Strategies and Projects for Research & Innovation

• Contact 
• Added Value 
• Our team 
• About Us 
• Network 

 «Brussels in Brief - Interface Europe’s Newsletter» - September 2009

• Français
• English
• Español

Home

Our Services

• Strategy 
• Projects 
• Exploitation 
• Training 

Latest News

• 

  General EU Information

  • European Parliament

    2009-09-14 - Plenary Session - Strasbourg

    MEPs in Strasbourg voted to boost Europe's troubled milk sector by backing Commission plans to shore up the market in the face of low prices at the farm gate. MEPs also demanded Ministers renegotiate a deal with the US on banking data (SWIFT transfers). On Wednesday MEPs backed a 2nd term as Commission President for José Manuel Barroso by 382 votes to 219. This focus includes a debate on the G20 summit, the inaugural speech of EP President Buzek and details of the debate with Mr Barroso.

    Further information
• 

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

  • Research Policy

    • General points

      2009-09-02 - Swedish presidency seeks to strengthen knowledge triangle

      At a conference on 'The Knowledge Triangle Shaping the Future of Europe', hosted by the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 31 August to 2 September, EU Commissioner of Science and Research Janez Potocnik stressed the importance of strengthening universities and research institutions and making them better connected to 'a more competitive business sector'.

      Further information

      2009-09-04 - EU Commissioner Potočnik in Africa to boost the Science Partnership between the African Union and the European Union

      For the first time, EU Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Potocnik will pay an official visit to the African Union and Kenya. From 7 to 9 September, he will hold high-level political meetings and will visit EU-supported research centres in Nairobi (Kenya) and in Addis-Ababa (Ethiopia). This visit takes place in the framework of the Science & Technology Partnership established between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) in December 2007. This unique partnership between two continents aims to strengthen African research capacity in the area of science and technology, enabling Africa to produce and to use its own scientific knowledge to address its development challenges and emerge on the global scientific scene.

      Further information

      2009-09-09 - EU R&D spending unchanged in 2007

      In 2007 the EU spent EUR 229 billion on research and development (R&D), equivalent to 1.85% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to newly-released figures from Eurostat. The EU has set itself the goal of spending 3% of GDP on R&D by 2010; however, spending has remained stable at around 1.85% of GDP over the past few years.

      Further information

      2009-09-17 - Winning young scientists announced in Paris

      Young researchers from around the globe were named winners in the 2009 EU Contest for Young Scientists, a showcase for flourishing scientific talent held in Paris, France, this week. A total of 15 young stars were selected to receive prizes totalling over EUR 50 000, with first prizes shared by recipients from Ireland, Poland and Switzerland. A new prize for international cooperation was also awarded to two young scientists from the US.

      Further information

    • European Research and Innovation projects

      • ICT

        2009-09-07 - EU-funded scientists achieve new state in quantum physics

        EU-funded researchers in Austria investigating ultracold atomic physics have generated an exotic state wherein atoms are aligned in a one-dimensional structure, creating a stable 'many-body phase' with new quantum mechanical states. Their findings, published in the journal Science, open up a new area of study in quantum physics.

        Further information
        2009-09-09 - Avatars to be used in new science education software

        Virtual characters, or avatars, will be part of a new learning tool designed to attract and retain young European science students. An EU-funded project is developing a programme that emphasises teaching scientific concepts in an interactive environment. The main purpose of the three-year project is to get students more involved in the learning process and to capture their interest in science.

        Further information
        2009-09-14 - Grid computing resources developed

        EU-funded researchers have succeeded in establishing a platform for trading computing resources where standardised computing resources can be purchased and sold. The GridEcon ('Grid Economics and Business Models') project partners said computing could become a utility like electricity. GridEcon is funded under the Information Society Technologies (IST) Thematic area of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) to the tune of EUR 2.35 million.

        Further information
        2009-09-21 - Easy cleaning the robotic way

        The vision of a society in which robots accompany the elderly on trips and help take out their rubbish is closer to becoming a reality than you might think. The EU has funded a new generation of robots that can provide a range of services to assist their human counterparts. The scientists behind the innovative technology provided onlookers in a Spanish neighbourhood with a demonstration of just what the multi-talented robots DustCart and DustClean can do, including their ability to sense obstacles and navigate around them.

        Further information
        2009-09-21 - IMAGINATION gives innovative ideas

        European researchers have developed software that will help users organise, search and navigate digital images collections. The IMAGINATION ('Image-based navigation in multimedia archives') project, funded under the Information Society Technologies (IST) Thematic area of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), sought to bring digital cultural and scientific resources closer to their users, effectively making it easier for them to obtain important information about images and image parts. Financing for IMAGINATION totalled more than EUR 2.10 million.

