May 2010

“Brussels in Brief”:
Highlights on EU policies and funding programmes related to the knowledge-based economy: The “Lisbon Strategy”

Descargar la versión PDF

El Boletín Interface Europe está disponible unicamente en inglés

Para recibir la newsletter por email, contacte con nosotros

  • General EU Information

    General EU Information

    • Council of the EU

      2010-05-11 - Presidency launches voting for the Science and Innovation Citizens Agenda

      The Spanish Presidency of the European Union has launched an innovative online vote to give Europeans the chance to choose which challenges in science and innovation should be resolved by the year 2030. An electronic scoreboard located in the hall of the European Council building in Brussels will collect votes in real time from 12 May until the conclusion of the voting process on 26 May. European science and innovation ministers, gathering in Brussels for the EU Competitiveness Council, will then receive the final results.

      Más información
      2010-05-25 - Competitiveness Council, Brussels, 25-26 May 2010 – Consumer and Research, Innovation and Science points

      The Competitiveness Council will hold on 25 May in the afternoon a policy debate on the Commission's proposed Consumer Rights Directive, which is also being reviewed by the European Parliament. For the discussion on consumer rights, the Commission will be represented by Vice-President Viviane Reding, Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship. On 26 May, the Council will discuss Research, Innovation and Science issues, with Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn representing the Commission.

      Más información
      2010-05-27 - Research, industry and green power top ministers' agenda

      At a meeting of the Competitiveness Council on 26 May, European ministers gave their support to a proposal from the Spanish Council Presidency to give the European Research Area (ERA) a 'social dimension', specifying that science must be used to fight poverty and social exclusion. Ministers also tackled a range of key issues impacting the research, industry, internal market and digital agendas.

      Más información

    • European Commission

      2010-05-12 - Commissioner offers preview of Research and Innovation Strategy

      The EU's forthcoming Research and Innovation Strategy for Europe will focus on the major societal challenges, have a broad definition of 'innovation' and seek to remove bottlenecks to the flow of knowledge, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Máire Geoghegan-Quinn has announced. The Commissioner was speaking at the European Technology Platforms conference in Brussels, Belgium on 11 May. The Research and Innovation Strategy represents a major plank of the wider Europe 2020 Strategy that sets out the actions needed to help Europe emerge from the economic crisis as a 'smart, sustainable and inclusive economy'. Among other things, the Europe 2020 strategy reiterates the goal of boosting research and development (R&D) spending in Europe to 3% of GDP (gross domestic product); R&D spending in the EU is currently below 2%.

      Más información

    • European Parliament

      2010-05-04 - Plenary Session -- Brussels

      US Vice-President Joe Biden addressed MEPs on Thursday 6 May as part of a visit to Europe aimed at making progress on relations with Washington. Not since Ronald Reagan spoke to MEPs in 1985 has such a senior US official addressed the House. It came on the second day of a sitting in Brussels by the European Parliament. On the agenda will be a series of votes rolled over from April's Volcano-ash-disrupted session and resolutions on SWIFT and PNR data sharing issues.

      Más información
      2010-05-14 - Plenary Session - Strasbourg

      The economic crisis is under the spotlight again, with Wednesday morning's key debate on the rescue package for the euro-zone and economic governance and a debate on Europe 2020 plans to improve long-term economic competitiveness.

      Más información
  • EU policies and funding programmes for Research, Innovation, Training and Competitiveness

    EU policies and funding programmes for Research, Innovation, Training and Competitiveness

    • Research Policy

      • General points
        2010-05-28 - OECD: Invest in innovation to boost growth

        Innovation is key to boosting economic growth, and governments should resist the urge to cut spending on activities that are 'essential for a country's future', the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) has warned.

        Más información
      • European Research & Innovation projects
        • ICT
          2010-05-04 - A quantum leap for cryptography

          An international team of researchers has found a way to make random numbers truly random. The study, published in the journal Nature, was supported by the EU through the PERCENT ('Percolating entanglement and quantum information resources through quantum networks') and QORE ('Quantum correlations') projects, which received EUR 7 million and EUR 2 million respectively from the European Research Council (ERC). Funding also came from the QAP ('Qubit applications') project, funded with EUR 9.9 million under the 'Information society technologies' Thematic area of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).

          Más información
          2010-05-11 - EU project makes breakthrough in short-haul transceiver technology

          An EU-funded project is providing telecommunications (telecoms) operators with a simpler way of upgrading optical telecoms networks directly to 100 gigabit Ethernet (GbE). Trials of the technology developed in the HECTO ('High-speed electro-optical components for integrated transmitter and receiver in optical communications') project have demonstrated that 100GbE networks can be deployed in a simpler capacity than before. The project was funded to the tune of EUR 2.36 million under the 'Information society technologies' Thematic area of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).

          Más información
          2010-05-17 - Mapping out the needs of the family of the future

          EU-funded researchers are encouraging family welfare associations, researchers, and policymakers to join an online platform and contribute their expertise on existing and future issues affecting European families. The website is a part of a broader study focused on the growing diversity of family structures, living arrangements and lifestyle patterns found in Europe today. Results from the research initiative will inform the EU's future social research agenda. The FAMILYPLATFORM ('Social platform on research for families and family policies') project is funded to the tune of EUR 1.4 million under the Socio-economic sciences and humanities Theme of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).

          Más información
          2010-05-25 - Building better, more secure software

          How can you be sure the software on your computer is secure? Improving software security is at the heart of the SHIELDS ('Detecting known security vulnerabilities from within design and development tools') project, which received EUR 3.25 million under the 'Information and communication technologies' Theme of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). The project, which officially ends in June, has helped tackle the software security challenge.

          Más información
          2010-05-26 - PLUTO set to break down barriers to patent information access

          Improving access to multilingual digital patent libraries is the idea behind the new EU-funded project PLUTO ('Patent language translations online'). The project consortium of five partners started work on 1 April 2010. Over the next 3 years, it will receive a total of EUR 2.18 million in funding under the Information and Communication Technologies Policy Support Programme (ICT-PSP) of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) to get an innovative system off the ground and running.

          Más información
          2010-05-28 - New EU initiative puts social supercomputing in spotlight

          One of the biggest challenges facing Europeans today is how to better understand social mechanisms and the changes that affect them - from being able to deal with financial and economic volatility, to addressing climate change and other environmental crises. Rising to meet this challenge head on is FUTURICT ('Future information and communication technologies (ICT) knowledge accelerator'), an initiative backed by the European Commission's Flagship Programme supporting extensive, visionary research initiatives to determine ICT's role in society. The Flagship Programme has received has EUR 1 billion in funding. Under FUTURICT comes the 'Living Earth Simulator', where scientists will use the largest supercomputers to simulate life on our planet. Emphasis will be placed on our world's societies, financial systems and economies.

          Más información
          2010-05-28 - Frontier research produces 3D neurological probe

          European scientists have created a pioneering three-dimensional (3D) brain probing system that may provide new leads for understanding schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease and other serious brain conditions. Created under the NEUROPROBES ('Development of multifunctional microprobe arrays for cerebral applications') project, which received almost EUR 10 million under the 'Information society technologies' (IST) Thematic area of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), the neurological breakthrough has already generated considerable interest and demand worldwide.

          Más información
        • Health
          2010-05-03 - Visual processing: every neuron counts

          German scientists have refined and used a method to observe how individual nerve cells process visual information in a living brain. The new microscopic method made it possible for them to study tiny synapses (one micrometre in size) on a single neuron, and to determine that each individual neuron performs an important role in sensory processing. Their results are detailed in the journal Nature.

          Más información
          2010-05-04 - Simple process puts proteins in their place

          EU-funded scientists have revealed the simple trick that ensures that proteins are correctly distributed within cells. Furthermore, the team demonstrated how their discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for cancer. The research, published in two papers in the journals Cell and Nature, received EU support through a Marie Curie grant.

