Each Specific Programme will not necessarily open all the above mentioned types of actions in all calls. Please refer to sections II and Part 2 of this Guide to see which actions are called for in the different programmes and calls.

I.3.3 Clusters

The cluster is a defined group of RTD projects. Its aim is to guarantee complementarity among projects, to maximise European added value within a given field and to establish a critical mass of resources at the European level.

An integrated approach towards research fields and projects financed is needed to solve complex multidisciplinary problems effectively. The clusters reflect this problem-solving approach. Indeed, in a cluster projects are joined together because they complement each other in addressing major objectives in the context of a key action or a generic activity (sometimes even across different key actions or specific programmes). Clusters are expected to optimise scientific networking, management, co-ordination, monitoring, the exchange of information and, on voluntary basis, the exploitation and dissemination activities. The cluster may thus become a natural process to generate European added value, wherever it makes sense, beyond the limited resources of an isolated project.

All types of projects can be assembled and integrated within a cluster, including those funded by different EU RTD activities (key action, generic activity, infrastructure). By the same token, and as part of an overall European approach, relevant activities under other research frameworks (notably EUREKA, COST) could also be taken into account whenever this can reinforce synergy. Clusters will be set up through thematic networks or complementary clauses.

I.3.4. Gender equal opportunities

In line with the Commission’s strategic approach of mainstreaming equal opportunities in all Union policies, particular account is taken in the Fifth Framework Programme of the need to promote the participation of women in the fields of research and technological development. Therefore women are encouraged to participate in proposals for the above mentioned RTD activities.

Box 1 - Bursaries for young researchers from Developing Countries

When preparing a joint research proposal¹ or concerted action proposal for submission to any of the programmes, a consortium may, if it wishes, include an application for an international co-operation training bursary². These bursaries will be funded from the budget of the Specific Programme ‘Confirming the International Role of Community Research’ and are intended to allow young researchers from Developing Countries, including Emerging Economies and Mediterranean Partner Countries³ to work for up to 6 months in a European research institute participating in a FP-5 project. The bursaries will be granted for training activities only (e.g. to allow the applicant to learn a new scientific technique or for work on a particular experiment or set of experiments where the host institution has particular expertise and which cannot be performed in the home institution of the candidate).

The bursary application must be submitted together with the proposal application and will be evaluated together with it. Spontaneous, individual bursary applications will not be accepted. Inclusion of a bursary application will neither enhance nor detract from the chances of success of the proposal. Only if the whole proposal is selected for funding and the bursary application is highly rated, will the bursary be granted. A poor bursary application can be rejected without harming the chances of success of the proposal.

In order to be eligible, the bursary applicant must not be more than 40 years of age at the time of application, must be a national of one of the eligible countries³ and be established and working in that country and intending to return there at the end of the training period. She/he must also have a good knowledge of a working language of the host institute. Applications from female researchers are encouraged.

The host institute must be established in an EU Member State or in a State Associated to FP-5⁴ and must be a member of the consortium proposing the research project or concerted action.

Eligible bursary applications will be evaluated according to the excellence of the scientific and/or training objectives of the application, its potential value to the applicant and his/her institute and to the project as a whole, as well as the experience and professional training of the candidate.

The 6 month training period may start at any time up to 12 months from the Commission signature of the main project contract. A fixed sum will be granted to cover the cost of one (apex) return fare from the place of origin of the candidate to the host institute, and a daily allowance for the duration of the training period (based on the rates for Marie Curie Fellowships, see the corresponding brochure for applicants).

1 Research and Technological Development projects, Demonstration projects and Combined projects (see point I.3.2.a)

2 Application forms can be downloaded from the CORDIS web site page (http://www.cordis.lu/fp5) for the Calls to which you reply, or ordered from the Programmes’ information desk.

3 Developing countries are: African, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) countries, Asian and Latin American (ALA) countries, Mediterranean countries (MC).