        Further information
        2009-09-23 - New computer system alerts drivers to danger

        Scientists from six European countries have developed a new computer system that allows vehicles to learn from driver behaviour. When detecting a problem in a curve or an obstacle on the road, for example, an on-board computer will generate an alarm signal, giving drivers additional time to react. These signals will be adapted to individual drivers' styles.

        Further information

      • Health

        2009-09-01 - Cigarettes, not snuff, increase multiple sclerosis risk

        EU-funded researchers in Sweden have discovered that while tobacco smoking raises the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), snuff does not. The findings are published in the journal Neurology.

        Further information
        2009-09-02 - New sensor sheds light on zinc biology

        EU-funded researchers have developed a sensor that allows them to measure the concentration of zinc inside cells. The findings should lead to a greater understanding of diseases in which zinc has been implicated, such as diabetes and Alzheimer's.

        Further information
        2009-09-02 - EU and Libya to develop HIV/AIDS strategy

        The EU and Libya have launched a project for the development of an HIV strategy and support programme in the North African state. The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) in the UK is leading the project and offering technical support to the Libyan government to finalise the plan of action. The project is supported with EUR 1 million by the Delegation of the European Commission to Libya.

        Further information
        2009-09-07 - Study reveals gene behind insulin resistance

        EU-funded researchers have identified a human genetic variant that raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The findings add to our understanding of the factors behind the condition, and could lead to the development of new treatments. The study is published in the journal Nature Genetics.

        Further information
        2009-09-08 - House screening can cut malaria cases, study reveals

        Screening houses to stop mosquitoes getting in at night helps to cut malaria transmission by 50%, according to a new study published in The Lancet. Malaria has been in decline in many parts of tropical Africa since 2001, largely thanks to the widespread use of insecticide-treated bed nets and treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapy. However, resistance to the insecticides and drugs is on the rise, making the hunt for alternative malaria prevention methods all the more urgent.

        Further information
        2009-09-08 - EU researchers tackle borderless diseases

        Nations worldwide have programmes in place to track, treat and research common diseases. Despite their successes, however, some of these programmes are duplicated in many countries, while other nations lack access to key information. To address this problem, researchers in Europe used electronic infrastructures (e-Infrastructures) to coordinate and combine a variety of tools, databases, grids and Web portals. The results are part of the ITHANET ('eInfrastructure for thalassaemia research network') project, funded under the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). Financial support for ITHANET amounted to EUR 1.2 million.

        Further information
        2009-09-11 - EU-funded study finds pandemic swine flu infects cells deep inside lungs

        Which type of flu infects cells deep inside the lungs: pandemic swine or seasonal? EU-funded researchers say pandemic swine flu wins hands down. Published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, the findings of a new study suggest that humans infected with the pandemic strain of swine-origin H1N1 influenza will probably experience more severe symptoms than patients infected with the seasonal strain of H1N1 because of how the swine virus attaches to specific receptors in the body.

        Further information
        2009-09-11 - Cardiovascular disease prevention: national policies differ widely across EU, study shows

        On 10 September, the EuroHeart mapping project, co-financed through the EU's Public Health Programme, presented the results of their three-year study of heart health promotion and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention measures in several European countries. The study revealed significant inequalities in both national prevention policies and levels of cardiovascular mortality.

        Further information
        2009-09-11 - Scientists shed light on genetic mutation

        An international group of scientists has succeeded in making the first direct measurement of the general rate of genetic mutation in humans. The findings, published in the journal Current Biology, and the method developed by the researchers will fuel our understanding of the rates of mutation and could facilitate researchers' attempts to reduce mutations.

        Further information
        2009-09-16 - Skin formation mechanisms revealed, promise progress in cancer fight

        Scientists in Italy have discovered two proteins that control the formation of skin cells from stem cells deposited at the base of the skin. The discovery raises hopes for the fight against a variety of epithelial cancers. Now published in Nature Cell Biology, the study received partial financial support from different projects funded under the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).

        Further information
        2009-09-18 - How genes dodge the immune system

        An international research team has discovered a protein that allows a group of herpes viruses to shut down an antiviral defence. The findings, published in the Journal of Cell Biology, show how viruses succeed in eluding the human body's immune system.

        Further information
        2009-09-22 - How DNA changes play role in diabetes

        Swedish scientists have discovered a significant difference in the structure and expression of genes that control human cell energy consumption between type 2 diabetes sufferers and healthy people. Published in the journal Cell Metabolism, the findings suggest that epigenetic changes in the body may contribute to the development of diabetes.