          Más información
          2010-05-07 - Nutrition in early years key to later health, EU-funded study shows

          EU-funded research is revealing how nutrition in the womb and during our early years affects our risk of obesity, heart disease, lung disease and behavioural and cognitive problems in later years. Crucially, scientists from the EARNEST ('Early nutrition programming') project have already translated many of their research findings into practical advice.

          Más información
          2010-05-07 - Europeans target better health services for sub-Saharan Africa

          People living in sub-Saharan Africa continue to feel the pressure of increasing poverty and morbidity (incidence of specific diseases). Teenagers in particular are at risk of reproductive health problems, and now a new EU-funded project is set to address this problem by investigating the effectiveness of existing programmes and identifying the structural drivers that restrict access to adolescent reproductive health (ARH) services in Niger and Tanzania. The INTHEC ('Health, education and community integration: evidence based strategies to increase equity, integration and effectiveness of reproductive health services for poor communities in sub-Saharan Africa') project has received EUR 2.75 million in funding under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).

          Más información
          2010-05-07 - EU project hands out prizes for top PhDs

          Stronger resistance to drugs and increased tourism which puts people at greater risk of acquiring local diseases are just a couple of factors that play havoc on public health worldwide, and humans are under the constant threat of infections with pathogenic microorganisms. Enter the ERA-NET PATHOGENOMICS ('Trans-European cooperation and coordination of genome sequencing and functional genomics of human-pathogenic microorganisms') project, an initiative of the EU targeting more advanced transnational genome-based research programmes on human-pathogenic microorganisms. ERA-NET PATHOGENOMICS recently announced the winners of the PhD Award 2010 for the most outstanding doctoral theses in this field.

          Más información
          2010-05-10 - Study shows air pollution lowers children's mental ability

          New research suggests that a child's cognitive ability can be affected by a mother's exposure to air pollution. The study, by the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health (CCCEH) in New York, US, was carried out in Cracow, Poland, and confirms previous findings from a similar study in New York City last year. The findings, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspective, provide further evidence about the effects of urban air pollutants on human health.

          Más información
          2010-05-18 - Study shows more research needed on mobile phone-brain cancer link

          'More research needed' is the conclusion of the biggest study to date of the possible links between mobile phone use and brain cancer risk. The INTERPHONE ('International case control studies of cancer in relation to mobile telephone use') study was partly funded by the EU, receiving EUR 3.85 million under the 'Quality of life and management of living resources' Programme of the EU's Fifth Framework Programme (FP5). The findings are published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

          Más información
          2010-05-18 - Can a single, cheap pill combat cardiovascular disease?

          Volunteers are being recruited in Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK to participate in a two-year trial of a single 'polypill' designed to prevent heart attack and stroke. The trials are financed in part by the UMPIRE ('Use of a multidrug pill in reducing cardiovascular events') project, which has received EUR 3 million under the Health Theme of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. The UMPIRE project partners are focusing on people who are at risk of cardiovascular disease or who have already had a heart attack or stroke. They hope to establish whether these patients prefer to take a single pill to prevent cardiovascular events, or to stick to their usual routine of taking several pills.

          Más información
          2010-05-19 - Lockdown on malaria

          A groundbreaking UK-US study may give researchers worldwide the tools they need to contain the spread of malaria, a disease that can have fatal consequences. Published in the journal Science, the research was funded in part by the EU through the MALSIG ('Signalling in the life cycle stages of malaria parasites') project, which received EUR 3 million under the Heath Theme of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) to boost understanding of the biology of malaria parasites.

          Más información
          2010-05-19 - Stem cell study may provide cancer clues

          EU-funded scientists have gathered new information on adult stem cells (SCs) that show great promise for improving our understanding of cancer and age-related health issues. The team has discovered novel characteristics behind the way these cells respond to DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) damage. For hair follicle SCs specifically, the study revealed that they are remarkably resistant to cell death induced by this type of damage. Results from the study are published in the journal Nature Cell Biology. The research was conducted by a team led by Peggy Sotiropoulou and Aurélie Candi working at the Cédric Blanpain Lab of the Interdisciplinary Research Institute (IRIBHM) at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) in Belgium. Their work was supported in part by a Starting Independent Researcher Grant totalling EUR 1.6 million from the European Research Council (ERC), awarded to Dr Blanpain for CANCERSTEM ('Stem cells in epithelial cancer initiation and growth'), a project funded under the Ideas Theme of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).

          Más información
          2010-05-20 - Europeans offer hope for memory loss sufferers

          Age-related memory loss is a debilitating condition that carries a heavy personal and societal burden. However, promising results from the EU-funded EPITHERAPY ('An epigenetic approach towards the recovery of neuronal network plasticity and cognitive function in neurodegenerative') project suggest that we are closer than ever to understanding memory loss in older sufferers, and to developing a memory-boosting drug. Results are published in the journal Science.

          Más información
          2010-05-21 - Birds and mammals share common brain circuit for learning

          A groundbreaking study led by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US has discovered an evolutionary connection between birds and mammals. Despite extensive anatomical differences in their cerebral cortices, birds and mammals use a common learning mechanism. The research, funded in part by a grant under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), gives weight to speculation that such learning lessons can give human biology a boost and lead to new treatments for human disorders including Parkinson's disease. The findings are published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

          Más información
          2010-05-21 - Researchers find way to generate neurons

          Partly EU-funded researchers have converted glial cells of the brain into two different functional classes of neurons. Their findings, published in the journal Public Library of Science (PLoS) Biology, could lead to important progress in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or stroke. The study was funded in part by the EUTRACC ('European transcriptome, regulome and cellular commitment consortium') project, which is supported with EUR 12 million under the 'Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health' Thematic area of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).

          Más información
          2010-05-25 - A new era for EU systems biology

          Sixteen research projects worth EUR 24 million have been launched to address some of the biggest challenges facing us today, such as food security and human disease. Part of the EU's ERA-NET (European Research Area - Network) scheme, all of these projects use systems biology, a rapidly growing scientific field that is expected to contribute greatly to Europe's industrial competitiveness in the future.

          Más información
          2010-05-26 - The genetic secrets behind eye colour

          EU-funded scientists have discovered new genes involved in determining human eye colour. More than just blue, green and brown, the team believes that our eye colour has many more dimensions and variations than previously documented. This new lead has the potential to be used in forensic science, providing investigators with a 'face' to genetic clues left at a crime scene. Findings from the study are published in the journal PLoS (Public Library of Science) Genetics.

          Más información
        • Environment
          2010-05-03 - Big leap for frog genetics

          Along with their mammal, furry and feathered counterparts (human, chickens, rats and mice), frogs can now be added to the growing list of species whose genomes have been sequenced. The first amphibian genome sequence of the African clawed frog Xenopus tropicalis (X. tropicalis) has provided scientists with a complete picture of ancestral vertebrate genes, filling a major gap among the vertebrates sequenced to date. Findings from the study conducted by 48 international researchers are published in the journal Science.

          Más información
          2010-05-06 - Listening to the ocean for more comprehensive study of the seas

          The French Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) and the Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE) have developed an innovative acoustic method to observe the evolution of oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) in the world's oceans. This new technique makes it possible to measure these oxygen-free (anoxic) zones, which are home to many marine organisms, in greater detail. The findings, published in the open-access journal Public Library of Science (PLoS) ONE, open up new perspectives for the study of the oceans as well as the management of fisheries resources.

          Más información
          2010-05-10 - Ice streams provide signature clues

          An international team of scientists is looking at geological 'signatures' on the ocean floor as a way to understand climate change. Caused by ice sheets and rapid streams of meltwater during ice ages, the researchers expect these markings of the past will provide the kind of information that will help us prepare for future ice dynamics. Results from the project are published in the journal International Innovation.

