The Seventh Framework Programme

The Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development (FP7) is the European Union's chief instrument for funding research over the period 2007 to 2013. It brings together all research-related EU initiatives under a common roof playing a crucial role in reaching the goals of growth, competitiveness and employment. CORDIS is the official portal for participating in FP7 and following related developments in European science and technology. As was the case for FP6, its main objective is to further the construction of the European Research Area. Its specific goals are fourfold:

• To gain leadership in key scientific and technology areas
• To stimulate the creativity and excellence of European research
• To develop and strengthen the human potential of European research
• To enhance research and innovation capacity throughout Europe

The total budget for FP7, including the non-nuclear research of the Joint Research Center, is 51 Billion euros over 7 years. The overall budget is fixed, and the split of it along thematic priorities and the content of those priorities was decided in November 2006.