        Further information
        2009-09-23 - ERC Starting Grant kick-starts independent diabetes research

        The European Research Council (ERC) has given the green light to a scientist and her research team to study the onset of albuminuria, an indicator of kidney disease. The ERC funding scheme, known as the Starting Grant, allows researchers at the early stages of their career to pursue independent study.

        Further information
        2009-09-23 - EUROLIFE celebrates 10 years of scientific excellence

        A consortium of universities working to promote research excellence celebrated its 10th anniversary at a symposium in Barcelona this week. The EUROLIFE Network of European Universities in Life Sciences consists of seven universities across Europe all dedicated to the task of advancing research and education in the life sciences through working partnerships.

        Further information
        2009-09-24 - European researchers develop test to pinpoint TB

        A group of European researchers have developed a test that can diagnose active tuberculosis (TB) in people even when traditional tests have failed. The findings are published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

        Further information
        2009-09-25 - UK scientists on the trail of HIV transmission patterns in heterosexuals

        Researchers in the UK have mapped the dynamics of HIV transmission in heterosexuals in the country and revealed a different infection pattern to that of homosexuals. Now published in the open-access journal Public Library of Science (PLoS) Pathogens, the study emphasises that early diagnosis could effectively limit the spread of HIV in this group of individuals.

        Further information
        2009-09-28 - Smoking and oral contraceptives may increase risk of stroke for some young women

        Dutch scientists have found that young women with lupus anticoagulant (LA) are at a far greater risk of stroke and heart attack than those without the antibody. The risk increases even further for these women if they are smokers and use oral contraceptives. Results from the study are published in the journal Lancet Neurology.

        Further information
        2009-09-28 - EU-funded researchers hunt down tumour killers using bacteria

        Infamous bacteria impacting our lives are Salmonellae, usually found in chicken and eggs. But are they getting too much of a bad rap? EU-funded researchers in Germany may have actually succeeded in putting a positive spin on Salmonellae following the discovery that the bacteria can migrate into solid tumours and destroy them. The findings are published in the journal Public Library of Science (PLoS) ONE. The research is funded in part by the CLINIGENE and MIDITRAIN projects. CLINIGENE received funding totalling EUR 12 million, and MIDITRAIN was supported with more than EUR 2 million in financing.

        Further information
        2009-09-29 - Vitamin C can protect skin, study finds

        British and Portuguese researchers have discovered that vitamin C can be used to treat wounds and protect skin cells from DNA damage. Writing in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine, the researchers evaluated the protective properties of this ascorbic acid in human skin cells to determine whether skin regeneration could be improved. The positive results could give the cosmetics industry a huge boost.

        Further information

      • Environment

        2009-09-02 - Curb emissions or face geoengineering uncertainty, report warns

        The future of the Earth could rest on unproven and possibly dangerous geoengineering techniques if we fail to prevent climate change by cutting CO2 emissions drastically, a new report from the Royal Society in the UK warns. The report, 'Geoengineering the climate: science, governance and uncertainty', makes it clear that unless future efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are taken more seriously and acted on swiftly, it will be necessary for to use geoengineering techniques to help mitigate the effects of climate change.

        Further information
        2009-09-04 - TEEB report update urges governments to seal climate change package

        The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) initiative has published an update to its May 2008 report on the economic necessity of protecting the world's ecosystems. TEEB, a long-term, EU-funded study that combines the expertise of scientists, economists and policy specialists from around the world, pinpoints specific consequences if governments fail to seal an ambitious climate-change deal in Copenhagen this December.

        Further information
        2009-09-09 - Researchers spotlight greenhouse gas that kept Earth safe

        A Danish-Japanese research team has unearthed the mystery behind why the Archean world was not frozen solid. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the findings provide evidence that greenhouse gas was responsible for keeping water liquid on Earth.

        Further information
        2009-09-15 - Scientists say geoengineering key for fight against global warming

        A new international report calls on governments and researchers to turn their attention to geoengineering to counteract the effects of global warming from greenhouse gas emissions, but not to overlook conventional climate mitigation strategies. In their commentary 'The Boundless Carbon Cycle', published in the journal Nature Geoscience, scientists from Austria, Belgium, Sweden and the US say the existing global strategies to mitigate man-made carbon emissions and address climate change have overlooked inland waters - a major component of the global carbon cycle.

        Further information
        2009-09-21 - EU backs ambitious restoration project

        Central and northern England's Peak District is set to undergo one of the biggest restoration ventures in Europe. The district's Peat Moorland area will benefit from the restoration and regeneration planned by the five-year Moorlife project, which forms part of the EU LIFE Programme and will receive GBP 5.5 million (over EUR 6 million) in funding.