          Más información
          2010-05-11 - Scientists discover cometary dust in Antarctic snow

          An EU-funded team of researchers has made the world's first ever discovery of a new group of extraterrestrial particles in central Antarctica. The work is an outcome of the ORIGINS ('Elucidating the origins of Solar System(s): anatomy of primitive meteorites') project, which has received EUR 2.6 million under the Marie Curie scheme of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). The aim of the project is to strengthen our understanding of the origins of our own planetary system as well as exo-planetary systems further afield. The findings of this latest study are published in the journal Science.

          Más información
          2010-05-12 - Ancient worm found in whale bone

          A German-led team of scientists have found traces of a 30-million-year-old worm that ate whale remnants. The bone-eating worm known as Osedax was first described by scientists only six years ago. The new discovery means palaeontologists are now able to identify the worm's remarkable geological age. Results from the study are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

          Más información
          2010-05-17 - Measuring the microworld that controls our world

          From the soil under our feet to the human gut, microbial communities control all fundamental biological processes on our planet, and can provide important information on threats and changes to these environments. EU-funded scientists have now developed a more accurate way of measuring the carbon flux in these communities of microorganisms, and of capturing their metabolic functions and processes in greater detail. Results from the study are published in the journal Molecular and Cellular Proteomics.

          Más información
          2010-05-18 - Distance is key in speciation

          A new EU-funded genetic study from the UK is offering evolutionists a new twist in biodiversity: lizards originating from the same island but living in different, yet adjacent habitats are inter-breeding less than lizards originating from different islands. The outcome is part of the SPECIATION FACTORS ('Testing the relative importance of factors in speciation: the Martinique Anoles') project, which received almost EUR 160,000 under the Marie Curie scheme of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). The findings, published in the Public Library of Science (PLoS) Genetics journal, provide insights into the role of geographical isolation in speciation.

          Más información
          2010-05-19 - Green homes don't translate to sales success

          Results from new EU-funded research show that home buyers are unwilling to buy new, energy-efficient houses. Poor communication between builders and buyers is a big part of the problem, say experts studying the behavioural barriers to better and broader acceptance of renewal energy. The project results are part of the CREATE ACCEPTANCE and CHANGING BEHAVIOUR projects, which received EUR 3.83 million in total EU funding.

          Más información
          2010-05-27 - Iguana study sheds light on wildlife response to disasters

          Scientists from Germany and the US have gained new insights into the effects of the stress hormone corticosterone on animals. Their study, published in the online issue of the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, shows that the more quickly an animal can shut down the release of corticosterone (which is similar to cortisol in humans), the more likely it is to survive a stressful situation.

          Más información
          2010-05-27 - EDEN project makes giant strides in vector-borne disease research

          Despite diligent efforts to eliminate diseases transmitted by animals, questions still run rampant about how these diseases are in fact spread. Enter the EDEN ('Emerging diseases in a changing European environment') project, which received more than EUR 11 million to catalogue, understand, model and map the environmental, economic and societal factors that help these diseases to spread. Coordinated by the Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD) in France, EDEN is supported under the 'Sustainable development, global change and ecosystems' Thematic area of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).

          Más información
          2010-05-28 - New Arctic observing system moving forward

          With an anticipated preparatory phase start date of 1 September 2010, the Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS) is moving towards a formal launch. SIOS was conceived in 2007 during the International Polar Year. It is designed to be an integral part of the Sustained Arctic Observing Network (SAON), integrating the studies of geophysical, chemical and biological processes. The initiative is part of the roadmap for the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI). The Research Council of Norway is currently negotiating with the European Commission on a contract for roughly EUR 4 million that will finance the SIOS' preparatory phase. The initiative is planning to involve 27 partners from 15 countries.

          Más información
          2010-05-31 - Religious beliefs linked to agro-pastoral practices

          How should we use environmental resources to make sure we have what we need both now and in the future? Answering this question often means thinking about some immense challenges, such as climate change, migration and population growth. But what about religious beliefs and their impact on land use? Experts from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) in Spain warn that although people's beliefs should not be overstated or idealised, they should not be ignored either. Results from the EU-funded study are published in the journal Human Ecology.

          Más información
        • Environment
          2010-05-03 - Big leap for frog genetics

          Along with their mammal, furry and feathered counterparts (human, chickens, rats and mice), frogs can now be added to the growing list of species whose genomes have been sequenced. The first amphibian genome sequence of the African clawed frog Xenopus tropicalis (X. tropicalis) has provided scientists with a complete picture of ancestral vertebrate genes, filling a major gap among the vertebrates sequenced to date. Findings from the study conducted by 48 international researchers are published in the journal Science.

          Más información
          2010-05-06 - Listening to the ocean for more comprehensive study of the seas

          The French Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) and the Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE) have developed an innovative acoustic method to observe the evolution of oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) in the world's oceans. This new technique makes it possible to measure these oxygen-free (anoxic) zones, which are home to many marine organisms, in greater detail. The findings, published in the open-access journal Public Library of Science (PLoS) ONE, open up new perspectives for the study of the oceans as well as the management of fisheries resources.

          Más información
          2010-05-10 - Ice streams provide signature clues

          An international team of scientists is looking at geological 'signatures' on the ocean floor as a way to understand climate change. Caused by ice sheets and rapid streams of meltwater during ice ages, the researchers expect these markings of the past will provide the kind of information that will help us prepare for future ice dynamics. Results from the project are published in the journal International Innovation.

          Más información
          2010-05-11 - Scientists discover cometary dust in Antarctic snow

          An EU-funded team of researchers has made the world's first ever discovery of a new group of extraterrestrial particles in central Antarctica. The work is an outcome of the ORIGINS ('Elucidating the origins of Solar System(s): anatomy of primitive meteorites') project, which has received EUR 2.6 million under the Marie Curie scheme of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). The aim of the project is to strengthen our understanding of the origins of our own planetary system as well as exo-planetary systems further afield. The findings of this latest study are published in the journal Science.

          Más información
          2010-05-12 - Ancient worm found in whale bone

          A German-led team of scientists have found traces of a 30-million-year-old worm that ate whale remnants. The bone-eating worm known as Osedax was first described by scientists only six years ago. The new discovery means palaeontologists are now able to identify the worm's remarkable geological age. Results from the study are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

          Más información
          2010-05-17 - Measuring the microworld that controls our world

          From the soil under our feet to the human gut, microbial communities control all fundamental biological processes on our planet, and can provide important information on threats and changes to these environments. EU-funded scientists have now developed a more accurate way of measuring the carbon flux in these communities of microorganisms, and of capturing their metabolic functions and processes in greater detail. Results from the study are published in the journal Molecular and Cellular Proteomics.

          Más información
          2010-05-18 - Distance is key in speciation

          A new EU-funded genetic study from the UK is offering evolutionists a new twist in biodiversity: lizards originating from the same island but living in different, yet adjacent habitats are inter-breeding less than lizards originating from different islands. The outcome is part of the SPECIATION FACTORS ('Testing the relative importance of factors in speciation: the Martinique Anoles') project, which received almost EUR 160,000 under the Marie Curie scheme of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). The findings, published in the Public Library of Science (PLoS) Genetics journal, provide insights into the role of geographical isolation in speciation.

          Más información
          2010-05-19 - Green homes don't translate to sales success

          Results from new EU-funded research show that home buyers are unwilling to buy new, energy-efficient houses. Poor communication between builders and buyers is a big part of the problem, say experts studying the behavioural barriers to better and broader acceptance of renewal energy. The project results are part of the CREATE ACCEPTANCE and CHANGING BEHAVIOUR projects, which received EUR 3.83 million in total EU funding.

          Más información
          2010-05-27 - Iguana study sheds light on wildlife response to disasters

          Scientists from Germany and the US have gained new insights into the effects of the stress hormone corticosterone on animals. Their study, published in the online issue of the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, shows that the more quickly an animal can shut down the release of corticosterone (which is similar to cortisol in humans), the more likely it is to survive a stressful situation.

