1. introduction

EURATOM RESEARCH AND TRAINING PROGRAMME ON NUCLEAR ENERGY

(2002-2006)

WORK PROGRAMME2005/06

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................4

1.1 General.....................................................................................................................41.2 Scope of Work Programme......................................................................................51.3 Cross Cutting Issues.................................................................................................51.4 Submitting a Proposal..............................................................................................71.5 Cross Cutting Proposals...........................................................................................71.6 Evaluation Criteria and Related Issues....................................................................71.7 Specific Support Actions..........................................................................................8

2. TECHNICAL CONTENT – FUSION ENERGY RESEARCH .............................8

2.1 Programme in the Associations................................................................................92.2 Exploitation of the JET facilities............................................................................102.3 Next Step / ITER ...................................................................................................102.4 Training Fellowships and European Re-integration Grants (FUSION-2003-2.4). 11

3. TECHNICAL CONTENT – MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE, RADIATION PROTECTION AND OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES AND SAFETY ......................11

3.1 Structure and overall approach...............................................................................113.2 Management of Radioactive Waste.......................................................................12

3.2.1 Geological disposal .........................................................................................123.2.2 Partitioning and transmutation and other concepts to produce less waste in

nuclear energy generation..........................................................................153.2.3 Radioactive Waste Management Infrastructures.............................................17

3.3. Radiation Protection..............................................................................................173.3.1 Quantification of risks associated with low and protracted exposures ...........183.3.2 Medical exposures and natural sources of radiation........................................193.3.3 Protection of the environment and radioecology.............................................193.3.4 Risk and emergency management...................................................................203.3.5 Protection of the workplace.............................................................................21

3.4 Other Activities in the Field of Nuclear Technologies and Safety .......................223.4.1 Innovative Concepts.......................................................................................223.4.2 Education and Training....................................................................................233.4.3 Safety of Existing Nuclear Installations..........................................................243.4.4 Cross-cutting activities for Nuclear Technologies and Safety.........................25

3.5 Specific support actions, trans-national access to large infrastructures, and actions to promote and develop human resources and mobility....................................26

3.5.1 Specific support actions (NUCHORIZ-2003-3.5.1)........................................263.5.2 Trans-national access to large infrastructures (NUCHORIZ-2003-3.5.2).......273.5.3 Actions to promote and develop human resources and mobility.....................273.5.4 Selected topics for the Call Open (published on 17.12.2002 and amended 2

December 2004) ........................................................................................28

4. IMPLEMENTATION...............................................................................................28

4.1 Fusion Energy Research.........................................................................................284.2 Management of Radioactive Waste, Radiation Protection And Other Activities In

The Field Of Nuclear Technologies And Safety...............................................29

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5. CALL INFORMATION...........................................................................................30

5.1 Fiche for Call 2005-6 - Fixed Deadline................................................................305.2 Fiche for Call Open – Continuously Open Call (published on 17.12.2002 and

updated 14 November 2003, 2 December 2004 and 7 June 2005)....................32

ANNEXES......................................................................................................................35

ANNEX I: Global Time-Table of Calls (2002-2006) .................................................35

ANNEX II: Road Map for Call for Proposals and Budget........................................36

ANNEX III: Instruments to be used............................................................................37

ANNEX IV: Common evaluation criteria for evaluating proposals.........................42

ANNEX V: Implementing rules for training fellowships and grants ......................56

ANNEX VI: Implementing rules for transnational access to large infrastructures65

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 General

Following the adoption of the specific programme (Euratom) for “Research and Training on Nuclear Energy1” and the rules for participation2, the Commission adopts Work programmes periodically with the assistance of the programme committee. The work programmes are generally followed by Calls for proposals.

The work programmes set out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and technical priorities and the timetable for implementation of the specific programme. Research and development activities in this programme comprise three thematic priorities, fusion energy research, management of radioactive waste and radiation protection, and other activities in the field of nuclear technologies and safety.

This work programme (WP2005/06) is the third update of the Euratom work programme that was first published in 6 December 2002 (WP2003)3 and subsequently updated in 7 November 2003 (WP 2004)4 and 1 December 2004 (WP 2005)5. These earlier work programmes have formed the basis of the Call for proposals under Call 2003 – Fixed deadline (6 May 2003), Call 2004 – Fixed deadline (14 April 2004) and the Call Open – Continuously Open Call (7 half-yearly closure dates until April 2006).

Subsequent to the adoption of this work programme (WP2005/06), the open call will be updated (giving budget for 2006) and a fixed deadline call will be launched based on the technical content of chapter 3 where the main differences between WP 2005 and WP 2005/06 are found. In this chapter, though the general scientific and technical objectives have remained unchanged, the topics of third fixed call (deadline 11 October 2005) have been described. Other changes relate to minor updates of the text of WP 2005. No changes have been introduced concerning fusion energy research (except budget for open call in 2006).

In drawing up the WP2005/6, the Commission has taken stock of the latest situation by making an analysis of the research projects funded. With the advice from the programme committee, it has decided on the remaining future needs of the research work to be carried out in the Sixth Framework Programme in accordance with the specific programme. In this process, it has also taken account of the results of a call for expressions of interest that had a deadline of 14 March 2004. The results of the analysis of the expressions of interest are available on Cordis.

The manner in which the thematic priority – Fusion Energy Research – is implemented differs greatly from that for the other two thematic priorities – Management of Radioactive Waste and Radiation Protection – and also the Other Activities in the Field of Nuclear Technologies and Safety. The latter are implemented mainly through calls for proposals whereas the former is implemented by different mechanisms that have been developed especially for fusion energy research and reflect the particular nature of research in this area. Consequent upon these differences, not all of the material in this Section is relevant to fusion energy research (and vice versa), in particular those aspects concerned with instruments and evaluation criteria that will be used generally in the Sixth Framework Programme in those areas implemented through calls for proposals.

1 OJ L 294, 29.10.2002, p.442 OJ L 355, 30.12.2002, p 353 C (2002) 48814 C (2003) 41035 C (2004) 4423

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The more general aspects (eg, international collaboration, ethical issues, socio-economic research, mobility of researchers, etc) are, however, equally applicable to all three thematic priorities and the other activities.

Activities within the thematic priority – fusion energy research - will mainly be carried out by the European laboratories associated with Euratom and by the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA) Close Support Units, in collaboration with university teams, and by industry.

In the areas of the management of radioactive waste, radiation protection and other activities in the field of nuclear technologies and safety, the new instruments (integrated projects and networks of excellence) are recognised as being an overall priority means to attain the objectives of critical mass, integration of the research capacities, management simplification and European added value.

The new instruments have been used from the start in each of these areas and, where deemed appropriate, as a priority means, while maintaining the use of those used in previous programmes: namely, specific targeted research and training projects, co-ordination actions, specific support actions, trans-national access to large or unique infrastructures and various actions to promote and develop human resources (see Annex III). In view of the Marimon report and discussions in the Fission Programme Committee, in WP2005/06, the use of the instruments used in the previous programmes has been increased. A smooth transition with previous programmes is thus ensured. For the first time in the Euratom programme, also the new instrument for integrated infrastructure initiatives have been introduced.

More information on the provisions for implementing the new instruments is available on Cordis http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/instruments.htm.

1.2 Scope of Work Programme

The scope of this work programme corresponds to that defined in the specific programme. The Work programmes 2003 and 2004 were used for the calls for proposals with deadlines of 6 May 2003 and 14 April 2004 respectively. The Work programme 2005 was used for an update of the Call Open (see Section 5) published on 2 December 2004. The fixed call for proposals (Call 2005/6) planned within this work programme 2005/06 is foreseen for publication in June 2005 together with an update of the open call. Annex I and II give an overview of the planned calls.

1.3 Cross Cutting Issues

There are several issues that are important to all parts of the work programme. These are addressed here and, as appropriate, elaborated in the various parts.

Proposers based in states associated to this programme may take part on the same footing and with the same rights and obligations as those based in Member States. In addition, this work programme underlines the importance of involving associated candidate countries in the Community’s research policy and in the European Research Area. All of the candidate countries associated to this programme will participate in the thematic priority – fusion energy research - either through a Contract of Association with Euratom or specific cost-sharing actions with the aim of encouraging their closer integration into the programme.

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http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/instruments.htm

International co-operation represents an important dimension of the Sixth Framework Programme and will be actively fostered in all areas of the programme where this would be beneficial. Co-operation at a European level in all three thematic priorities and other activities is already well established.

For those parts of the programme subject to calls for proposals, this co-operation will be intensified and deepened at a programme and project level in order to make better use of resources (both human resources and experimental facilities) and promote a common European view on key problems and approaches, in accordance with the needs of the European Research Area. Links will be established with national programmes and networking will be promoted with third countries, in particular, the USA, the Newly Independent States of the Former Soviet Union (NIS), Canada and Japan. Entities from all third countries, with a few exceptions (see below and Section 4), may participate in the programme in addition to the minimum number of participants from Member State or Associated countries. Third countries and international organisations can also be funded in those areas where their participation is necessary for carrying out the research activity.

International co-operation is an important feature of the fusion research and training programme. The participation of third countries in the integrated European programme is through an extensive network of co-operation, including general bilateral agreements and multilateral specific agreements and implementing programmes, the latter generally under the auspices of the International Energy Agency (IEA) or the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Reinforced co-operation is encouraged with countries having signed Science and Technology (S&T) co-operation agreements. Co-operation with relevant international organisations with intergovernmental agreements will be considered. For the multipartite collaboration on ITER, collaborative work will be carried out in the frame of the ITER Transitional Arrangements, with the aims of maintaining the integrity of the international project, of adapting the design to the conditions of specific ITER sites under consideration, and of supporting the preparations for licensing. It will be implemented through the extensive network of co-operation with third countries, including general bilateral agreements and multilateral specific agreements and implementing programmes

The participation of Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Myanmar and North Korea in all areas of the nuclear energy programme is excluded; currently, there is no co-operation between the Community and these countries. The participation of Cuba, India, Israel, and Pakistan is also excluded as, currently, there is no co-operation between Euratom and these countries6.

Research activities carried out under this work programme must respect fundamental ethical principles. Further information on how ethical issues will be reviewed is given in the “Guidelines on Proposal Evaluation and Project Selection Procedures” (http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/eval-guidelines) and the issues to be addressed are set out in Annex IV to this work programme.

The mobility of researchers will be promoted, particularly with a view to the successful creation of the European Research Area.

6 This situation with respect to all excluded countries is subject to review, in line with the Community’s external policies. This exclusion shall not preclude any possible future participation of these countries in international fusion research cooperation, such as ITER. Please check CORDIS for any update.

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http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/eval-guidelines

This work programme attempts, where possible, to reinforce and increase the place and role of women in science and research both from the perspective of equal opportunities and gender relevance of the topics covered.

A particular effort will be carried out to take into consideration the ethical, social, legal and wider cultural aspects of the research including socio-economic research, and innovation, resulting from the possible deployment, use and effects of the newly developed technologies or processes and scenarios covered by the three thematic priorities and the other activities.

In the context of the regular report to be submitted to the Council, the Commission will report in detail on progress in implementing the specific programme and, in particular, progress towards achieving its objectives and meeting its priorities.

1.4 Submitting a Proposal

Proposals should be submitted under the terms of a call for proposals. In order to submit a proposal, a proposer should consult the following:

• This work programme• The relevant call for proposals as it is published in the Official Journal of the

European Communities and• The relevant Guide for Proposers

These and a number of other useful texts, including the rules for participation, are available on Cordis. The latter should be consulted to ensure that the documents being used are the most recent; some will be revised periodically during the programme lifetime.

1.5 Cross Cutting Proposals

Proposals that address more than one thematic area will be accommodated by the Commission, provided the areas addressed are covered by this work programme. The criterion of “relevance to the objectives of the specific programme” is a sine qua non for the further consideration of such proposals. They will be handled by the normal submission and evaluation procedures and treated by the thematic area which comprises the greatest proportion of the proposal (i.e., its “centre of gravity”). Where the centre of gravity is not immediately obvious, the Commission will examine the proposal content and decide in which thematic area the proposal is best handled. If a proposal is transferred to a thematic area other than the one to which it was submitted, it will be handled in the framework of the new thematic area. However, if the new centre of gravity does not have an open call at the time of transfer, the proposal will be held over, with the agreement of the proposers, until a suitable call is open, but only if such a call is explicitly foreseen by the work programme. If successful, the proposal will be handled and funded by the thematic centre of gravity.