        Further information
        2009-09-24 - Scientists tackle global desertification woes

        How significant is the role played by agricultural land use in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions? Huge, say the world's leading scientists for land management in vast dry areas. Gathering in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires from 22 to 24 September to discuss climate change and the desertification of dry lands, the experts say that not only is prevention of desertification feasible, but it is imperative for the success of a new climate deal.

        Further information

      • Agriculture

        2009-09-10 - Scientists decode potato-blight genome

        An international team of scientists has sequenced the genome of potato blight, the pathogen that caused the Irish potato famine and still costs farmers USD 6.7 billion (EUR 4.6 billion) every year in potato-crop losses. The findings, published in the journal Nature, help to explain how potato blight adapts so quickly to attempts to eliminate it, and could lead to the development of new strategies to control the pathogen.

        Further information
        2009-09-16 - EU-funded study urges caution on transgenic fish farming

        How can we curb overexploitation of fish stocks and give commercial fish farming a boost? Some experts say transgenic fish, whose genetic material has been altered to boost growth rates, is just the ticket. But EU-funded researchers in Sweden have sounded a warning bell: the escape of transgenic fish into the natural environment could trigger many problems that affect the well-being of people.

        Further information
        2009-09-22 - Change advocated for the European food system

        A new report published by the European Science Foundation (ESF) and the European Cooperation in the Field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST) calls for Europe to take a new approach on food security. This new approach should prioritise health and sustainability in research and use a holistic view in policy making.

        Further information
        2009-09-29 - Going bananas for plastic!

        Around 25,000 tonnes of banana plants are dumped in the ravines of Spain's Canary Islands following the fruit's harvesting each year. But now EU-funded researchers are working on a new technique that should make it possible to use these plants to produce plastic goods. The ground-breaking results will help Europeans in their quest to develop new and sustainable means of materials production.

        Further information

      • Transport

        2009-09-08 - Urbanites take heart: road safety better in cities

        Believe it or not, but life in the city is safer than in the countryside, new research shows. A traffic accident study conducted by researchers from Technische Universität (TU) Dortmund in Germany suggests that city-dwellers who are thinking of moving to the country because they believe it's less dangerous should reconsider their options.

        Further information

      • Nanosciences

        2009-09-04 - EUMINAfab is open for business and science

        The EUMINAfab ('European infrastructure for micro- and nanofabrication and characterisation') infrastructure facility has opened its virtual doors, and now offers researchers from science and industry open access to machines and know-how in micro- and nano-technologies.

        Further information
        2009-09-10 - R&D bottling cuts costs, boosts recycling

        Beer companies seeking to create new, trendy bottles for their brands should estimate how much it costs to sort the new bottles from the old ones in the recycling process. A collaboration between the German R&D company Syscona and Dutch brewery Grolsch has resulted in the launching of a newly designed bottle that not only burns fewer holes in their pockets but also improves the recycling process.

        Further information
        2009-09-25 - Enzyme modification can protect people and environment

        An international team of scientists led by Masaryk University in the Czech Republic has successfully developed a new method to improve the functional characteristics of enzymes. Beneficiaries of this latest innovation include actors in the medical, chemical and food industries. The procedure was presented in the Nature Chemical Biology journal.

        Further information
        2009-09-29 - EU-funded study: nanotechnology decision-making needs greater public involvement

        While efforts to involve the public in decision making on new technologies such as nanotechnology are impressive, they need to be substantially rethought, argues a new report from the EU-funded DEEPEN ('Deepening ethical engagement and participation in emerging nanotechnologies') project.

        Further information

      • Space

        2009-09-18 - Secrets of the Big Bang universe revealed by relic radiation images

        The Planck satellite observatory has successfully completed its two-week survey of the sky, and has delivered observations of our Galaxy's microwave background radiation with unprecedented sensitivity and detail. The new information can be used by cosmologists and astrophysicists to more precisely calculate details about the age and composition of the Universe.

        Further information

      • Energy

        2009-09-15 - Offshore energy could cover 10% of Europe's electricity needs, report states

        A new report published by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) predicts that European offshore wind projects - both existing and planned - could soon supply 10% of Europe's electricity. The report, entitled 'Oceans of opportunity', was presented at the European Offshore Wind 2009 conference in Stockholm, Sweden on 14 September.

