Seventh Framework Programme

Why participate

FP7 programme is Europe’s largest funding opportunity for research and innovation in all scientific areas.  Ongoing case studies with New Zealand participation in FP6 involved New Zealand  ..... projects partners. The reasons for participation in FP7 projects:

The benefits of New Zealand - EU research collaboration:
• The opportunity to develop new skills and, in turn, assimilate these back into the New Zealand research community
• The ability to maintain and strengthen existing collaborative links
• The chance to develop new collaborative links with other project partners
• The opportunity to enhance individual/institutional visibility within Europe with a view to future cooperative initiatives

Collaborative benefits for the EU:
New Zealand researchers believe that they bring something unique and unavailable to Europe regarding FP7 project participation such as “uniqueness” could be expressed in a variety of ways:

 • Access to specific expertise
 • Access to specific resources
 • The country’s ability to act as a foreign testing ground concerning global FP7 initiatives

The direct and indirect benefits of international collaboration could be identified as:

 • Facilitating co-operation of New Zealand – European experts within research of global status
 • Strengthen the reputation of New Zealand – European research and innovation scientists
 • Attract New Zealand –EU key skills, capabilities and access to research organisations
 • Providing access to international expertise and exchange of ideas
 • Enhance opportunity for cultural and professional development between Europe and New Zealand researchers
 • Increasing access to new funding opportunities between Europe and New Zealand

OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY FP7

For universities and research centres
 •  Focussed research within multi-partner consortia 
 •  Individual basic research projects
 •  Research by public-private partnerships 
 •  Access to research infrastructures, co-financing of new, unique research infrastructures at the European level
 •  Strengthen scientific networks (exchange, coordination and integration)
 •  Conferences, studies and exchange of best practice
 •  Evaluation of FP7

For SMEs
 •  Focussed research within multi-partner consortia
 •  Funding of research and innovation projects outsourced to proficient research partners
 •  Conferences, studies and exchange of best practice

CAN I PARTICIPATE IN FP7 IF I AM BASED IN NEW ZEALAND

Organisations and researchers from more than 100 countries all over the world are already involved in EU research programmes. The European international cooperation policy has two key objectives:

• to support European competitiveness in selected fields through strategic partnerships with third countries, and initiatives that encourage the best third-country scientists to work in and with Europe;
• to address specific problems that either have a global character or are commonly faced by third countries, on the basis of mutual interest and mutual benefit.

Finally, with respect to third countries, FP7 also provides for international outgoing and incoming fellowships to foster collaboration with research groups outside Europe.

Participation is open to international organisations and legal entities established in third countries after the minimum conditions laid down in the ‘Rules for participation’ have been met, as well as any conditions specified in the specific programmes or relevant work programmes.

HOW DO YOU FIND OUT MORE?

To find out more information with regard to FP7, the calls, identifying opportunities and partners and the application process please contact Carole Glynn at Euro Research Support. This free service is provided to researchers and organisations that seek to engage with the research and education programmes of the European Commission.

Carole has over 15 year’s experience of Framework Programme activities and can help you to navigate your way through the FP7 framework programme and forthcoming Horizon 2020 programme.

New Zealand National Contact Point (NCP) 
Carole Glynn
Euro Research Support Limited
Phone: +64 07 808 0875

For more information on the European Commission website:

Tomorrows Answers Start Today - FP7 fact Sheet
FP7 in brief
Participate in FP7