1.6 Evaluation Criteria and Related Issues

The “Guidelines on Proposal Evaluation and Project Selection Procedures” describe the basic procedures to be followed by all programmes under the Sixth Framework Programme of the European Community.

The set of criteria applicable to this work programme is given in Annex IV. Any complementary criteria are clearly stated in the relevant part of this work programme. Evaluation thresholds for each set of criteria are given in Annex IV and apply unless

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otherwise clearly stated. In addition, Annex IV outlines how the following will be addressed: gender issues, ethical and/or safety aspects, and the education dimension.

All proposals before they are selected for funding and which deal with ethical issues and any proposal for which ethical concerns have been identified during the scientific evaluation may be reviewed by a separate ethical review panel. The “Guidelines on Proposal Evaluation and Project Selection Procedures” give more details on the evaluation procedure as a whole as well as details of the ethical review procedure.

Furthermore, the work programmes, and consequently their calls for proposals, may specify and restrict the participation of legal entities in an indirect action according to their activity and type, according to the instrument deployed and to take into account specific objectives of the Framework Programme.

Calls for proposals may involve a two-stage evaluation procedure. When such a procedure is employed, this is stated clearly in the call for proposals. More information on this process is given in the “Guidelines for Proposal Evaluation and Project Selection Procedures”.

Finally, when evaluating proposals received in response to a call, the Commission may opt to send the proposals to external experts or make proposals available by electronic means, so that experts can carry out their examination at their home or place of work.

1.7 Specific Support Actions

Support activities are more limited in scope than the accompanying measures of the previous Framework Programmes. These projects aim to contribute actively to the implementation of activities of the work programme, the analysis and dissemination of results or the preparation of future activities, with a view to enabling the Community to achieve or define its RTD strategic objectives. Therefore, a significant emphasis has been placed on Support Actions:

• to promote and facilitate the dissemination, transfer, exploitation, assessment and/or broad take-up of past and present programme results (over and above the standard diffusion and exploitation activities of individual projects)

• to contribute to strategic objectives, notably regarding the European research area (eg, pilot initiatives on benchmarking, mapping, networking, etc)

• to prepare future community RTD activities, (e.g., via prospective studies, exploratory measures, pilot actions, etc)

as opposed to awareness and information exchange activities, e.g., annual Workshops and Conferences, that would take place anyway without Commission support. The latter activities will not be welcome if they do not serve the programme’s strategic objectives, (in the sense of the European Research Area, improved co-ordination, public awareness, preparation of future Community initiatives, etc).

2. TECHNICAL CONTENT – FUSION ENERGY RESEARCH

The objective of fusion energy research is to make progress towards demonstrating the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energy.

There are no Calls for Proposals for this Thematic Priority, except those relating to training fellowships (see Sections 2.4 and 5). The instruments used to implement the programme are described in Annex III.

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2.1 Programme in the Associations

For the Associations' programme, priority will be given to multilateral actions to focus activities on common projects such as those related to the exploitation or operation on JET and corresponding data interpretation and to the Next Step / ITER. The mobility and training of scientific and technical personnel, the dissemination of results and the diffusion of information to the public will be an integral part of the activities carried out. The activities to co-ordinate and support fusion energy research will concern studies in support of information exchange, conferences, seminars, workshops, scientific and technical meetings; recourse to external expertise capacities, including for the independent evaluation of activities; fellowships and training schemes, publications and other actions to promote technology transfer.

Depending on a decision on the realisation of ITER and its timing, the Associations’ activities will be adjusted considering also the phasing out of the exploitation of facilities. A strong European co-ordination of the fusion activities will be ensured, which has been demonstrated to be essential over the years.

The extent of the accompanying domestic programme in fusion physics and technology which is required in the Associations and European industry to take full benefit from ITER, will depend (a) on the level of the European share in ITER and (b) on where ITER would be sited. This could entail investments aiming at maintaining experimentation on fusion devices at world class level in Europe beyond the start of operation of ITER and a programme of technological development aiming at ITER and reactor technologies.

The programme in the Associations will include:

– R&D in fusion physics and plasma engineering, focusing on the preparation of ITER operation and the study and evaluation of toroidal magnetic confinement formulas, with in particular the continuation of the construction of the Wendelstein 7-X "stellarator" and operation of the existing installations in the Euratom Associations.

Research areas: The scope of work includes both the further consolidation of the scientific basis for the Next Step operation, in particular by enhanced demonstrations of stability, confinement, power and particle exhaust, and control of plasmas under stationary conditions as well as in advanced regimes including internal transport barriers and exploration of the control of modes appearing in burning plasmas. These tasks shall be undertaken on a single and multi-machine basis with a substantial support of diagnostics, modelling and theoretical work. Heating and current drive as well as diagnostic technologies will be further developed in particular with a view to their application on ITER. A further objective is the evaluation of magnetic confinement formulas with the long-term aim of improving the economic competitivity of a magnetic fusion reactor. These activities will be undertaken on existing fusion devices, exploiting the specialised capabilities of each machine to address the various topics.

– Structured R&D activities in fusion technology, in particular research on fusion materials, development of reactor technologies and participation in the R&D activities for the decommissioning of JET, which is foreseen at the end of its operations.

Research areas: The overall aim is to meet the needs of the Next Step/ITER and to develop longer term technologies. The scope of work in the area of Next Step fusion technology within the EFDA frame will include further development and validation of key technologies such as superconducting magnets, vacuum vessel, blanket, divertor and shielding, heating and current drive systems, fuel cycle, diagnostics. Materials studies

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will be undertaken aimed at the definition of a fusion reactor reference material with reduced activation; the development of alternative advanced materials; and the definition of materials tests means, including possibly the start of the engineering design of a 14MeV neutron irradiation facility within an international co-operation.

– Investigations of socio-economic aspects, focusing on evaluation of economic costs and social acceptability of fusion energy, by way of complement to the further studies on safety and environmental aspects; co-ordination, in the context of a keep-in-touch activity, of the Member States' civil research activities on inertial confinement and possible alternative concepts; dissemination of results and the diffusion of information to the public; mobility and training.

Research areas: This work will build on the studies already completed in the Fifth Framework Programme, focusing in particular on economics and social acceptability and extending the studies on safety and environment

2.2 Exploitation of the JET facilities

During the 6th Framework Programme, the JET facilities will continue to be exploited in the framework of the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA), in view of preparing the ITER operation by completing the exploitation of the performance enhancements currently under way. The use of the JET facilities should be phased out progressively in the course of the ITER realisation and according to the availability of the necessary financial resources.

Research areas: The performance enhancements to the JET facilities shall allow it to make a major contribution to the consolidation of the scientific basis for the Next Step, in parallel with the work on the devices in the laboratories of the Associations. The scope of the work on JET, which is the only fusion device capable of operating with Deuterium and Tritium, encompasses confinement, heating, fuelling, exhaust physics and plasma control as well as associated technologies.

2.3 Next Step / ITER

The Euratom framework programme (2002-2006) includes the continuation of Next Step activities with a view to participating in its construction in the second half of the period. However, since decisions on ITER do not depend only upon European Union Institutions but also on the European Union international partners, the programme of activities must be open regarding the eventual siting and framework of the Next Step/ITER and the precise content of the accompanying domestic programme. The studies performed in preparation of possible European site(s) will be completed.

The European Union participation in ITER would include contributions to the construction of equipment and installations, which are within the perimeter of the ITER site and necessary for its exploitation, as well as to the costs associated with the staffing and management of, and the support to be given to, the project during construction. The level and nature of this participation will depend on the outcome of the negotiations with the European Union international partners, and in turn on the location of the ITER site. If ITER was located in Europe, the European Union participation would also include contribution to the costs to be borne by Europe as a Host Party. Preparation for the participation of European industry in ITER will be undertaken.

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2.4 Training Fellowships and European Re-integration Grants (FUSION-2003-2.4)

Objectives: to develop human resources and mobility, in particular offering advanced training to high calibre scientists and assisting fellows to re-establish themselves in their country of nationality.

Scope: Support will be restricted to the Intra-European Fellowships and European Re-integration Grants as defined in Annex V.

These Fellowships and Grants will be implemented following the modalities as given in Annex V and through a continuously open call with specified dates when proposals will be batched and evaluated (see Section 5.1).

3. TECHNICAL CONTENT – MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE, RADIATION PROTECTION AND OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES AND SAFETY

The aims in the area of management of radioactive waste are to establish a sound technical basis for demonstrating the safety of disposing spent fuel and long-lived radioactive wastes in geological formations, to study the practicability on an industrial scale of partitioning and transmutation techniques and to explore the potential of concepts that would produce less waste in nuclear energy generation. Research in radiation protection will underpin European policy and regulations. It will focus on resolving uncertainties in the risks from exposures to radiation at low and protracted doses and, in other areas, on making better use of national efforts, principally through their more effective integration by networking and targeted research. In other activities in the field of nuclear technologies and safety, the thrust of research is to evaluate the potential of innovative concepts and develop improved and safer processes in the field of nuclear energy, to improve the safety of existing nuclear installations and to better integrate European education and training in nuclear energy and radiation protection.

3.1 Structure and overall approach

Broad lines of activities, the scientific and technical objectives of the research work to be addressed during the whole of the Euratom Sixth Framework Programme has been outlined in the Specific Programme for Research and Training on Nuclear Energy (2002-2006)7. The broad scope and objectives of each of research topics are given in the work programmes that are revised periodically followed by a call for proposals. In the areas of radioactive waste management, radiation protection and other activities in the field of nuclear technologies and safety, two types of calls of proposals are made: (i) Fixed deadline calls which are launched periodically and (ii) The Call Open which is a continuously open call with proposals evaluated in batches at given cut-off dates; in general, there are two cut off dates each year.

The Fixed calls use a mix of the following instruments: integrated projects, networks of excellence, specific targeted research projects, co-ordination actions and integrated infrastructure initiatives whereas the Call Open uses the instruments: specific support actions, training fellowships, special training courses, grants for co-operating with third countries, trans-national access to large infrastructures.

So far three calls have been launched, “Euratom Call 2003 – Fixed deadline” and “Euratom Call Open” in December 2002 and “Euratom Call 2004 – Fixed deadline”in November 2003. The research topics for these calls were elaborated in the Work

7 OJ L 294, 29.10.2002, p.74

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Programme 2003 (WP 2003), 2004 (WP 2004), and 2005 (WP 2005). The next Fixed call (Call 2005/6) will be launched in June 2005 with a deadline in October 2005.

In preparing proposals for this last fixed call the proposers are advised to consult the list of selected projects in FP5 and FP6. Abstracts for all projects can be found on Cordis

http://www.cordis.lu/fp5-euratom/src/projects.htm

http://www.cordis.lu/fp6-euratom/projects.htm

Typical project size

The size of the projects will be dependant on the scientific/technical content of each specific proposal. The following indicative budgets can, however, serve as guidance for the proposers for the Call 2005/6:

• Integrated projects ~ 3 – 7 M€• Networks of excellence ~ 3 - 5 M€• Integrated infrastructure initiatives ~ 3 - 5 M€• Specific Targeted Research Projects ~ 0,5 – 3 M€• Coordination actions ~ 0,2 – 1 M€.

3.2 Management of Radioactive Waste

The absence of a broadly agreed approach to waste management and disposal is one of the main impediments to the continued and future use of nuclear energy. In particular, this applies to the management and disposal of long-lived waste components in geological repositories, which will be required no matter what treatment method is chosen for the spent fuel and high level waste. Research alone cannot ensure societal acceptance; however, it is needed in order to develop and test repository technologies, investigate suitable sites, promote basis scientific understanding relating to safety and safety assessment methods, and to develop decision processes that are perceived as fair and equitable by the stakeholders involved.

