transnational consortia are two distinctive elements of this programme. Two SME progress reports were published, presenting a statistical analysis of SME participation in FP7 and, in particular, in the 10 themes of the Cooperation programme, showing that currently 14.6 % of the programme s budget goes to SMEs, compared with the target of 15 %. Three complementary support action projects were selected in 2009 to analyse and benchmark SME research and innovation support activities at national, regional and European levels, aiming to increase SME innovation capacity and to structure efficient, SME-friendly programmes, in particular at European level. The SME funding from FP7 concentrates on two schemes: research for SMEs and research for SME associations, implemented since 15 June 2009 by the Research Executive Agency under the supervision of the European Commission. SMEs or SME associations with no or limited R&D capabilities, who need to outsource R&D to competent research performers such as universities and research institutes, can receive financial support under these schemes. The researchers act as suppliers to their SME customers, who eventually acquire intellectual property rights or ownership of the project results. 30

33 Getting under our skin The use of computer tomography imaging is steadily increasing in the bone implant/surgery and tissue engineering market. Commercial exploitation of this data for structural design purposes is still based on trialand-error approaches. For the project BIO- CT-EXPLOIT, innovative SMEs, active in the bone biomaterial/surgery preplanning market, arranged with a team of respected scientists to pioneer concepts for the extraction of chemical information from computer tomography, ultimately resulting in the availability of unique, tailor-made simulation tools and software packages. BIO-CT-EXPLOIT Cheaper photovoltaics ORION The ORION project is a very promising development in the field of photovoltaic energy. It involves six project partners, including three SMEs, and aims at optimising silicon solar cells and at developing new applicationaddressed nanocomposite thermoplastic material to make more efficient concentrations of photovoltaic systems possible. The ultimate objective of the project is the implementation and industrial application of automated low-cost technologies for the manufacture of concentration photovoltaic (CPV) components.

34 Regions of knowledge Research and innovation to boost regional development Appropriate infrastructures and highly skilled research staff are prerequisites to attracting private and public investment. However, investment in research and innovation should not only focus on the traditional urban centres where conditions for innovation are concentrated and most promising. Stimulating the research potential in all European regions is necessary to exploit fully the innovation that should translate into profits and ensure Europe s economic competitiveness. EU funding in 2009 : e million Regional activities are increasingly recognised as having the potential to add value to research and innovation in Europe. Moreover, investment in research and development improves the attractiveness of a region and the competitiveness of local businesses. This then has a direct influence on the availability and creation of jobs. Research in FP7 s Regions of knowledge programme is designed to assist the regions in integrating research fully into regional development strategies. Regional authorities, universities, research centres, enterprises and other interested parties form networks or partnerships enabling the regions to organise themselves better into regional research-driven clusters which can act as key players in favour of innovation. Cooperation of these stakeholders is promoted throughout Europe on the basis of thematic research-oriented priorities. Projects from these research-driven clusters selected in 2009 focus on the sustainable use of natural resources. The selected projects are innovative and cross-cutting in their approaches, and translate into the development of eco-technologies. They are connected with the five lead markets that have been identified by the European Commission: renewable energies; bio-based products; sustainable construction; protective textiles; and recycling. Apart from exploiting the potential in their own regions, stakeholders in the regional research-driven clusters will identify and make best use of European policies and instruments such as the Research Framework Programme, the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme or the Structural Funds to implement their research strategies and their joint action plans. The programme also includes mentoring by highly developed regions of those with less-developed research profiles to help them set up regional research-driven clusters. 32

35 Minimising waste Recycling, as well as waste minimisation and prevention, are important issues in European society, which has created more and more waste as it has grown wealthier. Each year 1.3 billion tonnes of waste are produced in the EU. WASTEKIT, with its large consortium of 19 partners in the four participating regions of Emilia- Romagna (Italy), Yorkshire and Humber (UK), Sofia region (Bulgaria) and Amsterdam region (the Netherlands), aims to create a European network of regional waste management-related clusters. It carries out research and mentoring of waste management-related actors, which will ultimately lead to new waste prevention initiatives, a better use of resources and a shift to more sustainable consumption patterns. WASTEKIT Saving our forests! ROK-FOR Through coordinated action, RoK-FOR intends to boost innovation in favour of sustainable forest management in Europe. It will encourage the use of natural resources, renewable energy, sustainable construction and bio-based products. Project partners from five European regions, namely Baden-Württemberg (Germany), north Karelia (Finland), Catalonia (Spain), Aquitaine-Basque Country (France) and Croatia-Serbia, are working together to increase coherence and to address these needs in an innovative and competitive manner.