          Más información
          2010-05-27 - EDEN project makes giant strides in vector-borne disease research

          Despite diligent efforts to eliminate diseases transmitted by animals, questions still run rampant about how these diseases are in fact spread. Enter the EDEN ('Emerging diseases in a changing European environment') project, which received more than EUR 11 million to catalogue, understand, model and map the environmental, economic and societal factors that help these diseases to spread. Coordinated by the Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD) in France, EDEN is supported under the 'Sustainable development, global change and ecosystems' Thematic area of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).

          Más información
          2010-05-28 - New Arctic observing system moving forward

          With an anticipated preparatory phase start date of 1 September 2010, the Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS) is moving towards a formal launch. SIOS was conceived in 2007 during the International Polar Year. It is designed to be an integral part of the Sustained Arctic Observing Network (SAON), integrating the studies of geophysical, chemical and biological processes. The initiative is part of the roadmap for the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI). The Research Council of Norway is currently negotiating with the European Commission on a contract for roughly EUR 4 million that will finance the SIOS' preparatory phase. The initiative is planning to involve 27 partners from 15 countries.

          Más información
          2010-05-31 - Religious beliefs linked to agro-pastoral practices

          How should we use environmental resources to make sure we have what we need both now and in the future? Answering this question often means thinking about some immense challenges, such as climate change, migration and population growth. But what about religious beliefs and their impact on land use? Experts from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) in Spain warn that although people's beliefs should not be overstated or idealised, they should not be ignored either. Results from the EU-funded study are published in the journal Human Ecology.

          Más información
        • Agriculture
          2010-05-21 - New wheat with more health power

          Wholegrain bread and other wheat products are full of components that are good for our health. But new EU-funded research shows that the amount of dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals that can be sourced from wheat varies substantially from one variety of wheat to the next. In fact, some varieties can provide us with as much as four times more goodness. The finding is part of the HEALTHGRAIN study that suggests we could be adapting existing varieties of wheat or producing new varieties to provide us with more health benefits. HEALTHGRAIN received almost EUR 11 million in funding under the 'Food quality and safety' Thematic area of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).

          Más información
        • Nanosciences
          2010-05-04 - New laser technique raises prospects of rain on demand

          A team of researchers from France, Germany and Switzerland has used a laser technique to trigger rain in the free atmosphere. The technique, details of which are published in the journal Nature Photonics, may be used to study the creation of droplets in clouds, and could even offer a new way to open up the heavens.

          Más información
          2010-05-06 - Scientists climb the quantum ladder

          An EU-funded team of scientists from Cardiff University in the UK has successfully fired photons (light particles) into a small tower of semiconducting material. The work could eventually lead to the development of faster computers. The research is an outcome of the CUSMEQ ('Coherent ultra-fast spectroscopy and manipulation of excitonic Q-bits') project, funded under the People Programme of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) with support totalling almost EUR 179,000. CUSMEQ investigated the coherent, ultra-fast spectroscopy and manipulation of individual excitonic states confined within a semiconductor quantum dot. The results of the study were recently presented in the journal Nature Materials.

          Más información
          2010-05-11 - Imperial researchers clinch ERC advanced investigator grants

          Scientists at Imperial College London in the UK have received advanced investigator grants from the European Research Council (ERC) totalling more than EUR 7.5 million. The prestigious awards will be used by Professor Tim Coulson, Dr Serafim Kalliadasis, Professor Russell Cowburn and Professor Simon Donaldson to carry out frontier research in physics, mathematics, biology and engineering.

          Más información
          2010-05-12 - EU backs 3D laser printer project for the masses

          A European team of researchers is kick starting an EU-funded project with the aim of providing users with the tools they need to produce their own microsystems with nanoscale features for a lot less money and without big enterprise help. FEMTOPRINT ('Femtosecond laser printer for glass microsystems with nanoscale features') has clinched almost EUR 2.5 million in EU support to develop a 3D (three dimensional) printer for these microsystems, which are made of glass and are destined for use in research, academia and industry.

          Más información
          2010-05-25 - Possibilities abound for new quantum interface

          German physicists have created a quantum interface that connects light particles and atoms, an essential part of improving the capacity of quantum technologies. The interface may even bring physics one step closer to the realisation of the first quantum computer. Findings from the research are published in the journal Physical Review Letters. In their paper, the scientists from the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany explain that both trapping and optically interfacing laser-cooled neutral atoms is fundamental to their use in advanced quantum technologies. The team managed to achieve both through the interaction of caesium atoms with a multi-colour evanescent field surrounding an optical nanofibre.

          Más información
        • Space
          2010-05-03 - New technology pushing back space frontiers

          European astronomers have identified carbon monoxide in the atmosphere of Triton, Neptune's largest moon. They owe their discovery to new technology, including the first ever infrared analysis of Triton's atmosphere. The researchers also made the first ground-based detection of methane in Triton's atmosphere. The results of the study, published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, will enable astronomers to begin an extensive monitoring of Triton over the coming decades.

          Más información
          2010-05-05 - New EU-funded project to save lives following disasters

          A new EU-funded project is developing a system that will save lives and mitigate damage to property and the environment in the aftermath of disasters. The two-year project is called GEO-PICTURES ('GMES [Global Monitoring for Environment and Security] and Earth observation with position-based image and sensor communications technology for universal rescue, emergency and surveillance management'), and EUR 2.4 million of its EUR 3.2 million budget comes from the Space Theme of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).

          Más información
          2010-05-05 - Polish 'hamster' to extract soil from Martian moon

          The Space Research Centre at the Polish Academy of Sciences (SRC PAS) in Warsaw, Poland has begun work on a unique 'geological penetrator' that will be used to extract a soil sample from the surface of Phobos, one of Mars' two moons. Dubbed 'CHOMIK' (which is Polish for hamster), the tool will contribute to the Russian space mission Phobos Sample Return. Due to be launched in 2011, the mission will give space scientists vital information about the mysterious Martian moon.

          Más información
          2010-05-10 - A star is born - and caught on film!

          Striking new images taken from Herschel (the European Space Agency's (ESA's) infrared space telescope) reveal stars in various stages of formation. Researchers predict that in the next 100,000 years or so, one embryonic star in particular will be among the biggest in our galaxy. The telescope's images suggest that this baby star, nestled on the star-forming cloud RCW 120, is already 10 times the mass of the Sun.

          Más información
          2010-05-20 - How stellar blasts give your bones calcium

          An international team of scientists has discovered an exploding star that produces extraordinarily large amounts of calcium that eventually make their way into our bones. The research, partially funded through a Marie Curie International Reintegration Grant (IRG) under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), also offers clues on how these calcium-rich stars may represent a new class of supernovae. The findings are published in the journal Nature.

          Más información
          2010-05-26 - Study sheds light on origins of mysterious space ribbon

          Scientists in Poland and the US have put forward a novel explanation for the mysterious ribbon-like structure running around our Solar System. Writing in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, they explain that the ribbon could mark the boundary between the cooler Local Cloud of interstellar gas and another cloud of extremely hot gas known as the Local Bubble. Furthermore, if the scientists are correct, the Sun will enter the Local Bubble in around 100 years.

          Más información
        • Energy
          2010-05-05 - Solar energy powers north African fridges

          An EU-funded project has successfully installed a dedicated solar plant to cool perishables in a Tunisian winery and a Moroccan dairy, demonstrating the economic sustainability of solar-driven refrigeration. The thermally driven cooling concept could substantially benefit the food and agriculture industry in the Mediterranean region. The technology was developed and implemented by the MEDISCO ('Mediterranean food and agro industry applications of solar cooling technologies') project, which was financed with EUR 1.4 million under the International Cooperation budget line of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).