Research is also needed to explore the technical and economic potential of concepts for nuclear energy generation that make better use of fissile material and generate less waste.

3.2.1 Geological disposal

Objective: To establish a sound technical basis for demonstrating the safety of disposing spent fuel and long-lived radioactive wastes in geological formations and underpin the development of a common European view on the main issues related to the management and disposal of waste.

Research areas: Improvement of fundamental knowledge, developing and testing technologies: research will focus on key physical, chemical and biological processes; interaction between the different natural and engineered barriers, their long-term stability and means of implementing disposal technologies in underground research laboratories.

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http://www.cordis.lu/fp6-euratom/projects.htm

http://www.cordis.lu/fp5-euratom/src/projects.htm

New and improved tools: research will focus on models for performance and safety assessment, and methodologies to demonstrate long term safety, including sensitivity and uncertainty analyses, and development and evaluation of alternative measures of performance and of better governance processes that properly address public concerns on waste disposal.

3.2.1.1 Selected topics for the Call 2005/6

(1) Performance assessment techniques to guide the development of the safety case (Integrated Project, NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.1.1-1)

Objective: To improve and harmonise integrated performance assessment (PA) methodologies and tools for various disposal concepts for spent fuel and long-lived radioactive waste in different deep geological environments.

Scope: The research could include, inter alia,

• Carry out a comprehensive review of methodologies and tools (models and codes) and assess the current state-of-the-art in this field.

• Identify any deficiencies in data quality, methodologies and tools used in the treatment of key components of the system and develop appropriate remedial action.

• Develop a better understanding of PA techniques and methodologies for concept development of the safety case, identifying where approaches and terminology can be harmonised across the EU.

• Test the efficiency of common approaches in handling uncertainties, reference values for safety indicators and assumptions regarding normal evolution and other scenarios for different geological environments, using selected PA exercises,.

• Evaluate the relevance of developing complex codes using code benchmark exercises for future applications in integrated assessment studies.

• Develop the necessary links with IPs on the near-field and far-field, thereby developing practical applications for PA tools.

A strong multidisciplinary team, including both implementers and regulators, is advantageous to achieve the objectives of this Integrated Project. The team will require expertise in areas such as PA and geosciences and be actively involved in relevant work carried out by waste management organisations, safety authorities, research organisations and universities. Training and knowledge dissemination is an important component of this Integrated Project.

(2) Disposal of spent nuclear fuel and long-lived radioactive waste (Specific Targeted Research Project(s) or Co-ordinated Action(s), NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.1.1-2)

Objective: To review and improve approaches and methods dealing with scientific and technical issues of relevance to the safety of the geological disposal of spent nuclear fuel and long-lived waste.

Scope: Possible subjects for proposals are, inter alia,

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• Treatment of processes in the geosphere-biosphere interface zone under environmental changes relevant to site-specific geological repository performance assessment and on well defined timescales.

• Models of coupled thermal-hydrological-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes for application in repository safety assessment.

• Dissolution mechanisms of spent nuclear fuel in conditions of relevance for geological disposal performance and approaches to modelling

• Safety of disposal of long-lived low- and intermediate-level waste.• Impact of secondary waste from advanced reprocessing of spent fuel, multi-

recycling of Pu in fast reactors, fourth generation fast reactors, etc., on the performance of geological repositories.

• Operational safety of geological repositories covering all potential hazards related with disposal activities in different host media.

.One or more research proposals for STREP(s) and/or CA(s) could be selected on this topic.

(3) Issues related to the governance of spent nuclear fuel and long-lived radioactive waste (Specific Targeted Research Project(s) or Co-ordination Action(s), NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.1.1-3)

Objectives: To investigate, review and improve the governance of spent nuclear fuel and long-lived radioactive waste.

Scope: The research proposals could include, inter alia,

• New and emerging approaches to governance issues, e.g. risk governance, understanding what influences public acceptance and the role of research, development and demonstration (RD&D) activities in addressing stakeholder concerns.

• Demonstration, through prospective case study(ies), of the new and emerging approaches in these areas and the potential to find broad social as well as technical acceptance.

• Identification of strengths and weaknesses of these approaches. • Develop guidance for the application of these approaches in the radioactive

waste sector taking account of national differences (e.g., culture, history, legal and administrative regimes).

• Co-operation and dialogue with different social and technical actors.

An active participation of the end users/problem owners (industry and implementers and/or regulators) and research community together with actors from the human and natural sciences, other concerned stakeholder groups and civil society in general (e.g. local authorities, public interest groups, non-governmental organisations, etc) would be advantageous. One or more research proposals for STREP(s) and/or CA(s) could be selected on this topic.

(4) Co-ordination of research, development and demonstration (RD&D) priorities and strategies for geological disposal (Coordination Action(s), NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.1.1-4) Objective: Define a strategic research agenda and establish the basis for an effective utilisation of European skills and know-how enhancing European collaboration and excellence in this field.

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Scope: The co-ordination activities could include, inter alia,

• Define a European road map of Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) needs in geological disposal.

• Develop a long-term strategy for the mobilisation of European resources in this area.

• Develop common approaches to deal with scientific and technical issues in this area taking into account the different speeds of current national programmes in this field and the different national priorities.

• Achieve a sustainable networking among implementers and other key stakeholders

• Pave the way for enhanced integration and excellence in Europe. • Establish a wider stakeholder base through inclusion of regulators and public

authorities.

Participation of EU radioactive waste management organisations and/or regulatory authorities and other interested stakeholders is advantageous. One or more proposals for CA(s) could be selected on this topic.

3.2.2 Partitioning and transmutation and other concepts to produce less waste in nuclear energy generation

Objective: To determine practical ways of reducing the amount and/or hazard of the waste to be disposed of by partitioning and transmutation and to explore the potential of concepts for nuclear energy to produce less waste.

Research areas: Partitioning and transmutation: research will focus on fundamental assessments of the overall concept; demonstration at small scale of the most promising partitioning technologies; further development of technologies for transmutation; and evaluation of their industrial practicability.

Concepts to produce less waste: research will focus on exploring the potential for the more efficient use of fissile material in existing reactors and of other concepts to produce less waste in nuclear energy generation.


(1) Nuclear Waste Transmutation in critical reactors (Specific Targeted Research Project(s), NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.2.1-1)

Objective: Investigate the potential of fast or thermal critical reactors to transmute nuclear waste and assess their advantages and disadvantages.

Scope: Research could include, inter alia:

• Feasibility of plutonium and minor actinide (MA) recycling and long-lived fission products (LLFP) incineration.

• Consequences of incorporating MA and LLFP fuel on their safety and operation.• The impact of such an incineration on waste minimisation and management and on

the entire fuel cycle.• The economical feasibility of using critical reactors for nuclear waste transmutation.

One or more research proposals for STREP(s) could be selected on this topic.

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(2) Innovative fuels for waste minimisation in light water reactors (LWRs) (Specific Targeted Research Project(s), NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.2.1-2)

Objective: Study the possibility of using innovative high burn-up fuels (such as uranium, thorium and/or inert-matrix based fuels) dedicated to efficient plutonium and minor actinide burning and assess their performance under irradiation and compatibility with relevant waste disposal concepts.

Scope: Research on these innovative fuels could include, iter alia:

• Fabrication, characterisation and irradiation • Core and safety studies• Post-irradiation examination• Waste management issues

One or more research proposals for STREP(s) could be selected on this topic.

(3) A strategic road-map for unified research in the EU with a view to establishing a true European Research Area in partitioning and transmutation (Coordination Action, NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.2.1-3)

Objective: To establish a comprehensive and viable road-map for research and development in the area of partitioning and transmutation to assist radioactive waste management and disposal strategies.

Scope: Co-ordination activities could include, inter alia:

• Define a European road map of research, development and demonstration needs in P&T.

• Develop a long-term strategy for the mobilisation of European resources in this area.

• Develop common approaches to deal with scientific and technical issues in this area.

• Establish a durable networking of major actors in P&T across EU including those from the new Member States.

• Pave the way forward for integration and excellence in EU establishing a European Research Area in this field.

A large participation of P&T research community across Europe and other principal stakeholders including regulatory authorities and public bodies is essential for the success of this Coordination Action.

(4) Durable networking of nuclear data research community across Europe and an assessment of future needs of nuclear data (Coordination Action, NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.2.1-4)

Objectives: To maintain and enhance the competence of researchers across Europe in the area of nuclear data by establishing a durable networking of researchers active in this field. Also, assess future needs of nuclear data for ADS and other reactors, eg those of Generation IV.

Scope: Co-ordination activities could include, inter alia:

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• Networking of major research actors and end users. • Mobility and training of young researchers in the nuclear field. • Develop good management practices of common research activities. • Establish efficient dissemination activities. • Review and assess future needs of nuclear data for transmutation and other

reactors.

A large participation of the nuclear data community across Europe including those from the new Member States, modellers, international organisations active in dissemination activities and end users of nuclear data is advantageous.

3.2.3 Radioactive Waste Management Infrastructures


(1) Radioactive Waste Management Infrastructures (Integrated infrastructure initiative, NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.3.1-1)

Objectives: To promote the coherent use and integration of infrastructure related services to the research community at a European level by mobilising a large number of stakeholders in a given class of infrastructure. This should be done with a view to induce a long-term integrating effect on the way research infrastructures in Europe operate, evolve and interact with similar infrastructures and with their users.

Scope:

• Networking, transnational access and joint research activities for a given class of infrastructure in any technical area of the programme set out in chapter 3.2.

• To tackle new or unexpected developments in their field, for instance in relation to the state-of-the-art instrumentation, with a more co-ordinated approach.

• To promote cross-disciplinary fertilisations and a wider sharing of knowledge and related technologies across fields and between academia and industry.

• Community support for these activities will be provided but design studies related to new infrastructures or their construction or capital investment is excluded.

The active participation of major potential users of the infrastructure(s) will be required to achieve the objectives of integrated infrastructure initiatives. One or more proposals for Integrated Infrastructure Initiatives could be selected on this topic.

3.3. Radiation Protection

Radiation and radioactive materials are used extensively in medicine and industry and are by-products of the generation of nuclear energy. Safety in their use and/or management is predicated on a sound radiation protection policy and its effective implementation. Community research underpins European policy and has contributed to the high levels of protection achieved in practice. These standards must be maintained and, in some cases, improved and research has a key role in this process.

The main objective is to resolve uncertainties in the risk from exposures to radiation at low and protracted doses (i.e., at levels typically encountered by the population and in

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workplaces). This remains a controversial science and policy issue and has important health and economic implications for the use of radiation in both medicine and industry.

Community research in other areas of radiation protection will focus on making better use of national efforts, principally through their more effective integration by networking and targeted research where this would either be complementary to, or provide synergy with, national programmes.

3.3.1 Quantification of risks associated with low and protracted exposures

Objective: To better quantify and understand the risks associated with low and protracted exposures to ionising radiation.

Research areas: Research will focus on epidemiological studies of suitable exposed populations, and on cellular and molecular biology research on the interaction between radiation and the DNA, cells, organs and the body.


(1) Non-targeted effects of radiation at low and protracted doses (Integrated Project, RAD PROT-2005/6-3.3.1.1-1)

Objective: To better understand the mechanisms involved in non(-DNA) targeted effects of radiation and to assess their implications for radiation protection.

Scope: The research could include, inter alia:• radiation induced bystander effects, genomic instability, adaptive response, etc• cancer, genetic effects, reproductive/developmental effects, non cancer diseases• in vitro and in vivo studies with particular emphasis on the latter• modelling

Any successful proposal will be expected to collaborate effectively with ongoing Community research and the mechanisms for this will be established during negotiation.

(2) Cellular and molecular biology research on the effects of low and protracted doses (Specific Targeted Research Project(s), RAD PROT-2005/6-3.3.1.1-2)

Objective: To unravel the mechanisms of, and the individual sensitivity to, health effects resulting from low and protracted exposures for the purposes of better quantifying the risks of radiation

Scope:• there are no constraints on the scope or nature of the cellular and molecular

biology research that may be proposed subject to it being relevant to the above objective

• unnecessary duplication of ongoing Community supported research should be avoided

• topics that may warrant consideration include the following but appearance on this list must not be construed as an indication that research in these areas will be preferentially evaluated in comparison with any other

o non-cancer effectso cell signallingo individual radio-sensitivity

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One or more research proposals for STREP(s) could be selected on this topic. Successful proposals will be expected to collaborate effectively with ongoing Community research and the mechanisms for this will be established during negotiation.