36 Research potential Strengthening research capacities throughout the European Union A shortage of resources and necessary skills in some regions, remote from the central core of research and industrial development, is one reason why the EU is not yet able to exploit the full potential of a European Research Area that embraces all 27 members. EU funding in 2009 : e million Eighty-four regions in 17 Member States, whose per capita GDP is less than 75 % of the EU average, have an enormous R&D potential but not the means to develop their research capacity. Defined as the EU s convergence regions, they receive support in launching research activities with other Member States and, in this way, are able to enhance the quality of their research institutions. This unique opportunity is also available to Spain s Canary Islands, the four French overseas territories of Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique and Reunion, plus Portugal s Azores and Madeira, which are remotely located and need the benefit of closer links to the European continent to develop their research potential. All these regions can enhance their research potential and reduce gaps in innovation through effective networking and exchange of knowledge. The Research potential initiative in FP7 aims to strengthen research capacities by enhancing excellent scientific entities in these regions, thus enabling them to participate successfully in European and international research activities and tackle the various challenges they face. Indeed, research facilities in the convergence regions often fail to find their place in the European Research Area and lose out on the competitive approach of FP7, owing to the brain drain, the lack of infrastructures and appropriate access to finance. The development of strategic partnerships between research groups across European regions is encouraged. The Research potential initiative promotes activities to reduce the gap in development and research training needed in these regions. These include the exchange of know-how and experience, the recruitment of experienced researchers, the upgrading and development of research equipment, as well as the organisation of scientific workshops and conferences. The initiative also enables research centres in eligible regions to have their research strategy evaluated by independent experts. The proposals selected in 2009 will permit the emergence of top-class research centres in the EU s convergence and outermost regions, as well as the socio-economic and innovation capacity development of those regions. 34

37 Research boost for Lublin University CEMCAST aims to develop the full research potential of the Centre for Modern Composite Materials (CMCM) at Lublin University, Poland, in the areas of advanced modelling of composite materials and their applications to civil, mechanical and aircraft engineering. It provides the possibility for researchers to extend their knowledge and learn new skills, benefit from upgraded research equipment, and ultimately strengthen their capacity to participate in future FP research activities. The project should ensure the better integration of the CMCM into the ERA, reinforce areas of advanced modelling of composite materials in the region and disseminate achievements made in this important scientific domain throughout the international community. CEMCAST MOBILI Support to Lithuania MoBiLi is a support action for the Institute of Biotechnology (IBT), Vilnius, Lithuania. Its aim is to build up the human potential, to encourage networking of the institute with major centres of excellence in the EU and to upgrade and modernise its research infrastructure in line with emerging thematic priorities in biomedical research, thus enabling Lithuania to increase its research and technological development potential. Modern molecular biotechnology is a multidisciplinary research arena that integrates structural knowledge at different levels into cellular contexts in support of biomedical work. Such a multidisciplinary approach is crucial for our understanding of basic life processes, and also for characterising the molecular basis of many diseases and the development of novel specificallytuned therapies and diagnostic tools.