          Más información
        • Security
          2010-05-31 - EU mobile device set to catch homemade bombs

          A European team of researchers led by the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) is developing a mobile detection system that exposes sites where substances used in terrorist attacks are being produced. Researchers believe the system could ultimately be installed in police vehicles and used during regular patrols as a way of tracking bomb-making activities in urban areas. The device is an outcome of the LOTUS ('Localisation of threat substances in urban society') project, which was funded EUR 4.3 million under the Security Theme of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) to create a system to detect illicit production of explosives and drugs.

          Más información
      • Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Development 2007- 2013 (FP7)
        • News
          Become an expert evaluator for FP7

          The website to register as an expert for research activities is available on CORDIS. The call for experts is open both for individuals and for organisations.

          Más información
          2010-05-27 - Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn to visit Washington for talks with top US Research, Innovation and Science policymakers

          Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn will visit Washington from 27 May-1 June, on her first trip outside the EU since entering office. She will meet key figures in the US Administration and Congress, including Dr John P. Holdren, the leading science advisor to President Obama, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, and Chair of US Congress House Science and Technology Committee, Bart Gordon. She will also make keynote speeches to high-level business and stakeholder audiences at the European-American Business Council (EABC) and the European Institute. Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn has made clear from day one of her mandate that she attaches very high importance to the EU's relationship with the US, Europe's biggest science and technology partner.

          Más información
        • European Technology Plateformes
          Advanced Engineering Materials and Technologies (EuMaT)

          No events planned

          Más información
          Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe (ACARE)

          No events planned

          Más información
          European Technology Platform for Wind Energy (TPWind)

          No events planned

          Más información
          European Technology Platform on Smart Systems Integration (EPoSS)

          2-3 February 2012, Besancon - dMEMS 2012
          20 March 2012, Zurich - MEMS Executive Congress Europe
          20-21 March 2012, Berlin - Microsys Berlin - micro-optics and micro-optical systems convention
          21-22 March 2012, Zurich - SSI 2012: International Conference & Exhibition on Integration Issues of Miniaturized Systems
          10-13 April 2012, Brussels - Graphene Conference 2012
          8-10 May 2012, Nuremberg - SMT Hybrid Packaging - System Integration in Micro Electronics
          30-31 May 2012, Berlin - AMAA 2012
          10-14 June 2012, Montecatini Terme - 4th International Conference "Smart Materials, Structures and Systems"
          13-15 June 2012, Graz - EURIPIDES Annual Forum 2012
          26-28 September 2012, Paris - EPoSS General Assembly & Annual Forum 2012

          Más información
          European Technology Platform Food for Life (Food)

          No events planned

          Más información
          Forest Based Sector Technology Platform (Forestry)

          7-8 February 2012, Helsinki - 4th WoodWisdom-Net Research Programme Seminar
          22 February 2012, Basque Country - ROK-FOR Conference: Innovative and Sustainable Wood Arquitecture and Construction
          28 February 2012, Brussels - PROsumer.NET workshop on innovation
          21 March 2012, Copenhagen - International Conference on Research Infrastructures - ICRI2012
          26-29 March 2011, London - Planet Under Pressure 2012 conference
          15 May 2012, place tbc - FTP joint Partnering Event together with COST
          21-24 May 2012, Tours - Tackling climate change: the contribution of forest scientific knowledge
          18 June 2012, Milan - 20th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
          8-13 July 2012, Lisbon - 2012 IUFRO Conference
          23 October 2012, Helsinki - 4th Nordic Wood Biorefinery Conference

          Más información
          Embedded Computing Systems (ARTEMIS)

          1-2 February 2012, Madrid - ITEA 2 PO Preparations Days 2012
          1-3 February 2012, Toulouse - ERTS2 2012
          1-4 February 2012, Vilamoura - HEALTINF 2012
          22-23 February 2012, Stockholm - CELTIC-PLUS EVENT 2012
          28 February-1 March 2012, Nuremberg - ARTEMIS Spring Event 2012
          6-10 March 2012, Hannover - CEBIT 2012

          Más información
          Nanoelectronics Technologies 2020 (ENIAC)

          7-8 February 2012, Frankfurt - Common Brokerage Event
          26-28 February 2012, Munich - ISS Europe 2012 - 25th Anniversary
          12-16 March 2012, Dresden - DATE Conference
          9-11 October 2012, Dresden - SEMICON Europa
          20-21 November 2012, Munich - European Nanoelectronics Forum 2012

          Más información
          European Rail Research Advisory Council (ERRAC)

          17-19 April 2012, Dubai - GulfRail 2012
          23-26 April 2012, Athens - TRA (Transport Arena)
          24-26 April 2012, Stockholm - 10th UIC ERTMS World Conference "ERTMS - Global Dimensions"
          10-13 July 2012, Philadelphia - UIC HIGHSPEED 2012, 8th World Congress on High-Speed Rail
          18-21 September 2012, Berlin - INNOTRANS

          Más información
          European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC)

          14 February 2012, Brussels - Electrification Roadmap workshop
          15 February 2012, Brussels - Steering Group meeting
          15 March 2012, Brussels - ERTRAC Plenary

          Más información
          European Space Technology Platform (ESTP)

          No events planned

          Más información
          European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP)

          No events planned

          Más información
          European Technology Platform for the Electricity Networks of the Future (SmartGrids)

          No events planned

          Más información
          Future Manufacturing Technologies (MANUFUTURE)

          No events planned

          Más información
          European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing (Euratex)

          29-30 March 2012, Brussels - 7TH ANNUAL PUBLIC CONFERENCE: "FROM FP7 TO HORIZON 2020"

          Más información
          Fuel Cells and Hydrogen (FCH)

          9 February 2012, Brussels - FCH public information session and Brokerage event
          24 April 2012, Paris - Workshop of the International Energy Agency on On-site H2 supply

          Más información
          Industrial Safety ETP (IndustrialSafety)

          No events planned

          Más información
          Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI)

          27 February 2012, Brussels - Open Info Day: 5th Call for proposals

          Más información
          Integral Satcom Initiative (ISI)

          22-23 March 2012, Bradford - PSATS 2012
          10 April 2012, Brussels - 15th ISI General Assembly
          11 April 2012, Brussels - 5th SatCom Event
          18-20 April 2012, Poznana - European Wireless Conference

          Más información
          Mobile and Wireless Communications (eMobility)

          10-11 May 2012, Aalborg - Future Internet Assembly (FIA)
          4-6 July 2012, Berlin - Future Network & Mobile Summit 2012

          Más información
          Nanotechnologies for Medical Applications (NanoMedicine)

          27 February-2 March 2012, Dublin - NanoImpactNet – QNano conference
          29 February-9 March 2012, Saarbrücken - Biological Barriers 2012
          3 April 2012, Brighton - Tissue Regeneration Strategies and Innovative Biomaterials in Orthopaedic Surgery
          16 April 2012, Brussels - Innovation in Healthcare without borders
          19-20 April 2012, Berlin - Spring Conference “Nanomedicine: Visions, Risks, Potential”
          7 May 2012, Basel - European Summit for Clinical Nanomedicine 2012
          18 June 2012, Varese - Nanobio-Europe 2012
          30 June 2012, Thessaloniki - ISSON12 Summer School on Nanosciences & Nanotechnologies:Organic Electronics & Nanomedicine
          3 July 2012, Thessaloniki - NN12 - 9th International Conference on Nanosciences & Nanotechnologies
          15 July 2012, Amsterdam - Colloids and Nanomedicine 2012
          13-15 November 2012, Grenoble - Nanosafe 2012

          Más información
          Networked and Electronic Media (NEM)

          22-23 February 2012, Stockholm - Celtic-Plus-Towards a Smart Connected World
          20 March 2012, Brussels - 13th NEM General Assembly
          10-11 May 2012, Aalborg - Future Internet Assembly
          4-6 July 2012, Berlin - Future Network and MobileSummit 2012

          Más información
          Networked European Software and Services Initiative (NESSI)