3.3.2 Medical exposures and natural sources of radiation

Objectives: To enhance the safety and efficacy of medical uses of radiation and to better understand, assess and manage natural sources of radiation.

Research areas: Medical uses of radiation in diagnosis and therapy; naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM).

3.3.2.1 Selected topic for the Call 2005/6

(1) Safety and efficacy of diagnostic imaging techniques used in nuclear medicine (Coordination Action, RAD PROT-2005/6-3.3.2.1-1)

Objective: To develop quality criteria and guidelines for diagnostic imaging techniques used in nuclear medicine

Scope:• Networking of activities in Member and Associated States• Diagnostic imaging techniques used in nuclear medicine, in particular those

associated with higher individual doses or which are applied extensively

A Co-ordination Action of modest scale and ambition should be sufficient to achieve these objectives.

3.3.3 Protection of the environment and radioecology

Objective: To establish a conceptual and methodological basis for protection of the environment and to better assess and manage the impact of natural and artificial sources of radiation on man and the environment.

Research areas: Conceptual and methodological basis for protection of the environment; sustainable integration of European research on radioecology.


(1) Assessment and management of the impact of radio-nuclides on man and the environment (Co-ordination Action, RAD PROT-2005/6-3.3.3.1-1)

Objectives: To maintain and enhance competence in the European Union for the assessment and management of the impact of natural and artificial sources of radiation on man and the environment and to make better use of existing resources.

Scope:Evaluate the potential of networks of excellence or other similar mechanisms for:

• maintaining and enhancing competence through the achievement of critical mass• better exploiting existing human and other resources including infrastructures

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• establishing deeper and sustainable collaboration• establishing better collaboration with the broader area of ecology

The research community will be the main constituent of any consortium established but it must be represented at an appropriate (ie, managerial) level given the nature of the issues to be addressed. The involvement of national funding bodies and end users, particularly competent authorities, will also be important.

A small Co-ordination Action should be sufficient to achieve these objectives.

(2) An evaluation of the practicability and relative merits of different approaches to protection of the environment from radiation (Co-ordination Action, RAD PROT-2005/6-3.3.3.1-2)

Objectives: To evaluate the practicability and relative merits of different approaches to protection of the environment from radiation.

Scope:• approaches currently in regulatory use to ensure protection of the environment

from radiation and pollutants other than radiation• approaches being proposed or developed for protection of the environment from

radiation• evaluation of the practicability of these approaches in a regulatory context and

their relative merits (eg, in terms of cost, complexity, fitness for purpose, robustness, ability to demonstrate compliance, coherence with environmental protection generally, etc)

An effective consortium will comprise representatives from the research community, industry and those with regulatory responsibility for protection of the environment.

A small Co-ordination Action should be sufficient to achieve these objectives.

3.3.4 Risk and emergency management

Objectives: To develop better approaches for risk governance and more effective and coherent off-site emergency management in Europe, including the rehabilitation of contaminated areas.

Research areas: Better approaches for risk assessment and management that can find broad technical and social acceptance and can contribute to the more effective and rational use of resources for nuclear safety; research, development and demonstration activities that can make demonstrable improvements in the effectiveness and coherence of emergency management in Europe.

3.3.4.1 Selected topic for the Call 2005/6

(1) Risk Governance (Specific Targeted Research Project(s), RAD PROT-2005/6-3.3.4.1-1)

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Objectives: To demonstrate the efficacy and practicability in the nuclear sector of new and emerging approaches8 for risk governance

Scope: • Demonstration, through prospective case study(ies), of new approaches to risk

governance that have the potential to find broad social and technical acceptance• Identification of the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches • Guidance on the application of these approaches in the nuclear sector more

generally

Activities should be restricted to demonstration of the approaches as opposed to their further development. The active participation of the research community and end users/problem owners (industry and/or regulators) will be essential to meet the objectives.

One or more small STREP(s) should be sufficient to achieve these objectives.

(2) Emergency Management (Specific Targeted Research Project, RAD PROT-2005/6-3.3.4.1-2)

Objectives: To develop improved and more holistic approaches for the effective and timely monitoring and treatment of populations exposed as a result of the malevolent use of radiation or radioactive material.

Scope: • Approach/es should be applicable to the full range of scenarios that have been

postulated as potential malevolent uses of radiation or radioactive material• Monitoring approaches should focus on effective and timely triage of potentially

exposed populations• Treatment approaches should be practicable taking account of the potential

numbers of affected people and contingent damage from blast, explosion, other toxic agents, etc

• Priority should be given to the practicable development or customisation of existing knowledge and techniques

A holistic and fully integrated approach will be required with the active and multi-disciplinary participation of the research community and end users. The main output should be practicable tools or guidance that can find broad application.

A modest scale STREP should be sufficient to achieve these objectives.

3.3.5 Protection of the workplace

Objective: To improve the monitoring and management of occupational exposure in industries involving exposure to radiation.

Research areas: Sustainable integration of European research concerned with protection of the workplace.

3.3.5.1 Selected topics for Call 2005/6

8 Approaches that are more participatory in nature involving a broad range of stakeholders in both problem definition and resolution with a view to improving the efficacy of decision making on complex issues with important social and/or political relevance

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This topic is not included in any fixed call for proposals in 2005/6.

3.4 Other Activities in the Field of Nuclear Technologies and Safety

The objectives are to support European Union policies in the fields of health, energy and the environment, to ensure that European capability is maintained at a high level in relevant fields not covered by the thematic priorities and to contribute towards the creation of the European Research Area.

3.4.1 Innovative Concepts

Objective: To evaluate the potential of innovative concepts and develop improved and safer processes in the field of nuclear energy.

Research areas: Evaluation of the potential of innovative concepts and development of improved and safer processes for the generation and exploitation of nuclear energy that have been identified as offering longer term benefits in terms of safety, environmental impact, resource utilisation, proliferation resistance or diversity of application.


(1) Advanced Innovative Reactor Systems (Specific Targeted Research Project(s), NUCTECH-2005/6-3.4.1.1-1)

Objective:

To assess the critical scientific issues and the technical feasibility of fourth generation reactor systems and fuel cycles (except VHTR and GCFR) .

Scope: The research could include, inter alia:

• Core and fuel design (including reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, structural mechanics)

• Materials research for design and operation• Fuel cycle studies including the back end• Preliminary plant design studies (including maintenance systems), based on EUR

specifications, wherever appropriate• Safety analysis and licensing issues, e.g. new concepts for defence-in-depth (active

and passive systems)• Plant management, e.g. operation and monitoring, radiological protection, waste

management, etc.• Develop a European research agenda and industrial deployment strategy

One or more research proposals for STREP(s) could be selected on this topic. The selected project(s) could contribute to the Euratom R&D participation in some of the projects of the Generation IV International Forum (GIF).

(2) Back-end of the Gas Cooled Reactor fuel cycle (Specific Targeted Research Project, NUCTECH-2005/6-3.4.1.1-2)

Objective: To assess the back end of the Gas-Cooled Reactor fuel cycle with a view to evaluating their industrial feasibility and environmental impact.

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Scope: The research areas could include, inter alia:

• Reprocessing of the spent fuel and waste management

• Disposal behaviour and performance assessment

• Environmental impact and economic analysis

3.4.2 Education and Training

Objective: To better integrate European education and training in nuclear safety and radiation protection to combat the decline in both student numbers and teaching establishments, thus providing the necessary competence and expertise for the continued safe use of nuclear energy and other uses of radiation in industry and medicine.

Education and training areas: Development of more harmonised approaches for education in the nuclear sciences and engineering in Europe and its implementation, including better integration of national resources and capabilities.

These activities will be complemented by support for fellowships, special training courses, training networks, grants for young research workers from the NIS countries, and trans-national access to infrastructure. As regards infrastructures, trans-national access to installations will be promoted. A further step will be to initiate a common analysis of the future European Union needs in human resources and competencies and experimental tools in the mid-term.

Fellowships, special training courses, grants for young research workers from the NIS countries and trans-national access to infrastructure are described in Section 3.5.

Education and training will also be important elements of individual projects implemented in the two thematic priorities (management of radioactive waste and radiation protection) and other activities, in particular those implemented through integrated projects or networks of excellence; in this context the participation of young scientists is to be encouraged.


(1) Harmonisation of nuclear education and training schemes across EU (Coordination Action(s), NUCTECH-2005/6-3.4.2.1-1)

Objective: To contribute to the European Area of higher education in the nuclear field and extend it to training activities to meet the stakeholders needs in the areas of reactor safety, waste management and radiation protection.

Scope: The activities could include, inter alia:

• Develop and propose education and training modules and evaluation criteria that meet the needs of all stakeholders.

• Develop mutually recognised schemes across the EU in collaboration with appropriate Qualification authorities.

• Develop targeted training modules in the framework of existing international nuclear research programmes with an aim to strengthen the S/T collaboration of universities and industry at the European level (e.g. create doctoral schools or training networks).

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• Set up pilot sessions to test the feasibility and financial viability of the proposed education and training schemes using national (e.g. private or public funds) or EU funding instruments (e.g. Erasmus Mundus) and analyse the stakeholders’ feedback.

• Networking of large education and training facilities and infrastructures.

One or more proposals for CA(s) could be selected on this topic.

3.4.3 Safety of Existing Nuclear Installations

Objective: to improve safety in existing installations in Member States and Candidate Countries during their remaining operational lifetimes and subsequent decommissioning, making use of the considerable knowledge and experience gained internationally from experimental and theoretical research.

Research areas: Plant management including effects of ageing and fuel performance; severe accident management, including the development of advanced numerical simulation codes; integration of European capabilities and knowledge from practical decommissioning; developing scientific bases for safety and best practice, at a European level.


(1) Sustainable integration of European research in residual lifetime prediction methodologies (Network of Excellence, NUCTECH-2005/6-3.4.3.1-1)

Objectives: Restructure research activities/organisations in order to achieve scientific and technical excellence in residual lifetime prediction methodologies and to support a Common Safety Justification Framework in close collaboration with all stakeholders concerned with safety.

Scope: The networking activities could include, inter alia:

• Develop a European RTD capability involving major S/T organisations, supported by the end users (e.g. manufacturers, utilities and regulators), with an aim to achieve international excellence on techniques relevant to residual lifetime prediction.

• Assure the conditions for durable integration of the research capacity (organisation, financing, etc) and the effective support of regulatory bodies and industries involved in plant modernisation and construction of systems and components.

• Optimise the use of European public and private RTD infrastructures and the mobility of experts with a view to achieving sustainability beyond EC funding, and develop appropriate quality and performance criteria.

• Demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed integrated research capacity through a number of pilot sessions, and propose education and training activities to assure a permanent supply of highly competent personnel serving the needs of the stakeholders.

A large participation of experts from nuclear industry, research institutions and universities across Europe and of other principal stakeholders including regulatory authorities and public bodies is advantageous. Training and knowledge dissemination is an important component in a Network of Excellence.

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(2) Advanced tools for nuclear safety assessment and component design (Specific Targeted Research Project(s) and/or Coordination Action(s), NUCTECH-2005/6-3.4.3.1-2)

Objective: To evaluate advantages and disadvantages of advanced tools for nuclear safety assessment and component design encompassing technical as well as human aspects.

Scope: Possible subjects for proposals are, inter alia,

• Demonstration of scientific and economic benefits and disadvantages of advanced tools for nuclear safety with a view to improving the operation and maintenance of nuclear installations in areas such as

o reactor cooling systems dynamics,o integrity of concrete containment, o nuclear corrosion effects, o instrumentation & control, o man-technology-organisation interfaces.

• Development and benchmarking of advanced design methodologies based on probabilistic safety evaluations and setting up of the relevant reliability databanks to increase safety while lowering capital and operational costs for components and systems of present or future nuclear installations.