38 Science in society Science in and for society Today, science and innovation influence the way we organise and live our lives. We might not be aware of past and present achievements in science when switching on the light, TV, computer or ipod, consulting Google, or simply driving our car. Science has helped to improve virtually all aspects of our everyday lives and continues to do so. Sometimes, we fail to understand its added value or are ill at ease with its results or rapid development. Potential risks from new scientific discoveries or their industrial applications have to be assessed and reported in response to public concerns. Ethical issues relating to emerging technologies should be addressed on the basis of well-informed debate, leading to sound choices and decisions. EU funding in 2009 : e million The Science in society programme under FP7 addresses these issues and ensures that research is carried out on the basis of a rigorous ethical, legal and institutional framework. Thus, its activities include the ethics review of all FP7 proposals that raise ethical questions. In 2009, 229 proposals were reviewed. No projects were entirely rejected on ethical grounds, and a new ethics review process based on subsidiarity and decentralisation was proposed and accepted. The new process will be implemented between 2010 and In the area of open access a concept that allows the results of publicly-funded research to be made available online, free of charge the European Commission collaborated with the members of the European Research Area Committee (ERAC), formerly CREST, to examine the current implementation status of the 2007 Council conclusions calling for reinforced national strategies and enhanced Member State coordination on access to and preservation of scientific information in the digital age. The year 2009 saw the launch of a new concept on mobilisation and mutual learning actions (MMLs), which will bring together a diverse range of actors to look at how research is taking account of broader societal issues. These MML actions encourage dialogue between scientists and members of the public and will provide a mechanism allowing citizens to influence the research agenda while improving their understanding of the implications of the research being conducted. The expert group on diversified funding schemes for university-based research reported on the lack of consistency among financial requirements of competitive research funding schemes across the ERA. At the ERA conference, research funders and performers expressed their willingness to address this and, as a follow-up, a stakeholder platform was to be launched in 2010 to develop common principles for external competitive research funding. 36

39 Governing nanosciences NanoCode aims to facilitate the integration and implementation of the Commission s code of conduct for responsible nanosciences and nanotechnologies research. The code of conduct is a reference policy document which allows political debates and broad public deliberations in Europe in order to address citizens legitimate concerns at a very early stage. It should be seen as an evolving governance tool, focusing European energies on the responsible development and use of nanosciences and nanotechnologies in Europe and beyond. NANOCODE GENDERA Attracting women to science Despite their increasing participation in higher education and research, women are significantly under-represented in certain disciplines and remarkably few women remain in top jobs in science. GENDERA analyses the reasons for this, gathers real-life examples from a number of research organisations, and promotes guidelines on human resources management. The project aims to persuade leaders of research institutions that a critical review and change of recruitment, promotion and nomination policies will contribute to the scientific, professional and economic success of their organisations.

40 Activities of international cooperation International cooperation in research EU funding in 2009 : e million Advances and new discoveries in science and technology are not confined to individual countries or the EU. Indeed, many major breakthroughs in science and technology are the result of worldwide cooperation. There is increasing competition to attract the best researchers and a need to share the most modern research infrastructures, making it necessary to forge international partnerships. This is particularly relevant given the emergence of China and India as important research centres, the rapid advances made by Brazil, and the re-emergence of Russia as an important cooperation partner. The international mobility of researchers is just as important as networking and cooperation among research institutes and universities. Sharing and using the knowledge gained will enable us to face the new global challenges of climate change, poverty, infectious diseases, security threats and dwindling supplies of energy, food and water. The European Union is therefore fostering strategic cooperation worldwide through both bilateral science and technology agreements and the Seventh Framework Programme. In 2009, S&T cooperation agreements were signed with Japan and Jordan, the agreement with the USA was extended and another between the EU and China was renewed. So far, the EU has concluded bilateral S&T cooperation agreements with 17 countries. The partnership approach for international S&T cooperation initiated by the 2008 communication from the Commission on a Strategic framework for international S&T cooperation and subsequent Council conclusions has seen the European Commission and Member States working together within the Strategic Forum for International S&T Cooperation (SFIC). One result of this cooperation is a geographic pilot initiative with India on water-related challenges which should serve as an example of a common approach. A thematic pilot initiative on energy is being developed and closely coordinated with the Strategic Energy Technology Plan to accelerate the development and deployment of cost-effective low-carbon technologies. The SFIC partnership also envisages coordinated contributions to international summits, ministerial meetings and bi-regional policy dialogues. A mechanism for information sharing between Member States and the Commission was initiated and the strengthening of the networking between science counsellors in major partner countries was proposed. Experience gained from this will serve as a basis for future actions. 38

