Sixth Framework Programme

FP6 is the current (2002-2006) European Union Framework Programme set up for funding European research and technological development. It is a collection of the actions at EU level to fund and promote research. The main objective of FP6 is to contribute to the creation of the European Research Area by improving integration and co-ordination of research in Europe, which is so far largely fragmented. The research projects funded and supported in this framework have to be transnational, in other words managed by consortia of partners from different countries, and interdisciplinary : gathering research centers, innovative companies, in particular small or medium-sized enterprises, and public administrations (SME). Moreover, the funded projects have to be focused on one of the seven thematic priorities defined by the Programme:

1. Life sciences, Genomics and Biotechnology for Health 2. Information Society Technologies 3. Nano-technologies and nano-sciences, knowledge-based multifunctional materials, new production processes 4. Aeronautics and Space 5. Food Quality and Safety 6. Sustainable Development, Global Change and Ecosystems 7. Citizens and Governance in a knowledge-based society

Projects funded are selected through Calls for Proposals, each call corresponding to a specific domain of priority. The budget of FP6 is of 17.5 billion euros for the years 2002 - 2006.