•• Develop a common safety justification framework in collaboration with all

stakeholders (e.g. industry, research organisations, academia and Technical Safety Organisation or regulatory bodies) and draft best practice guidelines related to advanced tools.

One or more proposals for STREP(s) and/or CA(s) could be selected on this topic.

3.4.4 Cross-cutting activities for Nuclear Technologies and Safety

3.4.4.1 Selected topics for the Call 2005/6 (1) Development of Nuclear Technologies and Safety Infrastructures (Integrated infrastructure initiative, NUCTECH-2005/6-3.4.4.1-1)

Objectives: To promote the coherent use and integration of infrastructure related services to the research community at a European level by mobilising a large number of stakeholders in a given class of infrastructure. This should be done with a view to induce a long-term integrating effect on the way research infrastructures in Europe operate, evolve and interact with similar infrastructures and with their users.

Scope:• Networking, transnational access and joint research activities for a given class of

infrastructure in any technical area of the programme set out in chapter 3.4.

• To tackle new or unexpected developments in their field, for instance in relation to the state-of-the-art instrumentation, with a more co-ordinated approach.

• To promote cross-disciplinary fertilisations and a wider sharing of knowledge and related technologies across fields and between academia and industry.

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• Community support for these activities will be provided but design studies related to new infrastructures or their construction or capital investment is excluded.

The active participation of major potential users of the infrastructure(s) will be required to achieve the objectives of integrated infrastructure initiatives. One or more proposals for Integrated Infrastructure Initiatives could be selected on this topic.

(2) Platform for nuclear technologies and safety (Co-ordination Action(s), NUCTECH-2005/6-3.4.4.1-2)

Objective: To generate synergy among the various endeavours in Europe in the field of present and future nuclear technologies and safety by identifying and pursuing a collaborative R&D programme.

Scope:Pursue and develop, based on the findings of existing studies, areas for cooperation on nuclear technologies and safety, where significant synergy could be generated.

A broad participation from nuclear industry, research institutions and other principal stakeholders, including regulatory authorities and public bodies is essential.

3.5 Specific support actions, trans-national access to large9 infrastructures, and actions to promote and develop human resources and mobility

Proposals received for all of these activities in the areas of radioactive waste management, radiation protection and other activities in the field of nuclear technologies and safety will be considered.

3.5.1 Specific support actions (NUCHORIZ-2003-3.5.1)

Objectives: To contribute actively to the implementation of activities in the work programme, dissemination of results and preparation of future activities.

Scope:• Promote and facilitate the dissemination, transfer, exploitation, assessment and

broad take up of past and present programme results (over and above the standard diffusion and exploitation activities of individual projects)

• Contribute to strategic objectives, notably regarding the European Research Area (eg, pilot initiatives on benchmarking, mapping, networking, etc)

• Prepare future Community RTD activities (e.g., via prospective studies, exploratory measures, pilot actions, etc)

as opposed to awareness and information exchanges, e.g., annual Workshops and Conferences that would take place anyway without Commission support. The latter activities will not be welcome if they do not serve the programme’s strategic objectives (in the sense of the European Research Area, improved co-ordination, public awareness, preparation of Community initiatives, etc).

The Commission has signed on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) the charter of the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) with the

9 “Large infrastructures” is shorthand for all infrastructures that are unique and/or important in terms of their use within Europe – this broader interpretation should be made in all references to large infrastructures

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purpose to foster collaborative R&D on the fourth generation nuclear reactors, in accordance with the objectives for innovative systems (see chapter 3.4.1). The Commission will make an annual contribution of up to € 110 000 to the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency in order to facilitate co-ordination activities10 for GIF.

3.5.2 Trans-national access to large infrastructures (NUCHORIZ-2003-3.5.2)

Objectives: To promote access for researchers to infrastructures that provide essential and unique services to the European research community.

Scope: Community support will be provided for the costs of access for researchers working in Member States and Associated States, other than the state where the infrastructure is established.

Projects will be implemented following the modalities given in Annex VI.

The active participation of major potential users of the infrastructure(s) will be required to achieve the objectives.

3.5.3 Actions to promote and develop human resources and mobility

These actions include training fellowships, special training courses, and grants for co-operating with third countries.

3.5.3.1 Training fellowships and European Re-integration Grants (NUCHORIZ-2003-3.5.3.1)

Objectives: To develop human resources and mobility, in particular offering advanced training to high calibre scientists and assisting fellows to re-establish themselves in their country of nationality.

Scope: Support will be restricted to the Intra-European Fellowships and European Re-integration Grants as outlined in Annex V.

These fellowships and grants will be implemented following the modalities given in Annex V.

3.5.3.2 Special training courses (NUCHORIZ-2003-3.5.3.2)

Objectives: To maintain a high level of expertise and competence within the Community on nuclear matters.

Scope • Training courses aimed at the rapid dissemination of the results of national and

Community research programmes• Training courses aimed at maintaining competence

Priority will be given to the former.

3.5.3.3 Grants for co-operating with Third Countries (NUCHORIZ-2003-3.5.3.3)

10 OJ L355/35, 30.12.2002, § 9.2 (a)

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Objectives: To provide support for periods of up to six months to young research workers from the countries of the Newly Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union to work in laboratories in the Community.

Scope• Limited to young research workers from NIS to work in Community laboratories

and participate in research projects funded by this or the previous Euratom programme.

The grants will be implemented following the modalities outlined in Annex V.

3.5.4 Selected topics for the Call Open (published on 17.12.2002 and amended 2 December 2004)

Sections 3.5.1, 3.5.2 and 3.5.3 are subject to a continuously open call with specified cut-off dates when proposals will be batched and evaluated. Support will be strictly limited to activities falling within the technical scope of the programme (i.e. radioactive waste management, radiation protection and other activities in the field of nuclear technologies and safety) set out in Section 3.

4. IMPLEMENTATION

4.1 Fusion Energy Research

The implementation of the thematic priority fusion energy research does not involve calls for proposals with the exception of training fellowships and European re-integration Grants (which are implemented as described in section 4.2).

The instruments listed in Annex III will be used to implement the programme of the thematic priority area as follows:1) The Contracts of Association will continue to be used for the implementation of

physics and technology R&D activities.2) The European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA) will be used to provide a

framework for implementing all work relating to: technology activities in the Associations and in European industry; the collective use of the JET facilities; and the European contribution to international collaborations (including ITER). The second of these activities will include the continuation of the JET Implementing Agreement and the JET Operation Contract.

3) Other multi-lateral agreements and/or legal entities which may be set up, such as the one establishing the European Legal Entity/Joint Undertaking for ITER, between the Community and legal entities in the Member States and associated countries may be concluded. Such multi-lateral agreements include the Agreement on Staff Mobility, which will be used to facilitate and promote close collaboration between Associations and other organisations participating in the fusion programme.

4) Contracts of limited duration with institutions in new Member States or States associated with the Euratom Framework Programme, but which do not yet have a Contract of Association, will be established according to the competencies identified in those States, and the possibilities of integrating the fusion relevant research into the Community fusion programme.

5) International agreements covering projects carried out in the framework of co-operation with third countries will be implemented. This includes the present ITER Transitional Arrangements and any future agreements covering Community participation in ITER.

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The research activities in the Associations will be carried out by staff of the Associations and by using the specific expertise of the Commission staff assigned to the Associations, the EFDA Close Support Units, the ITER International Team and, when and if established, the European Legal Entity .

4.2 Management of Radioactive Waste, Radiation Protection And Other Activities In The Field Of Nuclear Technologies And Safety

A global time-table of Calls for the entire duration of the Sixth Framework Programme (2002-2006) is given in Annex I. The nature of the Call, deadlines, type of instruments and indicative budget are indicated.

The first two calls, Call 2003 – Fixed deadline and Call 2004 – Fixed deadline had indicative budgets of about 67 M€ and 61 M€ respectively. Most research topics were implemented using the new instruments, in particular integrated projects and networks of excellence, but also the old instruments, specific targeted research projects and co-ordination actions. The work programme WP2005 did not involve a fixed deadline call for proposals. The fixed call for proposals (Call 2005/6) planned within this work programme 2005/06 is foreseen for publication in June together with an update of the open call. It uses a mix of the following instruments: integrated projects, networks of excellence, specific targeted research projects, co-ordination actions and integrated infrastructure initiatives.

Call Open, launched at the same time as Call 2003, uses the following instruments: specific support actions, training fellowships, special training courses, grants for co-operating with third countries, trans-national access to large infrastructures. This Call is continuously open throughout the duration of the programme but has periodic cut-off dates; in general, there will be two cut-off dates per year. The indicative budget for projects submitted and evaluated in 2005 is about 6M€ and in 2006 about 3 M€.

A roadmap for the Call for Proposals, outlining the topics to be covered for the calls with fixed deadlines in the years 2003, 2004 and 2005, is given in Annex II together with the indicative budget for the three calls. Further details of the objectives and scope of the research topics to be included in the present Call 2005/6, together with the instruments to be used are given in Section 3.

The criteria against which proposals will be evaluated are given in Annex IV together with the weights and thresholds that will be applied.

Participation within the programme is, in general open, subject to the conditions set out in the Rules for Participation in the Euratom Programme. The participation of Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Myanmar and North Korea in all areas of the nuclear energy programme is excluded; currently, there is no co-operation between the Community and these countries. The participation of Cuba, India, Israel, and Pakistan is also excluded as, currently, there is no co-operation between Euratom and these countries11. A summary of the conditions under which third countries can participate can be found in the Guide for Proposers.

Fellowships and European Re-integration Grants are restricted to applicants from the EU and countries associated to the Euratom programme. Grants for cooperating with third countries are restricted to the organisations from the Member States (to receive research workers from the Newly Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union).

11 This situation with respect to all excluded countries is subject to review, in line with the Community’s external policies. Please check on CORDIS for any update.

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5. CALL INFORMATION

5.1 Fiche for Call 2005-6 - Fixed Deadline

1. Specific Programme: EURATOM Research and Training Programme on Nuclear Energy

2. Activities Thematic Priorities, Management of Radioactive Waste and Radiation Protection, and Other Activities in the Field of Nuclear Technologies and Safety

3. Call Title: Thematic Call in the area of “Euratom Research and Training programme on nuclear energy”

4. Call identifier: Euratom-2005-06 – Fixed deadline

5. Date of publication: 8 June 2005

6. Closure date(s): 11 October 2005 at 17.00 (Brussels local time)

7. Total indicative budget: 52 million €

8. Areas called and instruments

Area Topic Instrument12

3.2.1

Geological disposal NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.1.1-1

NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.1.1-2

NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.1.1-3

NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.1.1-4

IP

STREP or CA

STREP or CA

CA

3.2.2

Partitioning and transmutation and other concepts to produce

less waste in nuclear energy generation

NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.2.1-1

NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.2.1-2

NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.2.1-3

NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.2.1-4

STREP

STREP

CA

CA

3.2.3

Radioactive Waste Management Infrastructures

NUWASTE-2005/6-3.2.3.1-1 III

12 IP = Integrated project; NOE = Network of excellence; STREP = Specific targeted research project; CA = Coordination action; SSA = Specific support action; III = Integrated infrastructure initiative

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3.3.1

Quantification of risks associated with low and

protracted exposures

RAD PROT-2005/6-3.3.1.1-1

RAD PROT-2005/6-3.3.1.1-2

IP

STREP

3.3.2

Medical exposures and natural sources of radiation

RAD PROT-2005/6-3.3.2.1-1 CA

3.3.3Protection of the environment

and radioecology

RAD PROT-2005/6-3.3.3.1-1

RAD PROT-2005/6-3.3.3.1-2

CA

CA

3.3.4Risk and emergency

management

RAD PROT-2005/6-3.3.4.1-1

RAD PROT-2005/6-3.3.4.1-2

STREP

STREP

3.4.1Innovative Concepts

NUCTECH-2005/6-3.4.1.1-1

NUCTECH-2005/6-3.4.1.1-2

STREP

STREP

3.4.2Education and Training

NUCTECH-2005/6-3.4.2.1-1 CA

3.4.3Safety of Existing Installations

NUCTECH-2005/6-3.4.3.1-1 NOE

NUCTECH-2005/6-3.4.3.1-2 STREP and/or CA

3.4.4

Cross-cutting Activities for Nuclear Technologies and

Safety

NUCTECH-2005/6-3.4.4.1-1

NUCTECH-2005/6-3.4.4.1-2

III

CA

9. Minimum number of participants13:

Instrument Minimum number of participants

IP, NOE and III 3 independent legal entities from 3 different MS or AS, with at least 2 MS or ACC.