41 Strengthening ties with Central America ENLACE promotes a strategic partnership with an intensive programme of coordination and networking activities in S&T cooperation between the Member States, associated countries and Central American countries. The project intends to identify S&T cooperation priorities which could figure in forthcoming FP7 calls for proposals and to increase the participation of researchers from Central America in European projects of mutual interest and benefit. ENLACE Access to Canadian research ACCESS2CANADA ACCESS4EU projects aim to increase awareness in the Member States and associated countries of access opportunities for European researchers and research organisations in national research and/or innovation programmes managed by third countries. ACCESS2Canada supports the access of EU researchers to Canadian research and innovation programmes. The project s main objective is to strengthen and increase EU Canada science and technology cooperation. To achieve this, it aims to identify the opportunities available to the EU research community, along with the obstacles that it may face. It also aims to raise awareness amongst EU researchers through the dissemination of information in the Member States and associated countries and via the development and regular updating of dedicated interactive web pages. The project s results will be publicly available on a common ACCESS4EU website.

42 Coherent development of the research policies Coherent and evidence-based research policies Research and innovation must be viewed in the context of global trends such as the economic crisis and societal challenges. Thus, the EU and Member States need increasingly to be benchmarked with best performers worldwide, to attract talent from outside Europe and to network with the best researchers and organisations. Developing the European Research Area (ERA) is the most decisive way to progress towards these goals. EU funding in 2009 : e million The partnership approach between Member States and the EU to develop the ERA focusing on five major ERA initiatives launched in 2008 is complemented by efforts to promote and pursue effective research policy development more generally through support instruments such as the open method of coordination (OMC). This provides Member States with an opportunity to learn from each other, exchange experience and identify good practices through a system of yearly cycles. Each cycle focuses on a limited number of policy issues. The fifth OMC cycle was launched in 2009, covering policy-mix peer reviews of research in Cyprus and Latvia as well as work on how to improve the excellence of research in universities. Peer learning activities were launched to deepen mutual learning on core issues such as the modernisation of universities, including institutional reforms, costs of research projects, ways to achieve world-class excellence, recruitment, and careers of young researchers. Complementary to these activities, in 2009 the European Research Area Committee (ERAC), formerly CREST, also undertook a mutual learning exercise on the basis of the research part of the national (Lisbon) reform programmes to examine national R&D policy mixes including progress on the 3 % GDP investment target. Activities supporting evidence-based policymaking provide qualitative and quantitative information to steer Member States towards the synergies of coordinated research. In 2009, new editions of the Science, technology and competitiveness report and of the Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard were published, presenting useful analyses, based on the most relevant indicators related to investment in and performance of European research. 40

43 The way forward Several reports by expert groups were published, notably on an indicatorbased framework to monitor progress towards the ERA and on the role of Community research policy in the knowledge economy. The latter advocates, for instance, channelling EU and national research funds towards the resolution of major societal challenges, to create stronger coordination between all relevant policies in order to align better innovative activities with the needs of society, to foster excellence through more merit-based competition, to support young innovative companies beyond their start-up phase, and to encourage the design of smart specialisation policy mixes. eur pdf. COMMUNITY RESEARCH POLICY IN THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY WORKING TOGETHER TO STRENGTHEN RESEARCH IN EUROPE Forum for European research In 2009, a major conference on the European Research Area, Working together to strengthen research in Europe, was held, which brought together all the major stakeholders such as national governments, universities, research institutions, private companies, researchers and experts, to discuss ongoing and future development of ERA policy. Debates focused on research careers, next steps for research infrastructures, funding conditions for research institutions, international knowledge transfer, open access to research results, joint programming, international cooperation, ERA monitoring, and post-2010 national and EU research policies, including the possible future specialisation of research efforts. conferences/2009/era2009/index_ en.htm