          No events planned

          Más información
          Photonics21 (Photonics)

          4-9 February 2012, San Diego - SPIE Medical Imaging 2012
          14-16 February 2012, Munich - FTTH Council Europe 2012
          16 February 2012, London - The Smart Building of the Future
          4-8 March 2012, Los Angeles - OFC/NFOEC 2012
          5 March 2012, Brussels - Intensive Training on Entrepreneurship in Photonics
          27-28 March 2012, Brussels - Photonics21 Annual Meeting 2012
          31 March-3 April 2012, Tunis - 1st EOS Topical Meeting on Photonics for Sustainable Development – Focus on the Mediterranean (PSDM 2012)
          2-4 April 2012, Eindhoven - Photonics PhD Event 2012
          16-20 April 2012, Brussels - SPIE Photonics Europe 2012
          17-20 April 2012, Moscow - Photonics. World of Lasers and Optics 2012
          23-27 April 2012, Baltimore - SPIE Defense, Security and Sensing 2012
          15-17 May 2012, Florence - Fotonica 2012
          5-7 June 2012, Lyon - LumiBat - The international indoor lighting trade fair
          19-21 June 2012, Jena - ICOB 2012
          2-4 July 2012, Amsterdam - SPIE Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation 2012
          2-6 July 2012, Thessaloniki - 2nd International Exhibition on Nanotechnologies & Organic Electronics
          4-6 July 2012, Berlin - Future Networks and Mobile Summit
          12-16 August 2012, San Diego - SPIE Optics + Photonics 2012
          17-22 September 2012, St Petersburg - Sixth International Congress on Advanced Electromagnetic Materials in Microwaves and Optics – Metamaterials 2012
          24-27 September 2012, Edinburgh - SPIE Security and Defence + Remote Sensing
          21-22 November 2012, Paris - ForumLED Europe 2012

          Más información
          Photovoltaics (PV Platform)

          No events planned

          Más información
          Plants for the Future (Plants)

          No events planned.

          Más información
          Robotics (EUROP)

          22-23 February 2012, Vienna - CogSys 2012
          5-7 March 2012, Odense - European Robotics Forum 2012
          5-8 March 2012, Boston - HRI 2012
          8-9 March 2012, Megève - The third Augmented Human International Conference (AH 2012)
          19-21 March 2012, Island of Kos - IEEE-ICIT'12 International Conference on Industrial Technology
          11 April 2012, Guimarães - Robotica 2012
          14-18 May 2012, St Paul - ICRA 2012
          22-25 May 2012, Munich - Automatica 2012 - International Trade Fair for Automation and Mechatronics
          4-8 June 2012, Valencia - AAMAS 2012
          18-24 June 2012, Mexico City - RoboCup 2012
          24-28 June 2012, Puerto Vallarta - International Symposium on Robotics and Applications (ISORA 2012)
          24-28 September 2012, Thun - ELROB 2012

          Más información
          European Technology Platform for Sustainable Chemistry (SusChem)

          17-18 April 2012, Brussels - SusChem's 10th Annual Stakeholder Event

          Más información
          Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNE-TP)

          11–12 January 2012, Paris - NUGENIA Executive Committee n. 1
          30–31 January 2012, Karlsruhe - Executive Committee n. 13
          20 March 2012, Brussels - NUGENIA General Assembly n. 1
          21 March 2012, Brussels - Governing Board n. 9

          Más información
          Water Supply and Sanitation Platform (WSSTP)

          15-16 May 2012, Brussels - “Water Innovation Europe” event

          Más información
          Waterborne ETP (Waterborne)

          22 February 2012, Brussels - SG 42 + Mirror Group
          11 April 2012, Athens - TRA 2012

          Más información
          Zero Emission Fossil Fuel Power Plants Technology Platform (ETP ZEP)

          7 February 2012, London - Carbon Capture and Storage: demonstration programmes and the 2050 roadmap
          14-16 February 2012, Warsaw - COAL: Here to Stay. The Reality of Europe’s Energy Mix
          15 February 2012, Edinburgh - Carbon Capture and Storage Club
          27-28 February 2012, London - Platts 6th Annual European Carbon Capture and Storage Conference
          12-18 March 2012, Leszcze - CGS Europe Spring School on CO2 geological storage
          22-23 March 2012, Shanghai - Asia Green Fossil Power Plant Summit 2012
          26-27 March 2012, Edinburgh - Third EAGE CO2 Geological Storage Workshop: Understanding the Behaviour of CO2 in Geological Storage
          29-30 March 2012, Beijing - 8th Annual Clean Coal Forum 2012
          17 April 2012, Abu Dhabi - Higher Technology Conference
          17-19 April 2012, Venice - 7th CO2GeoNet Open Forum and CGS Europe Workshop
          26-27 April 2012, Brussels - European Business Summit
          15 May 2012, Brussels - 3rd Annual Brussels Carbon Capture and Storage Summit
          15-17 May 2012, Bali - Clean Power Asia 2012
          4-5 June 2012, Malta - Eurelectric Annual Conference
          12-18 August 2012, Beijing - 6th IEAGHG International CCS Summer School
          2 October 2012, Brussels - ZEP General Assembly
          9-10 October 2012, Copenhagen - Global Green Growth Forum
          18-22 October 2012, Pittsburgh - One Young World Summit 2012
          22-26 October 2012, Perth - CSLF Annual Meeting

          Más información
          European Technology Platform on Renewable Heating & Cooling (RHC)

          13 February 2012, Brussels - Meeting of the HWG on Shared SRA
          13 February 2012, Brussels - Steering Committee meeting of the Cross-cutting Technology Panel
          14 February 2012, Brussels - Board Meeting of the RHC-Platform.
          15 February 2012, Brussels - Meeting of the Biomass Technology Panel  Steering Committee
          1 March 2012, Offenburg - Meeting of the Geothermal Technology Panel
          26-27 April 2012, Copenhagen - 3rd Annual conference of the RHC-Platform

          Más información
        • Joint Technology Initiatives
          Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI)

          27 February 2012, Brussels - Open Info Day: 5th Call for proposals

          Más información
          Embedded Computing Systems (ARTEMISA)

          1-2 February 2012, Madrid - ITEA 2 PO Preparations Days 2012
          1-3 February 2012, Toulouse - ERTS2 2012
          1-4 February 2012, Vilamoura - HEALTINF 2012
          22-23 February 2012, Stockholm - CELTIC-PLUS EVENT 2012
          6-10 March 2012, Hannover - CEBIT 2012

          Más información
          Nanoelectronics Technologies 2020 (ENIAC)

          7-8 February 2012, Frankfurt - Common Brokerage Event
          26-28 February 2012, Munich - ISS Europe 2012 - 25th Anniversary
          12-16 March 2012, Dresden - DATE Conference
          9-11 October 2012, Dresden - SEMICON Europa
          20-21 November 2012, Munich - European Nanoelectronics Forum 2012

          Más información
          Aeronautics and Air Transport (Clean Sky)

          29 February 2012, Madrid - Clean Sky Info Day - presentation of 2012 work programme
          13 March 2012, Amsterdam - Clean Sky Symposium
          11-16 September 2012, Berlin - ILA Berlin

          Más información
          Fuel Cells and Hydrogen (FCH)

          9 February 2012, Brussels - FCH public information session and Brokerage event
          24 April 2012, Paris - Workshop of the International Energy Agency on On-site H2 supply

          Más información

    • Innovation policy

      2010-05-31 - Well, just how innovative are we?

      How can European innovation be measured? This is the overarching question to be tackled by a group of prominent business innovators and economists put together by Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science. The right measurement indicator would help track Europe's progress on its quest to become a more innovative economy. The High Level Panel is chaired by Professor Andreu Mas-Colell, Secretary General of the European Research Council (ERC) and Professor at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Spain. The role of the 13 members is to advise Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn and the European Commission on a suitable method (or methods) to gauge and measure Europe's innovation progress.

