'Framework programmes' (FPs) have been the main financial tools through which the European Union supports research and development activities covering almost all scientific disciplines. FPs are proposed by the European Commission and adopted by Council and the European Parliament following a co-decision procedure. This link will guide you to all available information about FP7.

IGLO is an informal grouping of the liaison offices based in Brussels which facilitate access to European R&D funding.

The offices:

• disseminate targeted, timely advice and information on research funding opportunities
• interact proactively with the European Commission and other contacts in Brussels
• act as a user-friendly interface between the scientific community and the European institutions, to their mutual benefit
• advise how to access European R&D programmes and activities
• monitor policy developments
• facilitate contacts
• provide a partner search service
• provide fast and effective dissemination channels to the scientific community
• provide the European Commission and other Brussels contacts with information about the research and training community in each country

The IGLO offices closely co-operate via regular meetings in order to exchange information, to discuss new developments with key contact persons and to promote general collaboration.
IGLO can be contacted through the secretary, Michel Chasseriaux Clora, Tel.: +32-2-506 88 64, , Email: chasseriaux@clora.net

The Commission awards money in the form of grants in order to implement projects or activities in relation to European Union policies. These grants may be awarded within fields as diverse as research, education, health, consumer protection, protection of the environment, humanitarian aid, etc. This site gives an overview on the different funds in different areas and countries.

National Contact Points (NCPs) are established in each EU member state and provide a local support on the EU Funding. Every company will find a specific responsible person for the different research and innovation areas. The NCP Life Science in Bonn provides a comprehensive website with detailed information on the 6th framework programme, the thematic priorities (for example 1.1.5 food safety and quality), the funding for SMEs, the description of project instruments (e.g. 2.1 SME specific measurements), rules for participation, partner search, open calls, statistics and a list of funding data bases.

Austrian universities, research institutions and enterprises can apply for project initiation grants (Anbahnungsfinanzierung) at the Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft (FFG), the Austrian National Contact Point for the EU framework programms. This funding is granted in order to finance the costs of initiating a FP7 project and writing the proposal. The grants are ¤ 15.000,-- for coordinators and ¤7.000,-- for partners. The deadline for applying for the initiation grant is always three week before the deadline of the respective calls for proposals.

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