44 Fusion energy Research into future energy supplies Nuclear fusion is the process whereby nuclei of hydrogen atoms join together to form helium, liberating tremendous amounts of energy, which may be harnessed to generate electricity. Fusion could provide a continuous, large-scale energy supply which is safe, sustainable, affordable and environment-friendly. Europe has an integrated fusion research programme which pools the resources of all Member States. EU funding in 2009 : e million Euratom s fusion research programme and its flagship experiment JET (Joint European Torus) formed the basis for the design of ITER, an international experimental facility to demonstrate the scientific and technical feasibility of fusion currently being built in Cadarache, France. In 2009, the project faced a number of challenges with regard to costs, risks, schedule and sound project management at all levels. In view of the difficulties faced by ITER and other large technological initiatives, the European Commission envisaged a review of the overall strategy for EU participation in large-scale scientific infrastructures. Euratom has endorsed a new, more realistic schedule for ITER, which better mitigates risks. Regarding estimates of the EU contribution, a 2009 update confirmed that a very substantial increase in costs would be necessary. In parallel to the discussions on costs and schedule, independent assessments of the ITER Organisation and the European Domestic Agency (the Fusion for Energy Joint Undertaking, F4E, managing the EU contribution to ITER) concluded that both organisations require major changes in the management and day-to-day operations. These recommendations are now being implemented. Despite these uncertainties, in 2009 Europe was able to deliver, via F4E, on a number of key technology milestones for ITER: the platform for the machine was fully levelled and other groundwork completed, and significant progress was made on the design specification for key ITER components such as magnets, vacuum vessels and fuelling systems, and on the overall strategy for contract bidding for the ITER buildings (the site will harbour 39 different buildings over an area of about 50 hectares). 42

45 The JET flagship experiment The European Fusion Development Agreement provides a framework for the coordination throughout Europe of research activities and the development and exploitation of common facilities. The largest and most important collective activity is the scientific exploitation of the Joint European Torus (JET), the world s largest and highest-performing fusion tokamak. It features ring-shaped magnetic fields and produces part of these fields by means of an electric current flowing in the plasma. The JET tokamak is the only one able to operate with the fusion fuel tritium, which will be used in ITER. A major enhancement of the facility began in late 2009 and will provide key results for design choices and reliability of ITER operation. JET Optimising the design of future fusion reactors W7-X STELLARATOR The largest construction project in the European fusion programme is the stellarator (W7-X stellarator), which is being built at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma-physics in Greifswald, Germany. Contrary to the tokamak, the stellarator forms the plasma-confining magnetic field cage solely by means of external coils, which makes it suitable for continuous operation. The project has passed a major milestone with the installation of all the superconducting magnetic coils in 2009, and should be ready for the first plasma experiments in Its exploitation will complement the results from ITER and contribute to the optimisation of the design of future fusion reactors. forschung/w7x/index.html

46 Nuclear fission and radiation protection Safe, secure and sustainable energy The transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy production poses a huge challenge to Europe and the world. This will be the case for several decades, as global energy demand continues to increase. The related technology challenges are being coordinated at the EU level through the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET- Plan), which is an integral part of EU energy policy and covers nuclear as well as non-nuclear technology options. In this context, the Euratom programme manages the EU s contribution to both fusion and fission research activities and is fully committed to the longer-term SET-Plan vision of a low-carbon society by 2050, with a reduction of up to 80 % in CO 2 emissions. EU funding in 2009 : e million Nuclear fission is the process responsible for generating energy in today s nuclear power stations. The nuclei of heavy atoms split into smaller fragments, and by carefully controlling this process on an industrial scale, the large quantities of energy released (according to Einstein s famous equation E=mc2) can be used to generate electricity. Nuclear power is the world s principal carbon-free source of electricity, currently accounting for about one third of the electricity produced in Europe. It therefore plays a key role in limiting greenhouse gas emissions and securing Europe s energy independence. Euratom research and training actions make a valuable contribution to the overall European research efforts in the area of nuclear energy. Though the Euratom fission programme also looks at future technology options, especially increasing sustainability through the development of a new generation of fast neutron reactors (Generation IV), the main focus continues to be the safety of both existing and future power plants as well as implementing solutions for the safe long-term management of radioactive waste. In addition, Euratom is enhancing our understanding of the effects of low doses of radiation by funding cutting-edge multidisciplinary research that will maximise benefits and minimise risks from the use of radiation in medicine and industry. Following the launch in 2007 of the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNE-TP), 2009 saw the launch of two further major initiatives. The Implementing Geological Disposal Technology Platform (IGD-TP) will discuss technical specifications for the construction and operation of deep geological repositories for spent fuel, high-level waste, and other long-lived radioactive waste. The multidisciplinary European low-dose initiative (MELODI) addresses the risks of exposure to ionising radiation at low doses. The strategic research agendas and associated deployment strategies within SNE-TP, IGD-TP and MELODI promote joint programming of research by committing a broad range of national and industrial actors, which in turn will ensure that the Euratom contribution in these areas remains as effective and efficient at possible. 44