STREP and CA 2 independent legal entities from 2 different MS or AS, with at least 1 MS or ACC.

10. Restriction on participation:

Participation of some third countries excluded (see Section 4 of the work programme).

11. Consortium agreement:

• Participants in IP, NoE, III, STREP and CA resulting from this call are required to conclude a consortium agreement.

13 MS = Member States of the EU; AS (incl. ACC) = Associated States; ACC = Associated candidate countries.Any legal entity established in a Member State or Associated State and which is made up of the requested number of participant may be the sole participant in an indirect action.

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12. Evaluation procedure:

• The evaluation shall follow a single stage procedure.

• Proposals will not be evaluated anonymously.

13. Evaluation criteria:

The criteria (including their individual weights and thresholds and the overall threshold) are set out in Annex IV of the work programme for each type of instrument.

14. Indicative evaluation and contractual timetable:

• Evaluation results: estimated to be available within some 3 months after the closure date.

• Conclusion of first contracts: it is estimated that the first contracts related to this call will come into force around mid-2006.

5.2 Fiche for Call Open – Continuously Open Call (published on 17.12.2002 and updated 14 November 2003, 2 December 2004 and 7 June 2005)

1. Specific Programme: EURATOM Research and Training Programme on Nuclear Energy

2. Activities Specific support actions, trans-national access to large infrastructures and actions to promote and develop human mobility

3. Call Title: Specific support actions, trans-national access to large infrastructures and actions to promote and develop human mobility in the “Euratom Research and Training Programme on Nuclear Energy”

4. Call identifier: Euratom Call Open

5. Date of publication: 17 December 2002

6. Closure date(s): 06.05.2003, 14.10.2003, 14.04.2004, 18.10.2004, 12.04.2005, 11.10.2005 and 11.04.2006, at 17.00 (Brussels local time)

7. Total indicative budget: 3 million € per closure date in 2005 and 2006, of which up to 1.5 M€ for fusion energy research and 1.5 M€ for management of radioactive waste, radiation protection and other activities in the field of nuclear technologies and safety.

8. Areas called and instruments

Area Topic Instrument

3.5.1

Specific support actions

NUCHORIZ-2003-3.5.1 Specific support actions

3.5.2 NUCHORIZ-2003-3.5.2 Trans-national access to large

32

Trans-national access to large infrastructures

infrastructures

3.5.3

Actions to promote and develop human

resources and mobility

FUSION-2003-2.4 and NUCHORIZ-2003-3.5.3.1

Training fellowships and European re-integration grants

NUCHORIZ-2003-3.5.3.2 Special training courses

NUCHORIZ-2003-3.5.3.3 Grants for co-operating with third countries

9. Minimum number of participants14

Instrument Minimum number of participants

Training fellowships and European Re-integration grants (Actions to promote and

develop human mobility)

1 legal entity from 1 MS or AS

Specific support actions, Trans-national access to large infrastructures, Special training courses and Grants for co-operating with third countries

(Actions to promote and develop human mobility).

1 legal entity

10. Restriction on participation:

• Participation of some third countries excluded (see Section 4 of the work programme).

• Grants for co-operating with third countries limited to workers from the Newly Independent States of the Former Soviet Union and to research organisations from the Member States.

• Training fellowships and European re-integration grants limited to applicants from Member States and those associated to the Euratom programme.

11. Consortium agreement:

Participants in RTDT actions resulting from this call are not required to conclude a consortium agreement

12. Evaluation procedure:

• The evaluation shall follow a single stage procedure. • Proposals will not be evaluated anonymously.

13. Evaluation criteria:

The criteria (including their individual weights and thresholds and the overall threshold) are set out in Annex IV of the work programme for each type of instrument.

14. Indicative evaluation and contractual timetable:

• Evaluation results: estimated to be available within some 2 months after the closure date.

14 MS = Member States of the EU; AS (incl. ACC) = Associated States; ACC = Associated candidate countries.Any legal entity established in a Member State or Associated State and which is made up of the requested number of participant may be the sole participant in an indirect action.

33

• Conclusion of contracts: it is estimated that the first contracts related to this call will come into force 6-7 months after the relevant cut-off dates.

34

ANNEXES

ANNEX I: GLOBAL TIME-TABLE OF CALLS (2002-2006)

Call Publication

SubmissionDeadlines

Call ID Type of Deadline Type of Instruments Budget Years

Indicative Budgets

M€17 December

20026 May 2003 2003 Fixed deadline IPs, NoEs, Infrastructures,

STREPS and Co-ordination Actions

2003 & 2004

~67 M€

17 December 2002

6 May and 14 October, 200314 April and 18 October, 200412 April and 11 October, 2005

11 April, 2006

Open Open call, with 7 cut-off dates

Specific Support Actions, Fellowships, Grants, Training

Courses and Trans-national Access to Large Infrastructures

2003to

2006

~2 M€ in 2003

~3 M€ in 2004

~6 M€ in 2005

~3 M€ in 2006

14 November 2003

14 April 2004 2004 Fixed deadline IPs, STREPS and Co-ordination Actions

2004 & 2005

~61 M€

7 June2005

11 October 2005 2005/6 Fixed deadline IPs, NoEs, Integrated Infrastructure Initiative,

STREPS and Co-ordination Actions

2005 & 2006

~52 M€

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ANNEX II: ROAD MAP FOR CALL FOR PROPOSALS AND BUDGET

Topic15,16 Deadline: 6 May 2003

Deadline:14 April 2004

Deadline:11 October

2005

Topic coveredIndicative

Budget (Million €)

TopicCovered

Indicative Budget

(Million €)

TopicCovered

Indicative Budget

(Million €)Management of Radioactive Waste

Geological disposal XPartitioning and transmutation and other concepts to produce less waste

X~30

XX ~31

XX ~25

Radiation Protection

Quantification of risks associated with low and protracted exposure to radiation

X

Medical exposure and natural sources of radiation XProtection of environment and radioecology XRisk and emergency management XProtection of the workplace

~20

XXXXX

~13

XXXX

~14

Other Activities in nuclear technology and safetyInnovative conceptsEducation and training XSafety of existing installations X

~17XXX

~17XXX

~13

Total (M€) ~67 ~61 ~52

15 There are no calls for proposals for the thematic priority, fusion energy research, apart from Fellowships which are included in the Open Call (see Annex I)16 In addition, there are a number of horizontal activities (ie, specific support actions, training fellowships, special training courses, grants for co-operating with third countries and trans-national access to large infrastructures) which are included in a call that will remain open throughout the duration of the programme (see Annex I).

36

ANNEX III: Instruments to be used

A. FUSION ENERGY RESEARCH

In the field of fusion energy research, the particular nature of the activities in this area necessitates the implementation of specific arrangements. The projects undertaken will be carried out on the basis of procedures set out in:

• Contracts of Association with Member States, associated States, or legal entities established in those States.

• The European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA), the JET Implementing Agreement and the JET Operation Contract.

• Any other multi-lateral agreement concluded between the Community and associated legal entities. Such agreements include the Agreement on Staff Mobility.

• Legal entities which may be set up, after the competent consultative committee has given its opinion.

• Other contracts of limited duration, in particular with bodies in the Member States or the States associated with the Euratom Framework Programme

• International agreements covering projects carried out in the framework of co-operation with third countries. This includes the present ITER Transitional Arrangements (and any future agreements covering Community participation in ITER).

The annual base rate for the Community financial contribution to the Contracts of Association and contracts of limited duration shall not exceed 20% over the duration of the Sixth Framework Programme. A uniform rate not exceeding 40% may be used to finance capital related expenditure of specifically defined projects to which priority status has been awarded by the consultative committee and expenditure for participation in specifically defined projects enhancing the mutual cooperation between Associations, arising from Contracts of Association (up to an annual ceiling in Community support of EUR 100 000 per Association). Community support may also be provided to specifically defined multilateral activities carried out under the European Fusion Development Agreement or by any legal entity established for this purpose, including procurements. The Community financial contribution to activities carried out within the framework of an international cooperation agreement shall be defined in the agreement or by any legal entity established by the agreement.

The research activities in the Associations will be carried out by staff of the Associations and by using the specific expertise of the Commission staff assigned to the Associations, the EFDA Close Support Units and the ITER International Team.

Training Fellowships and European Re-integration Grants will be implemented using the instruments developed in section B.5 of this Annex.

B. MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE, RADIATION PROTECTION AND OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELDS OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES AND SAFETY

INTRODUCTION

An instrument implementing an action must be commensurate with the scope and objectives of the research activity concerned, and will take into account, as appropriate, the views of the research community. Accordingly, the size of an action may vary in relation to the themes and subjects it covers, depending on the critical mass of expertise necessary to obtain European added value and achieve the expected results. In some

37

cases, this may be achieved by the clustering of actions dedicated to different aspects of one and the same objective.

All actions should involve, as appropriate, universities or institutions of higher education of a similar level, research organisations and industry, including SMEs. They could entail activities relating to dissemination, transfer and exploitation of knowledge as well as analysis and evaluation of the economic and social impact of the technologies concerned and the factors involved in their successful implementation.

Research and training activities will be carried out from the start of the programme primarily by means of Integrated Projects and Networks of Excellence. Specific Targeted Research Projects, Co-ordination Actions, Actions to promote and develop human resources and mobility, Integrated initiatives relating to infrastructure and Specific support actions may also be used wherever it is deemed appropriate for the efficient execution of the research activity concerned.

38

1. NETWORKS OF EXCELLENCE

The purpose of Networks of Excellence is to strengthen and develop Community scientific and technological excellence by means of the integration, at European level, of research and training capacities currently existing or emerging at both national and regional level. Each Network will also aim at advancing knowledge in a particular area by assembling a critical mass of expertise. They will foster co-operation between capacities of excellence in universities, research centres, enterprises, including SMEs, and science and technology organisations. The activities concerned will be generally targeted towards long-term, multidisciplinary objectives, rather than predefined results in terms of products, processes or services.

A Network of Excellence will be implemented by a joint programme of activities involving some or, where appropriate, all of the research and training capacities and activities of the participants in the relevant area to attain a critical mass of expertise and European added value. A joint programme of activities could aim at the creation of a self-standing virtual centre of excellence that may result in developing the necessary means for achieving a durable integration of the research and training capacities. A joint programme of activities will necessarily include those aimed at integration, as well as activities related to the spreading of excellence and dissemination of results outside the network.

Subject to conditions to be specified in the specific programmes and in the rules for participation the Networks of Excellence will have a high level of management autonomy including, where appropriate, the possibility to adapt the composition of the Network and the content of the joint programme of activities.

Networks of Excellence are expected to have a durable structuring impact on the European research in the area concerned.

2. INTEGRATED PROJECTS

Integrated Projects are designed to give increased impetus to the Community's competitiveness or to address major societal needs by mobilising a critical mass of research and technological development resources and competences. Each Integrated Project should be assigned clearly defined scientific and technological objectives and should be directed at obtaining specific results applicable in terms of, for instance, products, processes or services. Under these objectives they may include more long-term or “risky” research.

Integrated Projects should comprise a coherent set of component actions which may vary in size and structure according to the tasks to be carried out, each dealing with different aspects of the research needed to achieve common overall objectives, and forming a coherent whole and implemented in close co-ordination.

The activities carried out as part of an Integrated Project should include research and, as appropriate, technological development and/or demonstration activities, activities for the management and use of knowledge in order to promote innovation, and any other type of activity directly related to the objectives of the Integrated Project.

