Brussels, Oct 2005
The European Commission has published a call for proposals under the Pathfinder section of the New and Emerging Science and Technology (NEST) activity of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).
The call addresses the following topics:
- Tackling complexity
Supporting cross disciplinary research on complexity as
well as collaboration between the field of 'Complex Systems Science' and specific areas
of science where complexity is a key issue. It will promote the creation of new
interdisciplinary partnerships between researchers within the field of complex systems
and researchers in a range of other fields, as well as the extension and generalisation
of successful techniques for dealing with complexity from one area of research into
others.
- Synthetic biology
The goal of this PATHFINDER initiative is to stimulate
forward-looking cross disciplinary research to demonstrate key principles and generate
tools and parts for synthetic biology - a rigorous engineering approach to biology based
on the application of systems design to complex biological processes.
- Measuring the impossible
The objective of this PATHFINDER initiative is to
give an impulse to more fundamental advances that will underpin future measurement
methods and techniques, by supporting interdisciplinary research and novel investigative
methods that could present prospects for significant advance in the scientific basis for
measurement of phenomena which are intrinsically multidimensional, and which are mediated
by human interpretation and/or perception. This should assist Europe in the creation of
high-value products and services of the future and assuring the highest quality of life
for its citizens.
- Cultural dynamics
This topic addresses developing more precise and useful
concepts and better understanding of processes involved in culture transmission, by
bringing together research across disciplines. Such research is likely to be particularly
useful if it transcends the current barriers in the study of culture by identifying
cultural items independently of the cultural values that define the normative standards
in a society or if it helps to overcome the related distinction between, broadly, the
'science of understanding' culture, and the 'technology' of cultural monitoring and
intervention (i.e. such things as data mining, media and group working technologies,
etc.).
- What it means to be human
The 'What it means to be human' PATHFINDER
initiative involves cross disciplinary research which brings to bear the latest insights
from fields including genetics, biology, neuroscience, psychology, linguistics and
anthropology to examine 'how and why are human cognitive facilities unique?' Addressing
this question from a highly inter-disciplinary perspective is intended to promote a more
profound and integrated understanding of the human mind. With its common values, varied
cultures, and strong research tradition in many of the relevant fields, Europe has a
vital interest in this area and real potential for fostering scientific advance.
Interested parties are invited to consult the original call proposal in order to establish which instruments are to be used for each topic.
The deadline for submitting proposal documents is 15.2.2006.
Before contacting the Commission, proposers are strongly advised to consult the original call text in the Official Journal of the European Union at the reference below.
Document Reference: OJ No C 266 of 2005-10-, p.5
CORDIS RTD-NEWS/© European Communities, 2001
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