47 Making safe geological disposal a reality IGD-TP is a technical forum piloted by a group of European radioactive waste management organisations (national implementing bodies responsible for the management of radioactive waste) with the support of the European Commission. It has been set up to foster, promote and accelerate the implementation of geological disposal solutions. Other participants in the platform include key research institutes and technology suppliers. Their vision is that, by 2025, the first geological disposal facilities for nuclear waste will be operating safely in Europe. IGD-TP will facilitate the pooling of critical European resources and coordinate future research in support of this vision. IGD-TP Promoting low-dose risk research DOREMI DoReMi promotes sustainable integration between the key organisations involved in MELODI, the multidisciplinary European low-dose risk initiative, set up to ensure the correct approach across a broad range of disciplines, especially medicine, to understanding the risks from protracted exposure to low levels of ionising radiation. The growing use of radiation in medical diagnostic and therapeutic techniques is responsible for a significant rise in doses to the public. As part of its activities, DoReMi will provide important funding for a range of interdisciplinary projects that bring together experts in radiation protection, radiobiology, molecular biology, genomics and epidemiology in order to resolve remaining key issues in this field.

48 Completion of previous Framework Programmes and other activities Research results of the former EU research programme The Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) was established in 2002 and ran until the end of Its budget to support European cross-border and international research cooperation amounted to 19 billion which, at that time, accounted for approximately 4 % of Member States public research budgets. FP6 supported over projects in the context of 213 calls for proposals, and researchers were given the opportunity to move to other institutions or countries to enhance their career prospects in the framework of Marie Curie actions. EU funding in 2009 : e million Overall, the high quality of FP6 research in the various research areas produced some very good results. The following project examples and their results illustrate the impact of FP6 research. The PROMEMORIA project studied the role that neuronal molecules play in learning and memory, with the aim of developing compounds that have a beneficial effect on diseases such as Alzheimer s. Three of the molecules developed during the course of the project were successfully tested in phase I clinical trials. The project filed 31 patents, 18 of which have already been published. The knowledge acquired led to the creation of two new companies that develop compounds for the treatment of inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In the field of industrial technologies, the TUNCONSTRUCT project addressed multifaceted aspects of innovation in underground construction. Its results will lead to reduced construction times and costs of planned and future underground infrastructures and will form a firm base for future decision-making. Furthermore, the project also addressed the optimisation of equipment performance under changing geological conditions, which has led to eight patents and several prototypes. The FP6 evaluation, published in early 2009, examines its implementation and performance from 2002 to Overall, FP6 is judged as having produced substantial achievements. The experts who carried out this comprehensive ex-post evaluation recommended that future research and innovation policies combine bottomup and top-down approaches, and that support be concentrated on two areas: grand challenges and great ideas. The grand challenges referred to are of major concern to European citizens and influence their everyday lives. Examples are social cohesion, climate change, environment, energy, global economy, global security, education, health and the ageing population. Great ideas can offer solutions to these challenges. 46