Subject to conditions to be specified in the specific programmes and in the rules for participation, the Integrated Projects will have a high level of management autonomy including, where appropriate, the possibility to adapt the partnership and the content of the project. They will be carried out on the basis of overall financing plans preferably involving significant mobilisation of public and private sector funding, including

39

funding or collaboration schemes such as Eureka, EIB and EIF.

Integrated Projects are expected to have an impact in integrating European research activities in the area concerned as well as an impact in generating and validating new knowledge.

3. SPECIFIC TARGETED RESEARCH OR TRAINING PROJECTS

Specific Targeted Research Projects will aim at improving European competitiveness. They should be sharply focussed and will take either of the following two forms, or a combination of the two:

(a) a research and technological development project designed to gain new knowledge either to improve considerably or to develop new products, processes or services or to meet other needs of society and Community policies;

(b) a demonstration project designed to prove the viability of new technologies offering potential economic advantage but which cannot be commercialised directly.

Specific Targeted Projects on Training will facilitate the timely diffusion of new knowledge on a European scale and better integrate national activities.

Specific Targeted Research Projects are expected to have an impact in generating and validating new knowledge and know how in Europe.

4. CO-ORDINATION ACTIONS

Co-ordination Actions are intended to promote and support the co-ordinated initiatives of a range of research and innovation operators aiming at improved integration. They will cover activities such as the organisation of conferences, meetings, the performance of studies, exchanges of personnel, the exchange and dissemination of good practices, setting up information systems and expert groups, and may, if necessary, include support for the definition, organisation and management of joint or common initiatives.

Coordination actions are expected to improve the integration and coordination of European research.

5. ACTIONS TO PROMOTE AND DEVELOP HUMAN RESOURCES AND MOBILITY

Actions to promote and develop human resources and mobility will be targeted at training, development of expertise or transfer of knowledge. They will involve support to actions carried out by natural persons, host structures, including training networks, and also by European research teams. The following instruments are available:

• Training Fellowships and European Re-integration Grants: These fellowships and grants are addressed to applicants from Member States and from those associated to the Euratom programme and will be implemented as per the modalities outlined in Annex V.

• Special Training Courses: Support will be provided for courses aimed at maintaining a high level of expertise and competence within the Community on nuclear matters.

• Grants for Co-operating with Third Countries: Grants will be provided to young research workers from the the Newly Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union to be involved in the implementation of research funded by this or the previous Euratom programme in Community laboratories.

40

• Trans-national Access to Large Infrastructures: Community support will be provided to research teams (including individual researchers) working in Member States and Euratom FP6 Associated States to obtain access to individual unique research infrastructures, located in a state other than their own, which they require for their work.

The expected impact of the above actions will be to improve the knowledge and know how of researchers in Europe.

6. SPECIFIC SUPPORT ACTIONS

Specific Support Actions will complement the implementation of the Framework Programme and may be used to help in preparations for future Community research and technological development policy activities including monitoring and assessment activities. In particular, they will involve trans-national access to research infrastructures, conferences, seminars, studies and analyses, working groups and expert groups, operational support and dissemination, information and communication activities, or a combination of these, as appropriate in each case.

The expected impact of Specific Support Actions will be to improve the dissemination of knowledge among European researchers.

7. INTEGRATED INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVES

Integrated Infrastructure Initiatives should combine in a single action several activities essential to reinforce and develop research infrastructures, in order to provide services at the European level. To this end, they should combine networking activities with a support activity (such as relating to trans-national access) or research activities needed to improve infrastructure performance, excluding, however, the financing of investment for new infrastructures, which can only be financed as Specific Support Actions. They will include a component of dissemination of knowledge to potential users, including industry and in particular to SMEs.

The Integrated Infrastructure Initiatives are expected to have a durable impact on the European research infrastructures in the area concerned.

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ANNEX IV: COMMON EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING PROPOSALS

A number of evaluation criteria are common to all the programmes of the Sixth Framework Programme and are set out in the European Parliament and the Council Regulations on the Rules for Participation (Article 10). These are:

a) “Scientific and technological excellence and the degree of innovation;b) Ability to carry out the indirect action successfully and to ensure its efficient

management, assessed in terms of resources and competences and including the organisational modalities foreseen by the participants;

c) Relevance to the objectives of the specific programme;d) European added value, critical mass of resources mobilised and contribution to

Community policies;e) Quality of the plan for using and disseminating the knowledge, potential for

promoting innovation, and clear plans for the management of intellectual property.”

Furthermore, in applying paragraph (d) above, the following criteria are also to be taken into account:

a) “For networks of excellence, the scope and degree of the effort to achieve integration and the network’s capacity to promote excellence beyond its membership, as well as the prospects of the durable integration of their research capabilities and resources after the end of the period covered by the Community’s financial contribution;

b) For integrated projects, the scale of the ambition of the objectives and the capacity of the resources to make a significant contribution to reinforcing competitiveness or solving societal problems;

c) For integrated initiatives relating to infrastructure, the prospects of the initiative’s continuing long term after the end of the period covered by the Community’s financial contribution.”

As set out in the Rules for Participation, the calls for proposals determine, in accordance with the type of instruments deployed or the objectives of the RTD activity, how the criteria set out above are applied by the Commission.

The purpose of this annex is to indicate how these criteria shall be applied. In particular, as the Sixth Framework Programme contains a differentiated set of instruments, the way in which each criterion translates into the issues to be examined as the basis for marking proposals will differ. In evaluating against these criteria, the checklists of issues set out in the following pages are intended to be universal for each type of instrument.

Unless otherwise specified in the relevant parts of this work programme or Annex, the principal issues set out below (i.e., the main numbered headings) will be given equal weighting in the evaluation. For each principal issue, a minimum score to be achieved is also indicated as well as a minimum overall score for each instrument. Proposals that fail to achieve these minimum threshold scores shall be rejected. Any departures from these threshold scores are indicated in the relevant part of this work programme.

In addition to the basic checklists below and any specific criteria or interpretations of the criteria required for a call, the following issues are also addressed for all proposals at any appropriate moment in the evaluation:

42

• Are there gender issues associated with the subject of the proposal? If so, have they been adequately taken into account?

• Have the applicants identified the potential ethical and/or safety aspects of the proposed research regarding its objectives, the methodology and the possible implications of the results? If so, have they been adequately taken into account in the preparation of the proposal?

• An ethical check will take place for all proposals during the evaluation. A specific ethical review will be implemented following the evaluation for proposals recommended for funding and which deal with specific sensitive issues or whenever recommended following the ethical check during the evaluation. To this end, additional information on ethical aspects may be requested from proposers to allow the specific ethical review to be carried out (see the Section later in this Annex on “The ethical review of proposals” for more details on the criteria to be applied).

When appropriate, the following additional issues may also be addressed during the evaluation:

• To what extent does the proposal demonstrate a readiness to engage with actors beyond the research community and the public as a whole, to help spread awareness and knowledge and to explore the wider societal implications of the proposed work?

• Have the synergies with education at all levels been clearly set out?

• If third country participation is envisaged in the proposal, is it well justified and the participation well integrated in the activities?

43

Integrated Projects (IP)

The following set of issues is intended to be a common basis for the evaluation of proposals for integrated projects.

1. Relevance (threshold score 3 out of 5)

• The extent to which the proposed project addresses the objectives of the work programme.

2. Potential impact (threshold score 3 out of 5)

The extent to which:• the proposed project is suitably ambitious in terms of its strategic impact on

reinforcing competitiveness (including that of SMEs) or on solving societal problems.

• the innovation-related activities and exploitation and/or dissemination plans are adequate to ensure optimal use of the project results.

• the proposal demonstrates a clear added value in carrying out the work at European level and takes account of research activities at national level and under European initiatives (e.g., Eureka).

3. S&T excellence (threshold score 4 out of 5)

The extent to which:• the project has clearly defined objectives.• the objectives represent clear progress beyond the current state-of-the-art.• the proposed S&T approach is likely to enable the project to achieve its objectives

in research and innovation.

4. Quality of the consortium (threshold score 3 out of 5)

The extent to which:• the participants collectively constitute a consortium of high quality.• the participants are well-suited and committed to the tasks assigned to them.• there is good complementarity between participants.• the profiles of the participants, including those to be included later, have been

clearly described.• the opportunity for a real involvement of SMEs has been adequately addressed.

5. Quality of the management (threshold score 3 out of 5)

The extent to which:• the organisational structure is well matched to the complexity of the project and to

the degree of integration required.• the project management is demonstrably of high quality.• there is a satisfactory plan for the management of knowledge, of intellectual

property and of other innovation-related activities.

6. Mobilisation of resources (threshold score 3 out of 5)

The extent to which:• the project mobilises the critical mass of resources (personnel, equipment,

finance…) necessary for success.• the resources are convincingly integrated to form a coherent project.• the overall financial plan for the project is adequate.

Overall threshold score 24 out of 30 (i.e., a score of 80% of the maximum possible).

44

Networks of Excellence (NoE)

The following set of issues is intended to be a common basis for the evaluation of proposals for networks of excellence.




The extent to which:• Europe has a strategic need to strengthen S&T excellence on the topic by means

of a restructuring of the existing research capacities and the way research is carried out.

• the goals of the network are, in that connection, suitably ambitious particularly, in terms of achieving European leadership and acting as a world force on this topic.

• the proposal demonstrates a clear added value in carrying out the work at European level and takes account of research activities at national level and under European initiatives (e.g. Eureka).

• there is an effective plan for spreading excellence, exploiting results and disseminating knowledge to those outside the network, including SMEs.

• the proposed approach is likely to have a durable structuring impact on European research.

3. Excellence of the participants (threshold score 3 out of 5)

The extent to which:• the participants are currently conducting excellent research relevant to the topic

of the network or are capable of important contributions to the joint programme of activities.

• the participants are well suited to the tasks assigned to them.• they collectively have the necessary critical mass of expertise and resources to

carry out the joint programme of activities successfully.

4. Degree of integration and the joint programme of activities (threshold score 4 out of 5)

The extent to which:• the expected degree of integration justifies supporting the proposal as a network of

excellence.• the joint programme of activities is sufficiently well designed to achieve the

expected degree of integration. • the participating organisations have made a convincing commitment towards a deep

and durable integration continuing beyond the period of Community support.

5. Organisation and management (threshold score 3 out of 5)

The extent to which:• the organisational structure of the network provides a secure framework for any

necessary structural decisions to be taken• the management of the network is demonstrably of high quality.there is a well-considered plan for promoting gender equality in the network.

Overall threshold score 20 out of 25 (ie, a score of 80% of the maximum possible).

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Specific Targeted Research or Training Projects (STREP)

The following set of issues is intended to be a common basis for the evaluation of proposals for Specific Targeted Research or Training Projects.



2. S&T excellence (threshold score 4 out of 5)

The extent to which:• the project has clearly defined and well focused objectives.• the objectives represent clear progress beyond the current state-of-the-art.• the proposed S&T approach is likely to enable the project to achieve its objectives

in research or training


The extent to which:• the proposed project is likely to have an impact on reinforcing competitiveness or

on solving societal problems.• the proposal demonstrates a clear added value in carrying out the work at European

level and takes account of research activities at national level and under European initiatives (e.g. Eureka).

• exploitation and/or dissemination plans are adequate to ensure optimal use of the project results.


The extent to which:• the participants collectively constitute a consortium of high quality.• the participants are well-suited and committed to the tasks assigned to them.• there is good complementarity between participants.• the opportunity of involving SMEs has been adequately addressed.


The extent to which:• the project management is demonstrably of high quality.• there is a satisfactory plan for the management of knowledge, of intellectual



The extent to which:• the project foresees the resources (personnel, equipment, financial…) necessary for

success.• the resources are convincingly integrated to form a coherent project.• the overall financial plan for the project is adequate.


46

Co-ordination Actions

The following set of issues is intended to be a common basis for the evaluation of proposals for co-ordination actions.



2. Quality of the coordination (threshold score 4 out of 5)

The extent to which:• the research actions/programmes to be co-ordinated are of demonstrably high

quality• The co-ordination mechanisms proposed are sufficiently robust for ensuring the

goals of the action


The extent to which:• the proposal demonstrates a clear added value in carrying out the work at European

level and takes account of research activities at national level and under European initiatives (e.g. Eureka).