4 For the list of Associated States, see box 4.

Box 2 – The System of Marie Curie Fellowships

II. The Specific Programme: Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources

II.1. Programme objectives

Economic and political developments in Europe have resulted in greater prosperity, increased life expectancy and better working conditions. These improvements have, however, been accompanied by challenges, such as higher health-care costs, an ageing population, environmental degradation and heightened ethical concerns. A gap has become increasingly evident between the availability of natural resources and human activities. Paradoxically, this has occurred just as there is an "explosion" in the knowledge base concerning the structure and function of all living things, pointing towards new developments in, for example, health-care, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and food.

This programme aims to unlock the resources of the living world and improve the quality of life. To achieve this, the links between discovery, production and end-use must be consolidated. The needs of society and the requirements of the consumer are paramount and research must lead to quantifiable future wealth and job creation, while respecting the principles of sustainable development.

II.2. Programme strategy

The strategy of this programme is to focus on specific areas where the growing knowledge base should provide solutions to some of the pressing needs of society that need to be tackled on a European scale. Fundamental ethical values must be respected.

Based on the criteria laid down for selecting the major research themes for the Fifth Framework Programme, emphasis in this programme will be placed on the following:

European added value. This will be achieved by addressing specific cross-border challenges, such as improving health and managing and exploiting renewable natural resources. Themes such as drug abuse, biosafety, bioethics and issues related to agriculture, forestry and fisheries should reinforce the scientific base in support of Community policies. Indeed many of the activities addressed in the programme, such as genomic research, neurosciences, infectious diseases, ageing and disabilities sustainable management and utilisation of forestry resources, fish management and human, animal and plant diseases, due to their size and complexity, are more meaningful if they are addressed at the European level.

Social objectives. Research must be developed which promotes health and quality of life, secures safe and wholesome food, preserves and restores a healthy environment, stimulates rural and coastal communities, improves response to consumer needs and facilitates information flow to the consumer.

Economic development. The huge potential for economic growth and job creation must be realised, both in the traditional industries, including primary production and in the rapidly growing high technology industries dominated by small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). To contribute effectively to European competitiveness and employment, results must be transferred from research into commercially successful products and processes. Intrinsic to this approach is the effective use of demonstration, training, dissemination and exploitation of research results, along with stimulation of innovation and entrepreneurship.

II.3. Programme structure and contents

The programme is primarily built around six specific key actions that are goal-oriented and problem solving. The key actions are targeted at identifiable socio-economic and market needs, such as improving quality and safety of food; controlling infectious diseases; harnessing the power of the cell; health and environment; sustainable agriculture, forestry and fisheries, integrated rural development, sustainable development; and promoting healthy ageing. A unique feature of key actions is their response to Community policy objectives, in areas like agriculture and fisheries, industry, consumer protection, environment and health.

In addition, the generic activities of the programme aim to build up through RTD the knowledge base in identified areas of strategic importance for the future, in relation to chronic and degenerative diseases, genomes, neurosciences, public health, persons with disabilities and ethical and socio-economic issues surrounding the life sciences. Support for research infrastructures, dissemination and exploitation of results, training and an increased role for SMEs, and entrepreneurship are also an integral part of the programme.

The following section represents a short overview of the programme structure and contents. Detailed objectives and RTD priorities are specified in the Work Programme. Be sure to consult the current version, since the Work Programme is revised periodically.

II.3.1. Six key actions

1. Food, Nutrition and Health

To improve the health of European citizens by providing safe, healthy and varied food products. RTD priorities include the development of safe and flexible manufacturing processes and technologies, the detection and elimination of infectious and toxic agents throughout the food chain, and gaining a more profound understanding of the role of food in promoting and sustaining health.

2. Control of Infectious Diseases

To combat established, emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases, linked to old, new or mutated infectious agents in humans or animals. RTD priorities include vaccine development; strategies to identify and control infectious diseases; and aspects of public health and care delivery systems.

3. The "Cell Factory"

To help the Community’s enterprises exploit the advances made in life sciences and technology, particularly in the fields of health, environment, agriculture, agro-industries and high value-added products. RTD priorities include developing innovative health-related processes and products; energy-efficient bioremediation and waste biotreatment processes; and new biological processes from cell factories.

4. Environment and Health