      Más información

    • Education policy

      2010-05-19 - European awards for education projects in support of social inclusion

      Six EU-funded education projects aimed at promoting social inclusion were named today as winners of the 2010 European Awards for Lifelong Learning. The winning projects are from Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom and involve partners from many other European countries. The awards were announced at a conference in Barcelona.

      Más información

    • Regional policy

      2010-05-20 - Commission reveals winners of "RegioStars Awards" celebrating Europe's most innovative regional projects

      Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for Regional Policy, and Jan Olbrycht, Member of the European Parliament and Chairman of the Jury, will tonight announce the winners in the six separate categories of the "RegioStars Awards" 2010. The prize giving ceremony recognises the most innovative projects that have been supported by European cohesion policy. The annual event takes place during a two-day conference in Brussels entitled "Regions for Economic Change – Building Sustainable Growth".

      Más información

    • Information society

      2010-05-20 - 'Digital Agenda for Europe' foresees higher investment in R&D

      The European Commission unveiled its new 'Digital Agenda for Europe' on 19 May. Among other things, the agenda focuses on more investment in research and development (R&D) and the use of information and communication technology (ICT) to address challenges facing society like climate change and the ageing population. The Digital Agenda figures among seven flagship initiatives under the Europe 2020 strategy that was launched in March 2010.

      Más información

    • Enterprises

      2010-05-06 - Commission to take on bottlenecks to financing of SMEs

      Data from the European Commission and European Central Bank indicate that bank credit standards are still tight, net demand for loans from enterprises declined and almost 20% of SMEs’ bank loan applications are rejected. The SME Finance Forum 2010 being held in Brussels today focuses on new strategies for improving access to finance for SMEs. To address the difficult financing situation of SMEs, Vice-President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, in agreement with Michel Barnier, Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, has proposed to upgrade the SME Finance Forum into a high-level dialogue between financial institutions and SMEs. It will monitor market developments and will recommend concrete actions to improve access to finance and the financial markets for SMEs.

      Más información
      2010-05-25 - European SME Week 2010 - Promoting and supporting entrepreneurship

      Vice President Antonio Tajani has launched the European SME Week 2010 in Brussels today. This pan-European campaign is designed to promote and support entrepreneurship. Over 3 million people are estimated to participate in the some 1261 events and activities that are being organised in 37 countries across Europe. It will showcase the support available to business at the European, national, regional and local level. At events SMEs and micro-firms can share experiences and develop their businesses. There is also a special focus on promoting entrepreneurship as a career option, especially for younger people. Some countries will run company open days, which will provide an insight into the challenges and rewards of running a business. The winners of the European Entrepreneurship Video Award 2010 will be honoured at a ceremony in Brussels tonight. European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: " Small and medium sized enterprises run by dynamic entrepreneurs are the job generators of Europe. In rough times we need them more than ever to get the European economy going. Against the backdrop of today’s precarious trends, decisive and comprehensive policy support is vital.”

      Más información
  • Other EU Policies and funding programmes supporting the Lisbon Strategy

    Other EU Policies and funding programmes supporting the Lisbon Strategy

    • Environment

      2010-05-04 - Environment: Europe's first Green Capital shares the secrets of sustainable urban development

      Stockholm, Europe's first ever Green Capital, today showcased two visionary projects as examples of sustainable urban development. At a seminar in Brussels, Mayor of Stockholm Sten Nordin and representatives from the Swedish capital showed how cities across Europe can improve the quality of life for citizens while also looking after the environment. Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik attended the seminar, organised by the European Commission, the Committee of the Regions and Stockholm.

      Más información
      2010-05-04 - New atlas underlines significant role of northern soils in climate change

      Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn will today at the European Parliament (18h15) launch a Soil Atlas of the world's northernmost regions, where more than half the carbon present in the Earth's soils is stored. She will simultaneously inaugurate an exhibition on the work of the Commission's Joint Research Centre, which produced the Atlas. It covers regions above the latitude of 50° N, which represent 16% of global land surface. So far, the public perception focuses on the melting of arctic ice as one of the indicators for climate change. However, 1700 billion tons of organic carbon are kept in the soils of the northern permafrost region and their thawing could lead to substantial release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and would further increase global warming. The Soil Atlas of the Northern Circumpolar Region is the first compilation providing all the available information on this carbon pool as well as other important data on northern soils. The Atlas will therefore provide a valuable scientific input to climate change and sustainable development models.

      Más información
      2010-05-12 - Climate change: Commissioner Hedegaard invites EU business heads to round table on maintaining low-carbon leadership

      Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for Climate Action, has invited the business leaders of some of Europe's major and most innovative companies to a round table meeting on Monday, May 17 to discuss how the European Union can best maintain its lead in the transition to a climate-friendly, low-carbon global economy. Over 20 top managers will take part in the event.

      Más información
      2010-05-18 - Environment: Water scarcity and droughts – a major concern for many areas in Europe

      The European Commission today published a report on the progress of Member States in addressing water scarcity and droughts. Despite more rainfall in southern European countries in 2009 than in previous years, greater efforts are still needed to stop and reverse the over-exploitation of Europe's limited water resources. An effective water pricing policy, water efficiency and water saving measures are essential to ensure that Europe has enough good quality water to meet the needs of users and to face the challenges of a changing climate.

      Más información
      2010-05-18 - Environment: New Commission strategy aims to get even more from bio-waste

      The European Commission today laid out steps to improve the management of bio-waste in the EU and tap into its significant environmental and economic benefits. Bio-degradable garden, kitchen and food waste accounts for 88 million tonnes of municipal waste each year and has major potential impacts on the environment. But it also has considerable promise as a renewable source of energy and recycled materials. Today’s Communication promotes actions to unlock this potential by making the best use of existing legislation while giving Member States discretion to choose the options best suited to their individual circumstances. Supporting initiatives at EU level will also be necessary.

      Más información
      2010-05-21 - World Biodiversity Day: Thousands connect with nature through EU campaign

      Tomorrow is World Biodiversity Day and despite efforts around the globe, studies show that biodiversity – the rich variety of life on this planet – is diminishing at a startling rate. An innovative EU campaign to highlight this message is engaging thousands of people across the European Union and beyond. The campaign website has already received more than half a million visits, while over 56,000 people have shown their support for the campaign on Facebook. The Commission is marking World Biodiversity Day with a series of events in six focus countries: Spain, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Romania, Poland and Italy.

      Más información
      2010-05-26 - Climate change: Commission invites to an informed debate on the impacts of the move to 30% EU greenhouse gas emissions cut if and when the conditions are met

      The European Commission today presented an analysis of the costs, benefits and options for moving beyond the EU's greenhouse gas reduction target for 2020 from 20% below 1990 levels to 30% once the conditions are met. At present these conditions have not been met. This communication follows the Commission's Communication on "How to reinvigorate international climate negotiations" and the Council's request to present an assessment on the impacts of a conditional move to a 30% emissions cut. The measures taken to support energy-intensive industries against the risk of carbon leakage are also examined as required under the ETS (Emissions Trading System) Directive. The Communication shows that the reduction in EU emissions as a consequence of the economic crisis, together with a drop in carbon prices, has changed the estimations two years ago when the revised ETS was presented. Therefore in light of the new data, an analysis of the implications of the different levels of ambition as a motor for modernising the EU economy and creating new jobs by promoting innovation in low-carbon technologies is provided. This analysis encompasses the efforts required in the main different sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions beyond 20%, up to 30%, looking also at the impacts of these efforts and the potential policy options to achieve them. The current context of constrained public finances and economic contraction is also fully taken into account when assessing possible alternatives.