        Further information
        2009-09-15 - Three-dimensional imaging leads to greater solar-cell efficiency, study shows

        German and Dutch researchers have produced the first three-dimensional images of nanoscale structures inside a polymer solar cell. Published in the journal Nature Materials, the findings give new insights into the structure of solar cells and may lead to their performance being enhanced.

        Further information

      • Maritime Affairs

        2009-09-07 - Polarstern installs Arctic Ocean observatory

        EU-funded researchers have succeeded in installing a new deep-sea observatory to monitor a mud volcano in the Arctic region. The observation ward was established during the research vessel Polarstern's 24th Arctic expedition from mid-July to early August. The study is part of the ESONET ('European seas observatory network') project, funded under the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) with EUR 7 million.

        Further information
        2009-09-16 - Studies show effects of acidification on marine ecosystems

        The future of several key marine organisms is severely threatened by the increasing acidification of oceans. Two partly EU-funded studies now published in the open access journal Biogeosciences lend emphasis to previous warnings from scientists worldwide concerning this secondary effect of excessive carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

        Further information
        2009-09-17 - Primordial seawater may shed light on Earth's chemical evolution

        Tests conducted by researchers in Germany on the chemical mixture present in the young Earth's oceans point to a clear chemical pathway embedded in salt crusts, which may be the key to the chemical raw materials of life. The discovery has important implications for Earth-like planets orbiting other stars, and may even add weight to the theory of life beyond planet Earth.

        Further information
        2009-09-18 - Scientists follow the voyages of marine microorganisms

        Two teams of scientists have taken a crucial step forward in understanding the distribution of planktonic microbes in our oceans. The studies, published in the journal Science, increase our understanding of marine biodiversity and show that neither diatoms (a group of microscopic algae) nor marine bacteria follow the same patterns as larger organisms.

        Further information

    • 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.

        Further information

      • European Technology Platforms

        Advanced Engineering Materials and Technologies (EuMaT)

        No events planned

        Further information
        Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe (ACARE)

        No events planned

        Further information
        European Technology Platform for Wind Energy (TPWind)

        No events planned

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        European Technology Platform Food for Life (Food)

        No events planned

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        European Space Technology Platform (ESTP)

        No events planned

        Further information
        European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP)

        No events planned

        Further information
        European Technology Platform for the Electricity Networks of the Future (SmartGrids)

        No events planned

        Further information
        Future Manufacturing Technologies (MANUFUTURE)

        No events planned

        Further information
        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"

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        Industrial Safety ETP (IndustrialSafety)

        No events planned

        Further information
        Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI)

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

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        Mobile and Wireless Communications (eMobility)

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

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        Networked European Software and Services Initiative (NESSI)

        No events planned

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        Photovoltaics (PV Platform)

        No events planned

        Further information
        Plants for the Future (Plants)

        No events planned.

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        European Technology Platform for Sustainable Chemistry (SusChem)

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

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        Water Supply and Sanitation Platform (WSSTP)

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

        Further information
        Waterborne ETP (Waterborne)

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

        Further information
        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

        Further information

      • Joint Technology Initiatives

        Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI)

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

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        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

        Further information
        2009-09-14 - IMI's new Executive Director: 'My priority is to attract the best scientists'

        Earlier this year, Belgian immunology professor Michel Goldman was named as the new Executive Director of the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) Joint Technology Initiative (JTI). Before starting work in his new post on 16 September, he spoke to CORDIS News about his career so far and his hopes for the IMI.

        Further information
        2009-09-14 - Innovative Medicines Initiative: putting Europe at the forefront of biopharmaceutical innovation

        Today, the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), the public-private partnership between the European Commission and the European pharmaceutical industry, represented by EFPIA, made its first major announcement of the success of the collaboration. IMI announced the topics of research of its second call for proposals. With these topics, IMI aims to accelerate the discovery and development of new medicines in the field of cancer, inflammatory and infectious disease. The funding available for the 2nd call will be €156.3 million, with €76.8 million provided by the European Commission and €79.5 million expected to be provided in kind from EFPIA member companies. IMI also introduced also its newly-appointed Executive Director, Michel Goldman, who will officially take up his post on 16 September.

        Further information

  • Innovation policy

    2009-09-03 - Innovation policy review highlights achievements and challenges

    The EU and its Member States have made good progress on innovation in recent years. Nevertheless, further action is urgently needed if the EU is to become the world's leading knowledge-based economy. This is the main message from a newly released Commission Communication which reviews progress on innovation in the EU and highlights the challenges ahead.

