European Commission launches call for proposals for science TV

Brussels, 21 Feb 2006

As part of its 'Science and Society' programme, the European Commission has launched a call for proposals for audiovisual and science professionals to create new and ambitious partnerships for high-quality science programming across Europe.

Seven out of ten Europeans give TV as their main source of information on scientific issues. Yet, apart from some productions by a limited number of major science programme-makers, few programmes achieve widespread distribution and too few science programmes are targeted at general audiences.

A significant part of the European population is not interested in science programmes, or thinks they will not understand the information. The call for proposals is designed to encourage innovative approaches to science programming, particularly relevant to younger people, as the availability of new generations of European researchers is a concern for both the European Commission and the Member States. €1.5 million are available for audiovisual activities, within the €3.5 million of the overall call for proposals from the Sixth Framework Programme, which also looks at other activities to bring science and society closer together. The closing date is 30 March 2006 and more details can be found at: http://fp6.cordis.lu/index.cfm?fuseaction=UserSite.FP6DetailsCallPage&call_id=264

Midday Express MEX/06/0221