49 Understanding emotions induced by textures The NEST-SYNTEX project developed a new method to estimate the degree to which a person associates certain feelings, emotions and expectations with a particular texture. One of the exploitable results is a patented software library usable for the design of textures. It automatically creates textures that suit certain desired emotional properties. This will assist the designers in more accurately tuning surface textures to specific needs. The knowledge gathered will have a substantial impact on product design in its most general sense, on exterior and interior decorative applications (flooring, decking, facades, furniture, etc.). Other applications are also possible, for example in the design of pavement signs to help blind people to get around more easily, thus improving their quality of life. NEST-SYNTEX Re-think on privatisation PIQUE & PRESOM The PIQUE and PRESOM projects investigated the effects of liberalisation and privatisation of services of general interest and concluded that they did not, in general, meet the initial goals. More specifically, in most sectors no real competitive markets were created, so that expected benefits for consumers did not materialise. Secondly, the process resulted in a higher proportion of atypical employment, including part-time and temporary contracts, as well as self-employment, leading to lower job security and worse working conditions. Finally, research also showed no clear gain in productivity or service quality, with variations across different sectors. and

50 Research programme of the research fund for coal and steel Competitive and sustainable coal and steel through research and innovation EU funding in 2009 : e million 48 The most significant uses of coal are in electricity generation, steel production, cement manufacturing, and as a liquid fuel. It is also an essential ingredient in specialist products such as activated carbon, which is used in filters for water and air purification; carbon fibre for the building industry; and silicon metal, from which lubricants, resins, shampoo and cosmetics are derived. Coal or coal by-products are components of thousands of different products. Its availability and flexibility make it a major source of power generation. About 30 % of EU electricity is coal-based. However, despite this vital role, coal has a number of negative environmental impacts, notably CO 2 emissions. Innovation and the resulting improvements in technology can reduce or eliminate these. This is why the EU is strongly promoting research in the development of clean coal technologies. Due to its strength, attractiveness and sustainability, steel is one of the most commonly used materials. It comes in different types and has innumerable applications which facilitate and improve our daily lives. It is used, for example, in the building industry and in vehicles, machines, medical devices and household equipment; it is also the material of design and innovation. Although steel is completely recyclable, its production process is very energy intensive. Modern research thus investigates the reduction of emissions and energy consumption in the steel production process and the mitigation of environmental impacts of steel production. The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was established in 1951 to create a common market for coal and steel between France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The ECSC was the forerunner of the EU as a driver of European integration and political stability. The ECSC Treaty expired in July 2002, and its remaining assets are now available for coal and steel research in the framework of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS). The RFCS is a separate, complementary programme to FP7 with the aim of supporting the competitiveness of the steel and coal industry. It covers all aspects of research, from production processes to applications and follows a clear bottom-up approach with a strong industrial focus. Its annual budget of around 55 million is based on the interest accrued from the assets of the ECSC. The coal and steel sectors receive respectively 27 % and 72 % of the annual budget. Since its creation in 2002, up to the end of 2009, the RFCS has supported 378 research projects in the fields of coal and steel, with total funding of 379 million. As a result of a monitoring exercise of the RFCS, simpler multiannual technical guidelines were developed. A new grant agreement was introduced in 2009, similar to the one used for FP7. The revised technical guidelines looked to further the good results already achieved to date by this research programme and to make it as straightforward for its participants as possible.

51 Exploiting coal resources In order to exploit the more inaccessible coal resources, CARBOLAB aims at developing knowledge of methane production in unmineable coal seams. CO 2 is injected into an underground mine to liberate the methane lining inside the pores within the coal beds. The methane is recovered at the surface via a system of wells. The project primarily focuses on the development of improved models for the mechanical, physical and chemical behaviour of coal and gases, the definition of the physical characteristics to be monitored during and after the injection experiments, and the assessment of the long-term risk of CO 2 storage. This technique can contribute to a safe, secure and sustainable energy supply in Europe. CARBOLAB Improving steel production TOSICO In the area of steel research, the ToSiCo project seeks to contribute to better process control in iron ore sinter plants. These plants are essential for preparing and blending the raw materials before they undergo the smelting process in the blast furnace. Sintering is, therefore, a very important step in steelmaking. Better control of the sinter process will result in improved fuel utilisation and higher productivity in the blast furnaces. It will also allow alternative and low-cost fuels to be used together with recycled materials, without any detrimental effects on the environment. The ultimate results of this project will be the reduction of energy consumption, protection of the environment and improved occupational safety.