    Further information

  • Regional policy

    2009-09-03 - Commissioner Samecki praises South Sweden for good use of EU funds: an astute combination of innovation and cross-border investment

    Pawel Samecki, European Commissioner responsible for Regional Policy, will be in the Skåne-Blekinge region (South Sweden) on 4 September. During meetings with regional policy-makers, the Commissioner will discuss priority issues for the EU Swedish Presidency: Europe's response to the economic crisis, the future of Cohesion Policy and the EU Baltic Sea Region Strategy. The Commissioner will also visit EU-funded projects in Malmö, notably "Moving Media Southern Sweden", recognised as a key innovative approach to digital media policy.

    Further information

    2009-09-22 - New ESPON Calls: up to 14.910.000 Euro for Research Proposals and Expression of Interests

    Researchers, experts and stakeholders in the public and private sector from 31 European countries are invited to become involved in up to 31 new projects on new analyses under the ESPON 2013 Programme. Public authorities are in particular invited to express their interest and ideas on future targeted analyses based on ESPON results tailored to meet their needs.

    Further information

  • Information society

    2009-09-09 - Saving more lives on Europe's roads: mobile phone operators sign up for eCall roll-out

    Today, eCall, Europe's in-car automatic emergency call system, received the full backing of Europe's mobile phone industry. Representatives of the industry's GSM Association underlined their commitment to this life-saving technology by signing the EU's Memorandum of Understanding to implement eCall across Europe. eCall automatically dials   112, Europe's single emergency number  , when a car has a serious accident and sends its location to the nearest emergency service – even when passengers do not know or cannot say where they are. Rolling out eCall requires close cooperation between public authorities, car companies and mobile phone operators and could save up to 2,500 lives each year in the EU when fully deployed and reduce the severity of injuries by 10 to 15%.

    Further information

  • Enterprises

    2009-09-29 - Mastering key technologies to shape the industrial future of the EU

    Key Enabling Technologies such as nanotechnology, micro- and nanoelectronics including semiconductors, advanced materials, biotechnology and photonics are of exceptional importance for being at the forefront of managing the shift to a low carbon, knowledge-based economy. Mastering such technologies lays stable foundation for well paid jobs in the EU and allows for sustainable, broadly shared growth. They are the main drivers for innovative goods and services needed for addressing major societal challenges. Therefore the Commission proposes to develop and implement a European vision for the industrial deployment of such technologies in the EU.

    Further information
• 

  Other EU Policies and funding programmes supporting the Lisbon Strategy

  • Environment

    2009-09-08 - Environment: Measuring progress in a changing world

    Measuring progress in a changing world is the focus of a Commission communication that was launched at a high-level workshop held today. The actions proposed in this communication aim to improve the measurement of a nation's progress by complementing the current and best known measure of economic activity, Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As a part of efforts to make the shift towards a low carbon, resource-efficient economy the Commission will present a pilot version of a comprehensive environmental index in 2010. The European Statistical System will implement Environmental Accounting as a standard in Macro-economic statistics.

    Further information

    2009-09-10 - Commission sets out global finance blueprint for ambitious action by developing nations

    The European Commission today put forward a blueprint for scaling up international finance to help developing countries combat climate change. This initiative aims to maximise the chances of concluding an ambitious global climate change agreement at the December U.N. climate conference in Copenhagen. By 2020 developing countries are likely to face annual costs of around €100 billion to mitigate their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Much of the finance needed will have to come from domestic sources and an expanded international carbon market, but international public financing of some €22-50 billion a year is also likely to be necessary. The Commission proposes that industrialised nations and economically more advanced developing countries should provide this public financing in line with their responsibility for emissions and ability to pay. This could mean an EU contribution of some €2-15 billion a year by 2020, assuming an ambitious agreement is reached in Copenhagen.

    Further information

    2009-09-15 - European Mobility Week 2009: 'Improving City Climates'

    From 16 to 22 September 2009, hundreds of European towns and cities will participate in the eighth edition of European Mobility Week and invite their citizens to a wide range of activities promoting sustainable mobility. The 2009 campaign theme – Improving City Climates – underlines the importance of local level efforts to tackle climate change and improve quality of life through the promotion of alternative transport modes to the car such as cycling, walking, and public transport as well as schemes such car-sharing and car-pooling.

    Further information

    2009-09-16 - European Union hails universal ratification of the Montreal Protocol on protecting the ozone layer

    The Swedish Presidency of the European Union and the European Commission welcome the universal ratification of the Montreal Protocol announced today, following ratification by Timor-Leste. This announcement coincides with International Day for the preservation of the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol, which bans the production of ozone-depleting substances, is widely recognised as a success story which has put the ozone layer on the road to recovery. The Protocol has also helped significantly to protect the global climate since ozone-depleting substances are also potent greenhouse gases. The EU is keen to ensure the Montreal Protocol plays a continued role in combating climate change in co-operation with the UN climate convention, particularly regarding possible action on HFC industrial gases. HFCs are increasingly being used to replace ozone-depleting substances but are themselves powerful greenhouse gases.

