Brussels, 16 Feb 2004
CORDIS, the European Community's Research and Development Information Service, has launched its Infrastructures service for the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).
As an essential segment of the 'structuring the ERA' field, the research infrastructures activity aims at promoting the development of a fabric of research infrastructures of the highest quality and performance in Europe, and their optimum use on a European scale. The research infrastructures field covers five specific activity areas:
- transnational access to major research infrastructures for research teams and individual researchers;
- integrating activities combining cooperation networks with transnational access and research projects. Integrating activities including networking activities;
- communication network development in conjunction with thematic priority 2 (Information Society Technologies) to establish a high-capacity and high-speed communications network for all researchers in Europe (GÉANT) and specific high performance Grids and test-beds (GRIDs);
- design studies: feasibility studies and technical preparatory work for new infrastructures with a European dimension;
- development of new infrastructures: optimising of European infrastructures by providing limited support in duly justified cases, alongside with other funding agencies.
The service also provides access to specific infrastructures projects, FP6 calls, and information on support and related documents. Through links to related Commission services, other stakeholders and previous activities, users can access valuable information on the European approach to research infrastructures.
Support for research infrastructures is open to infrastructures in all fields of science and technology covered by Article 163 of the Treaty, in a 'bottom-up' manner, and therefore without any preference for one field over another. Likewise, access to supported infrastructures will be available on a bottom-up basis, meaning independently of the specific research priorities of potential users. In this way, the present action is complementary to the forms of support available under the thematic priorities of the Framework Programme. http://www.cordis.lu/infrastructures