      Más información

    • Health

      2010-05-27 - World No Tobacco Day 2010: the Commission reaffirms its commitment to fight against smoking

      Ahead of the 2010 No Tobacco Day (Monday 31st May), the European Commission unveils the results of a Eurobarometer survey which shows that a strong majority of EU citizens support stronger tobacco control measures. For example, three in every four Europeans supports picture health warnings on tobacco packs and smoke free restaurants. The survey also shows, however, that nearly one in every three Europeans still smokes, despite the fact that tobacco kills half of its users. The Commission is planning to launch an open consultation shortly with a view to revising the 2001 Tobacco Products Directive and is stepping up its tobacco control efforts throughout the EU.

      Más información

    • Transport

      2010-05-19 - €172 million in funding available for Trans-European Transport Network infrastructure projects

      The European Commission launched today three new calls for proposals, making an additional €172 million of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) budget available to finance European transport infrastructure projects. Funding opportunities are to be found under the TEN-T annual programme and multi-annual programme. The Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency (TEN-T EA), which manages the technical and financial implementation of the TEN-T programme, is responsible, on behalf of the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, for the management of the calls for proposals and for the external evaluation of project proposals submitted.

      Más información

    • Energy

      2010-05-03 - EU conference: 500 cities pledge to reduce CO2 by more than 20%

      More than 500 European mayors will commit tomorrow to cut CO2 emissions by more than 20% by 2020. By signing the Covenant of Mayors, they pledge to save energy, foster renewable energy and raise awareness among their citizens. They will sign the declaration in the presence of EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Prime Minister of Spain. The Covenant of Mayors is a Commission initiative, supported both by the European Parliament and the Committee of the Regions.

      Más información
      2010-05-05 - ITER & Fusion Research

      The Commission has adopted a Communication to the European Parliament and the Council which concludes that in view of substantial overall cost increases for International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), which have more than doubled the costs for Europe (to around €7.2 billion instead of an initial expected €2.7 billion), a sustainable financial framework should be established. Member States should provide a clear financial commitment throughout the life of the project and a mechanism for dealing with any further overruns should be agreed, subject to an overall cap. In particular, a total of around €1.4 billion is needed to meet the estimated cost increases in the EURATOM Community contribution to ITER in 2012 and 2013. This funding should be found either by raising the ceiling in the EU budget or through additional finance directly from the Member States.

      Más información
      2010-05-06 - Commission puts ITER funding in spotlight

      The European Commission on 5 May adopted a communication justifying the creation of a sustainable financial framework for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). EU Member States should provide financial support to the facility, whose expenditure is EUR 4.5 billion more than the initial EUR 2.7 billion planned, the European Commission said.

      Más información
      2010-05-11 - Oil platforms: Commissioner Oettinger meets industry leaders for safety talks Energy

      Commissioner Günther Oettinger will meet later today representatives of oil and gas production industry operating in Europe and its off-shore areas. The European Commission wants to obtain assurances from the industry that they fully manage all necessary risks to avoid disasters similar to the one currently witnessed in the USA.

      Más información
      2010-05-19 - Commissioner Oettinger hails adoption of the Energy Labelling Directive by Parliament

      Günther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Energy, welcomed today's adoption of the Energy Labelling Directive by the European Parliament. The existing Labelling Directive introduced the energy label for household appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, ovens, air-conditioners, dishwashers, washing machines, washer-driers, tumble driers and lamps. The recast of the Directive extends its scope to also cover products in the commercial and industrial sectors in the future.

      Más información

    • Maritime Affairs

      2010-05-17 - Commission seeks to get fisheries management on track in 2011

      Today the European Commission published its report launching discussions on fishing opportunities in EU waters in 2011. The document sets out how the Commission intends to act on the scientific advice it receives on the state of fish stocks when proposing catch limits and quotas for next year. Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki wants to bring EU fishing limits back to sustainable levels in 2011 – in line with the EU's international commitments and recommendations from the authoritative science bodies which advice the Commission.

      Más información

    • Maritime Affairs

      2010-05-17 - Commission seeks to get fisheries management on track in 2011

      Today the European Commission published its report launching discussions on fishing opportunities in EU waters in 2011. The document sets out how the Commission intends to act on the scientific advice it receives on the state of fish stocks when proposing catch limits and quotas for next year. Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki wants to bring EU fishing limits back to sustainable levels in 2011 – in line with the EU's international commitments and recommendations from the authoritative science bodies which advice the Commission.

      Más información
  • Research, Innovation, Training and Competitiveness related EU events

    Research, Innovation, Training and Competitiveness related EU events

Special chapter on training opportunities

Next Sessions in English in Brussels

How to write a successful proposal under FP7? -Webinar

Date : Monday 13 Feb 2012

A step-by-step methodology towards success.

Training being held by former EC Officers having hands on experience in EU R&D projects.

 

Venue : Online Course - training language : English

Price : 390€ VAT excl

Register to this session

Further information

How to write a successful proposal under FP7 ?

Date : Wednesday 22 Feb 2012

A step-by-step methodology towards success.

Training being held by former EC Officers having hands on experience in EU R&D projects.

Venue : Brussels - training language : English

Price : 590€ VAT excl

Register to this session

Further information

Financial aspects of FP7contracts

Date : Thursday 23 Feb 2012

Understand the financial rules of the game.

Training being held by former EC Officers having hands on experience in EU R&D projects.

Venue : Brussels - training language : English

Price : 590€ VAT excl

Register to this session

Further information

Financial aspects of FP7contracts-Webinar

Date : Monday 19 Mar 2012

Understand your rights and obligations for a smooth management of your European contract.

Training being held by former EC Officers having hands on experience in EU R&D projects.

Venue : Online Course - training language : English

Price : 390€ VAT excl

Register to this session

Further information

Prochaines sessions en français à Paris et Bruxelles

Le montage des projets européens du 7ème PCRD

Date : mercredi 15 févr. 2012

Comment rédiger une proposition réellement compétitive? Conseils stratégiques et méthodologiques.

Formations dispensées par d’anciens "Project Officers" de la Commission européenne ayant une expérience pratique des projets européens de R&D.

Lieu : Paris - Langue de formation : Français

Prix : 590€ HTVA

S'inscrire à cette session

Plus d'information

Les contrats européens de recherche : module financier

Date : jeudi 16 févr. 2012

Session d'approfondissement - Comprendre les règles financières sous le 7ème Programme-Cadre de Recherche et Développement. Comment préparer votre budget? Comment gérer votre budget?

Formations dispensées par d’anciens "Project Officers" de la Commission européenne ayant une expérience pratique des projets européens de R&D.

Lieu : Paris - Langue de formation : Français

Prix : 590€ HTVA

S'inscrire à cette session

Plus d'information

Négociation contractuelle et accord de consortium (7ème PCRD)

Date : mardi 06 mars 2012

Comment se préparer et négocier le contrat avec la CE et l’accord de consortium ?

Formations dispensées par d’anciens "Project Officers" de la Commission européenne ayant une expérience pratique des projets européens de R&D.

Lieu : Paris - Langue de formation : Français

Prix : 590€ HTVA

S'inscrire à cette session

Plus d'information

Le management de projets européens de recherche

Date : mercredi 07 mars 2012

Management de projets européens de recherche. Comment gérer efficacement et simplement un projet européen de recherche sous le 7ème PCRD ?

Formations dispensées par d’anciens "Project Officers" de la Commission européenne ayant une expérience pratique des projets européens de R&D.

Lieu : Paris - Langue de formation : Français

Prix : 590€ HTVA

S'inscrire à cette session

Plus d'information

Audits et contrôles de votre contrat européen de recherche

Date : jeudi 08 mars 2012

Les audits et contrôles de votre contrat européen de recherche.
Comment s’y préparer et comment y réagir?

Formations dispensées par d’anciens "Project Officers" de la Commission européenne ayant une expérience pratique des projets européens de R&D.

Lieu : Paris - Langue de formation : Français

Prix : 590€ HTVA

S'inscrire à cette session

Plus d'information

Próximas sesiones en español a Madrid