    Further information

    2009-09-18 - Emissions trading: Member States approve list of sectors deemed to be exposed to carbon leakage

    EU Member States today approved a draft Decision listing 164 industrial sectors and sub-sectors deemed to be exposed to 'carbon leakage'. Under the revised EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) which will apply from 2013, installations in such sectors will receive a higher share of greenhouse gas emission allowances free of charge than other industrial sectors. The final Decision should be adopted by the European Commission by the end of the year following scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council.

    Further information

    2009-09-22 - Flower power: Commission rewards EU companies for spreading the environmental message

    The European Commission will present the first EU Ecolabel Communication Award at a ceremony in Brussels tomorrow. The award recognises outstanding achievement in increasing public awareness of the EU Ecolabel – the European Union's label for environmentally-friendly products and services. The fast-growing label can now be found on almost 20,000 products and tourist accommodation services throughout the European Union and beyond.

    Further information

    2009-09-23 - Commission greener than ever

    The European Commission has long been at the political forefront of fighting global climate change. As an organisation with a large workforce, it also leads by example and makes a real difference. Building on the success of its pilot project launched in 2001, the European Commission has now decided to extend its environmental management system to all its activities and buildings in Brussels and Luxembourg. With this certification scheme — based on the EMAS regulation (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) — the Commission implements a system that defines and evaluates environmental aspects of its activities, leading to continuous improvements in areas such as increased energy efficiency, optimal use of natural resources and reduction of CO 2 emissions.

    Further information

    2009-09-25 - Bangkok meeting must make decisive progress towards ambitious global deal

    The Swedish Presidency of the EU and the European Commission today called on international negotiators to make decisive progress towards an ambitious global climate change agreement at two weeks of world climate talks in Bangkok starting on 28 September. The Bangkok meeting is the penultimate preparatory session before the Copenhagen U.N. climate conference in December at which the global deal is due to be concluded.

    Further information

  • Health

    2009-09-15 - Commission adopts EU strategy on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009

    Today, the Commission adopted a strategy paper supporting Member States in their efforts to respond efficiently to the pandemic H1N1 2009. In order to minimise the negative impact of the pandemic, the Commission highlights the importance of close coordination between EU Member States in all related sectors affected by the pandemic. The Commission leads the EU coordination on the pandemic through well established structures such as the EU's Health Security Committee and with the scientific advice provided by EU Agencies (e.g European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and European Medicines Agency). The strategy paper identifies key strategic strands to strengthen coordination and emphasises support to the Member States that are in a less favourable situation. Vaccination remains one of the most effective means of preventing the spread of the pandemic and attention is centred on vaccine development and vaccination strategies as well as supporting Member States in procuring vaccines. The need for clear, coherent and targeted messages on preventive measures, including vaccination, to the public is addressed. Solidarity for third countries is also part of the overall capacity building that the Commission wants to promote.

    Further information

    2009-09-24 - Commission welcomes adoption of legislation on plant protection products

    The Council has adopted today a Regulation to replace the current legislation setting out the rules on the authorisation of plant protection products. This Regulation, based on a Commission proposal, will result in an increased protection of human health and of the environment in the use of plant protection products. At the same time, the new Regulation will also lead to a better protection of agricultural production and extend and deepen the single market of plant protection products.

    Further information

    2009-09-29 - Working together to fight cancer- President Barroso and Commissioner Vassiliou launch the European Partnership for Action against Cancer

    Today, in Brussels, over 300 cancer organisations, patients and cancer survivors, health professionals, researchers, health authorities and health ministers gather to mark the official launch of the European Partnership for Action against Cancer. The opening speeches by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou and HRH Princess Mathilde of Belgium highlight the impact of cancer on individuals and, their families. In addition, the importance of talking about cancer, breaking down the barriers of stigma and secrecy which surround some cancers is also raised. Three million people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the EU. It is the second biggest cause of death in both men and women. The Partnership aims to draw together relevant organisations to share expertise, to identify challenges in order to reduce the number of new cancer cases in the EU by 15% by 2020.

    Further information

  • Transport

    2009-09-08 - Commission Report on Railway Safety and Interoperability

    The European Commission has today published a report on the implementation of the Community rail safety and interoperability directives which, together with legislation on market access, form the legal framework for a truly integrated European Railway Area. The Commission is globally satisfied with the quality of harmonisation of technical requirements but finds that the speed of implementation of harmonised rules is still slow. This is also due to the long life cycle of some parts of the rail systems, such as infrastructure and rolling stock.

