Brussels, 04 February 2002
From 11 to 13 November 2002 the European Commission will hold a major conference to mark the launch of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme for research, which will cover the period from 2002 to 2006.
Based on the experience of a similar event in February 1999 which attracted over 5,000 participants the conference will be a major forum to present the objectives and priorities of the Framework Programme and to explain rules for participation. At the same time the conference is meant to create opportunities for scientific debate and exchange of best practice beyond subjects addressed in the Framework Programme.
The major features of this three-day event are as follows.
Plenary sessions addressing all the main thematic priorities of the Framework Programme as well as the cross-cutting issues of the European Research Area such as human resources and mobility, patenting and intellectual property, etc.
Sessions providing guidance on How to participate in the Framework Programme.
Symposia, workshops and poster sessions designed and organised by a variety of those concerned (e.g. scientists, industrial researchers, users, and organisations and associations working in or affected by research and technology) on topical subjects - not necessarily related to the Framework Programme. A call for proposals will be published early in 2002.
Project presentations for the media and a wider audience, presenting the aims and results of research projects carried out under past EU research programmes or other programmes involving international co-operation .
Exhibition: in parallel with the conference, there will be a major exhibition, providing space for some 150 stands, where interesting EU-sponsored research projects will be on display; this will complement the verbal project presentations mentioned above, and promote the networking and integration of research activities in Europe. European research organisations will also be able to apply for space for their corporate stands.
Press: there will be two press briefings each day; interviews and background discussions will be facilitated wherever possible. A fully equipped pressroom in a central location will be available. Technical assistance will be provided to journalists from the audio-visual press.
Venue
The Conference will be held in the Palais du Heysel in Brussels.
Accommodation
Participants will cover their own travel and accommodation costs.
Resotel, a hotel and reservations service, have negotiated special rates for all delegates attending the conference. Please find attached the booking form listing the various hotels available. If you should wish to book a hotel that is not on the list, Resotel will be pleased to help you with this too (tel: +32(0)2.779.39.39; fax: +32(0)2.779.39.00).
Conference fee
€180 (with reduced rates for participants from countries having applied for EU membership). The conference fee will be waived for the press, and entrance to the exhibition only will be free for teachers and students not wishing to attend the conference sessions.
Further information
European Commission, Directorate-General for Research
Information and Communication Unit
Tel: +32-2-295 99 71
Fax: +32-2-295 82 20
E-mail: rtd-conference2002@cec.eu.int
Source: Research DG http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/research/ index_en.html