The continuation of NEST-like funding in FP7

1. Frontier Research in the next Framework Programme Dr Gianpietro van de GoorEuropean Commission, DG.RTD.B1

2. The continuation ofNEST-like funding in FP7 • Funding of “Emerging Needs” in the nine FP7 Thematic Research Areas  ADVENTURE, INSIGHT, PATHFINDER actions FP7 Specific Programme COOPERATION • Funding of Investigator-driven Frontier Research through the European Research Council/ERC FP7 Specific Programme IDEAS

3. FP7 (2007-13) – Building the Europe of knowledge • Cooperation - thematic research areas • Ideas - Frontier Research (ERC) • People - human resources • Capacities: • Infrastructures • SMEs • Regions of knowledge • Research potential • Science in society

4. FP7 (2007-13) What’s new? Main new elements compared to FP6: • 7-year-programme (instead of 5-year) • Annual budget doubled (EUR 5 billion ►10 billion) • Frontier research (~ EUR 1.5 billion per year) • Simplification of procedures • Logistical and administrative tasks transferred to external structures

5. Why a new European funding mechanism? • Basic research has an important impact on economic performance • Europe is not making the most of its research capabilities • A new funding mechanism is needed at European level to reinforce excellence • based on competitive support to individual teams • sole criterion for selection should be scientificexcellence • European added value through impact of Europe-scale funding • *Europe and Basic Research,January 2004, COM(2004)9; • following Mayor Expert Group Report

6. European added valuethrough Europe-wide competition • Encouraging and supporting the finest talent • Selecting the most promising research areas • Giving European visibility to research leaders • Catalysing the creation of a more efficient European research system • Frontier Research: The European Challenge,April 2005; • Report by the Frontier research High-level Expert Group

7. ERC - Basic concepts • Frontier research • Investigator-driven • All areas of science and technology • Support to individual teams, to promote excellence through Europe-wide competition • Independent scientific governance (Scientific Council) • Dedicated implementation structure (Executive Agency) • Simplified grant mechanism

8. ERC – ImplementationRequirements • Autonomy (independence of extraneous interests) • Efficiency (lowest possible bureaucracy) • Necessary financial means (at programme and at project level) • Accountability (scientific, financial) • Feasibility (practical)

9. Why frontier research? • A new understanding of basic research is needed to avoid outmoded distinctions: • between “basic” and “applied” research • between “science” and “technology” • between “traditional” disciplines • The term “Frontier research” reflects: • going beyond these categories; • critical importance of basic research in science and technology to economic and social welfare; • intrinsically risky character of research at and beyond the frontiers of understanding; • absence of disciplinary boundaries.

10. ERC - Structural Components • Scientific Council (scientific autonomy) • Dedicated implementation structure (Executive Agency) • Assessment after three years • Possibility of reconstituting the ERC to different structure, i.e. under Article 171

11. ERC - Scientific Council(ERC SC) • Names of SC founding members were announced on 18 July 2005 following an independent procedure carried out by the ERC Identification Committee • Independent; respected scientific personalities, reflecting the full scope of European research; acting in their personal capacity • Responsible for oversight and guarantee of quality in scientific decision-making • Prior to FP7 decision, would act as advisory body in the development of the Specific programme “Ideas” • Nominated by Commission’s decision

12. ERC SC – The 22 Founding Members

13. ERC SC - Tasks • Establish overall scientific strategy • Ensure the preparation of the work programme (including calls for proposals, detailed criteria of excellence,…) • Define peer review methodology and evaluation procedures; ensure selection and accreditation of experts • Monitor quality of operations and evaluate programme implementation • Assure communication with the scientific community

14. ERC - Dedicated Implementation Structure (Executive Agency) • Execute work programme as established by the Scientific Council • Implement calls for proposals (information and support to applicants; proposal reception/eligibility check; etc.) • Organise peer review evaluation • Establish grant agreements, transfer funds • Administer scientific and financial aspects and follow-up of grant agreements

15. European Commission (EC) • Adopts work programme as established by the Scientific Council • Ensures that implementation follows principles of autonomy • Guarantees the autonomy and integrity of the ERC • Programme Committee as “Double lock” • Reports on ERC operations to Council and European Parliament

16. Timetable • 2005 April 6th FP7 proposal • July 18thScientific Council names • Sept 21stSpecific programme proposal • Oct 18thScientific Council starts work • DecRules of participation proposal • ??? Decision on Financial perspectives • 2006 Decisions on FP7  SPs  RoP • Decision on Agency structure • First calls for proposals • 2007Start of funding

17. Further information Basic research website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/future/basic_research/index_en.html