    Further information

  • Agriculture and fisheries

    2009-09-17 - Milk: Commission proposes further measures to help dairy sector in short, medium and long term

    Mariann Fischer Boel, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, today set out in detail the latest stage of the Commission's ongoing campaign to help European Union dairy farmers out of the current market crisis. The package of measures, presented today to the European Parliament, follows up the Commission's report from July and looks at both short-term measures and actions to secure the longer-term future of the dairy sector. The Commission has already started the process of allowing Member States to pay temporarily aid of up to €15,000 to farmers. It also proposes that the dairy sector should be covered by an emergency clause which already exists for other farm sectors, to allow a quicker response to future market disturbances. Changes to the operation of quota buying-up schemes by Member States will make sure that bought up quota which is kept in the national reserve should no longer count as part of the national quota when it comes to deciding whether or not superlevy is due. If superlevy is then collected, the part corresponding to the bought-up quota can be used for restructuring. With a view to the longer term, the Commission will establish a working group of experts from the Member States and the Commission. This will look, among other things, at contractual relations between farmers and the dairy industry, the results of the report into the workings of the food chain in the dairy sector - which will be published before the end of the year - and the possibility of a dairy futures market.

    Further information

    2009-09-29 - Commission to recover € 214.6 million of CAP expenditure from the Member States

    A total of € 214.6 million of EU farm money unduly spent by Member States is claimed back as a result of a decision adopted by the European Commission. The money returns to the Community budget because of non-compliance with EU rules or inadequate control procedures on agricultural expenditure. Member States are responsible for paying out and checking expenditure under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the Commission is required to ensure that Member States have made correct use of the funds.

    Further information

  • Energy

    2009-09-10 - European Commission opens negotiations with Turkey upon accession to the Energy Community

    On 9 September 2009, a Turkish delegation lead by Mr Yusuf Yazar, Deputy Undersecretary for Energy, met in Vienna with a European Commission negotiating team headed by Mr Fabrizio Barbaso, Deputy Director General for Energy, for a first negotiating session in view of Turkey's accession to the Energy Community Treaty. "Turkey is carrying out fundamental reforms in order to address its huge energy challenge. Turkey is well prepared and has an important role to play in the Energy Community. I hope that the negotiations will proceed swiftly and could be concluded in the coming months" commented Commissioner Piebalgs.

    Further information

    2009-09-22 - Annual photovoltaics production on the rise, JRC reports

    The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) reports a considerable rise in worldwide photovoltaics production. Across the globe, production volume in 2008 increased by 80% as compared to 2007. This resulted in an output of 7.3 gigawatts (GW), the JRC concludes, in its newly published eighth Annual Photovoltaics Status Report.
    

    Further information

    2009-09-23 - Commissioner Piebalgs takes part in the inauguration of the state of the art Solar Power Plant in Seville

    Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs participated today in the inauguration of Europe's largest central receiver  solar power plant near Seville, Spain, in the presence of King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía. The new plant called PS20 will produce enough clean electricity to supply 10,000 homes, and will prevent the emission of approximately 12,000 tons of CO2 per year into the atmosphere.

    Further information

  • Maritime Affairs

    2009-09-11 - EU strategy to improve maritime governance in the Mediterranean Sea

    The European Commission presented today a strategy aimed at countering the various maritime challenges in the Mediterranean Sea basin. The improved governance of maritime affairs would be an important driver for more sustainable growth in the region, while at the same addressing common issues of concern. Competition for marine space, threats to maritime safety, environmental degradation and the adverse effects of climate change all point to the need for a more coordinated response of maritime governance in the region, also in cooperation with non-EU Mediterranean partners.

    Further information

    2009-09-11 - Adapting the policies for maritime industries and their employment to the current economic downturn

    The Vice-President of the European Commission Günter Verheugen has met today at Bremerhaven with high representatives from Member States, the shipbuilding and marine equipment industry and trade unions to discuss the difficult situation of maritime industry in Europe and to revisit the policy framework of the LeaderSHIP 2015 agenda in light of the current crisis.

    Further information
• 

  Research, Innovation, Training and Competitiveness related EU events

  • List of opened calls for proposals launched by the European Commission

    To consult our updated table of calls, click on our dedicated webpage below

    Further information

Special chapter on training opportunities

Next Sessions in English in Brussels

Prochaines sessions en français à Paris et Bruxelles

Próximas sesiones en español a Madrid