• the Community support would have a real impact on the action and its scale, ambition and outcome.

• the project mobilises a critical mass of resources in Europe• exploitation and/or dissemination plans are adequate to ensure optimal use of the

project results, where possible beyond the participants in the project.


The extent to which:• the participants collectively constitute a consortium of high quality.• the participants are well-suited to the tasks assigned to them.• the project combines the complementary expertise of the participants to generate

added value with respect to the individual participants’ programmes.


The extent to which:• the project management is demonstrably of high quality.• there is a satisfactory plan for the management of knowledge, of intellectual



The extent to which:• the project provides for the resources (personnel, equipment, financial…) necessary

for success.• the resources are convincingly integrated to form a coherent project.• the overall financial plan for the project is adequate.


47

Specific Support Actions

The following set of issues is intended to be common to all parts of FP6 for the evaluation of proposals for specific support actions.


The extent to which

• the proposal addresses key issues defined in the work programme/call, specific programmes or ERA, as appropriate.

2. Quality of the support action (threshold score 3 out of 5)

The extent to which:

• the proposed objectives are sound and the proposed approach, methodology and work plan are of a sufficiently high quality for achieving these objectives.

• the applicant(s) represent(s) a high level of competence in terms of professional qualifications and/or experience.

• the proposed activities are innovative and original (if applicable).


The extent to which:

• the impact of the proposed work can only be achieved if carried out at European level.

• the Community support would have a substantial impact on the action and its scale, ambition and outcome.

• exploitation and/or dissemination plans are adequate to ensure optimal use of the project results, where possible beyond the participants in the project.


• the extent to which the management structure is credible in terms of professional qualifications, experience, track record and capacity to deliver.


• the extent to which the project provides for the resources (personnel, equipment, financial…) necessary for success.

• the overall financial plan for the project is adequate.

Overall threshold score 17.5 out of 25 (i.e., a score of 75% of the maximum possible).

48

Integrating Infrastructure Initiatives

(i) Fundamental objectives of the Integrating Activity (threshold score 3 out of 5)

Relevance to the objectives of the Integrating Activities scheme• the extent to which the proposed programme provides an integrated service of

Europe-wide relevance in its field.

Long-term sustainability and structuring effect• the structuring impact of the proposal, in terms of the collaborative arrangements

put into place and of the perspectives for their long-term sustainability.

Proposed activities of the Integrating Activity:

(ii) Networking activities (mandatory) (threshold score 3 out of 5)

Relevance to the objectives of the networking activities• the potential and overall coherence of the networking activities to enhance the

services provided by the infrastructures concerned;

Quality of the plan for using and disseminating knowledge• the capacity to use and disseminate the knowledge derived from all the activities of

the Integrating Activity among operators/users of related infrastructures.

Quality of the managementThe extent to which:• the participants have appropriate management skills, assessed in terms of resources,

competence and organisation of the overall consortium management;• a clear justification is given of the corresponding budget, divided by tasks and by

participants.

(iii) Transnational access activities (optional) (threshold score of 3 out of 5)

The criteria to be applied to each infrastructure offering access will be the same as the criteria for individual Transnational Access scheme, namely: S&T excellence, Quality of the management and European added value (see the entry on trans-national access elsewhere in this Annex). Finally, evaluators will assess the overall value of the whole range of proposed access activities, as a single block:

Relevance to the objectives of the access activities• the extent to which the infrastructures giving access offer a coherent and effective

set of high quality services to the scientific community.

(iv) Joint research activities (optional) (threshold score of 3 out of 5)

Similarly to the previous block of activities, the evaluation of joint research projects will start with an individual assessment of each specific project:

S&T excellenceThe extent to which:• the proposed project is scientifically and technologically innovative and represents a

clear progress beyond the current state-of-the-art.• the proposed research approach and technical programme adequately supports the

stated objectives, in a clear and justified way,49

Quality of the managementThe extent to which:• the project management and the competence of each partner are appropriate for the

intended work;• there is a clear description and justification of the corresponding budget, divided by

tasks and by participants.

European added value• the extent to which the results of the project are applicable and can improve access

to the corresponding pool of research infrastructure in Europe.

Finally, evaluators will assess the overall value of the whole range of proposed research projects, as a single block:

Relevance to the objectives of the research activities• the extent to which the proposed research projects offer an adequate optimisation of

mutual synergies and maximise the potential impact on related infrastructures.

Overall threshold score of 14 out of 20 or pro-rata if some criteria are not applicable (ie, a score of 70% of the maximum possible).

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Trans-national Access to Large Infrastructures

S&T excellence (threshold score of 3 out of 5; weight 40%)

The extent to which:• the infrastructure is offering access to state-of-the-art facilities or services that are

rare or unique in Europe;• the services offered by the infrastructure and its research environment enable users

to conduct high quality research (as measured also by past achievements).

Quality of the management (threshold score of 3 out of 5; weight 20%)

• The extent to which the infrastructure can provide external users with adequate scientific, technical and logistic support.

European added value (threshold score of 3 out of 5; weight 40%)

The extent to which:• the infrastructure can attract potential users, in particular from countries other than

the country where the operator of the infrastructure is established;• the proposal represent good value for money in terms of amount of access, number

of users from different countries and other expected impacts.

The evaluation of proposals, through the above criteria, for infrastructures involved in contracts for similar activities under earlier Framework Programmes will also take into account any ex-post evaluations conducted under those Programmes.

Overall weighted threshold score 3.5 out of 5 (ie, a score of 70% of the maximum possible)

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Fellowships and Grants

Reference evaluation criteria

Activity Specific Evaluation CriteriaIntra-European Fellowships and Grants to

Third CountriesEuropean Re-integration Grants

Criterion (a):Scientific & technological excellence and the degree of innovation

Scientific Quality of the Project(No threshold, weight 15%)

- Scientific/ technological quality of the project- Is the scientific content of the project important and relevant- Originality/innovative aspects- Assessment of the research method- Assessment of the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary aspects of the proposal- Does the proposal describe the state of the art for the scientific area and the relevance of the project

Scientific Quality of the Project( Threshold score 3out of 5, weight 15%)

- Scientific/ technological quality of the project- Is the scientific content of the project important and relevant- Assessment of the research method- Assessment of the originality and innovative nature of the project or training area

Quality of Research Training(Threshold score 3 out of 5, weight 15%)

- Clarity and quality of the research training objectives for the researchers- Complementary training and skills offered

Criterion (b):Ability to carry out successfully and to ensure its efficient management, assessed in terms of resources and competencies and incl. The organisational modalities foreseen by the participants

Quality of Host(No threshold, weight 15%)

- Scientific expertise in the field- Quality of the group/supervisors- Expertise in training researchers in the field and their capacity to provide mentoring/tutoring- International collaborations- Quality of infrastructure / facilities

Quality of Host(No threshold, weight 15%)

- Scientific expertise in the field- Quality of infrastructure / Facilities- Expertise in training researchers in the field and their capacity to provide mentoring/tutoring;- Quality of the group/supervisors- International collaborations

Quality of Researchers(Threshold score 4 out of 5, weight 15%)

- Research experience - Research results- Independent thinking and leadership qualities- Potential for the development of the researchers- Suitability of skills for the project proposed

Quality of the Researchers(No threshold, weight 25%)

- Research experience- Research results- Independent thinking and leadership qualities- Adequacy of skills for the project proposed- Initial results from Euratom training fellowship

Management and Feasibility(No threshold, weight 5%)

- Practical arrangements for the implementation and management of the fellowship or the grant- Feasibility and credibility of the project– Methodological approach to the project and work plan

Management and Feasibility(No threshold, weight 10%)

- Practical arrangements for the implementation and management of the fellowship– Feasibility and credibility of the project– Methodological approach to the project and work plan

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Criterion (c):Relevance to the objectives of the specific programme

Criterion (d):

EU added value, critical mass of resources and contribution to Community policies(incl. Criteria for NOE, IP and RI)

Criterion (e):

Quality of the plan for using or disseminating the knowledge, potential for promoting innovation, and clear plans for the management of intellectual property

Added Value to the Community and Relevance to the objectives(No threshold, weight 35%)

- Benefit to the researchers from the period of advanced training/mobility- Match between project and researchers’ profile- Likeliness for the researchers to pursue the line of research after end of fellowship or grant- Capacity of the fellowship or grant to enhance EU scientific excellence and European competitiveness (where appropriate)- Extent to which the proposed fellowship contributes towards the objectives of the European Research Area- Benefit of mobility through the transfer of knowledge and improved collaborations through the mobile researchers;- Potential for improving the gender balance in the scientific/training area

Added Value to the Community and Relevance to the objectives17 (Threshold score of 3 out of 5, weight 35%)

- Benefit to the career of the researchers from the training/period of re-integration- Match between project and researchers’ profile- Potential for professional integration and long-term job stability for the researchers- Supplementary added value by host through own contribution offered in terms of additional support for integration of the researcher- Capacity to attract future funding- Extent to which the proposed grant contributes towards the objectives of the European Research Area- Contribution to European research excellence and European competitiveness

Overall weighted threshold score of 3.5 out of 5 (ie, a score of 70% of the maximum possible)

17 Researchers applying for a European Re-integration fellowship will be awarded the maximum mark for Added Value to the Community if returning to the country of their nationality

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The ethical review of proposals

In accordance with Article 3 of the Framework Programme and Article 10 of the Rules for Participation, the evaluation procedure includes a check of any ethical issues raised by proposals. A specific ethical review of proposals involving sensitive ethical issues may take place after the evaluation and before any selection decision by the Commission. For this purpose, an ethical review (ER) panel may be convened.

The ER panel assesses the following elements:

• The awareness of the proposers of the ethical aspects of the research they propose• Whether the researchers respect the ethical requirements of the 6th Framework Programme• Whether the proposers have taken into account the legislation, regulations and/or guidelines in

place in the country(ies) where the research takes place• Whether the relevant international conventions and declarations are taken into account18

• Whether the relevant Community Directives are taken into account.• Whether the proposer is seeking the approval/favourable opinion of relevant local ethics

committees

For research involving human beings, the ER panel assesses in particular:

• The information which is given to the participants (healthy volunteers, tissue donors, patients, etc)

• Measures taken to protect participants’ personal data (including genetic data) and privacy• Recruitment criteria and means by which the recruitment is to be conducted• Level of care offered to participants

For research involving isolated or banked human embryonic stem cells in culture and foetal tissues and cells, the ER panel assesses in particular:

• Whether the proposers have taken into account the legislation, regulations and/or codes of conduct in place in the country(ies) where the research using human embryonic stem cells in culture will take place. The procedures for obtaining informed consent

• The source of the human embryonic and foetal tissues/cells • Measures taken to protect personal data (including genetic data) and privacy • The nature of financial inducements, if any

For research involving animals, the ER panel assesses in particular:

• Whether the proposers are applying the ‘Three Rs’ principle: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement, and in particular: ♦ Are animal experiments replaced by alternatives whenever possible?♦ Is animal suffering avoided or kept to a minimum?

18 Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, signed in Nice, 7 December 2000Convention on Human rights and Biomedicine – Oviedo, 4.04. 1997 - Council of Europe and the Additional protocol on the prohibition of Cloning of human beings (1998)Universal declaration on the Human genome and human rights - Unesco - 11 November 1997Declaration of Helsinki (in its latest version) - World Medical AssociationConvention on the Rights of the Child – United Nations - 20 November 1989Amsterdam protocol on an animal protection and welfare

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♦ Is animal welfare guaranteed and are the principles of bio-diversity respected?

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ANNEX V: Implementing rules for training fellowships and grants

The proposals for a Euratom mobility action will be submitted by the host organisation in liaison with an individual researcher. The participants19 to the training fellowships and grants are organisations active in research or research training (universities, research centres or commercial enterprises etc.) implementing the actions concerned and signing the contract with the Commission.

Three different mobility actions are offered by the Euratom programme:

1. Intra-European Fellowships2. European Re-integration Grants3. Grants for cooperating with third countries

of which only the first two are applicable to Fusion Energy Research. These actions will be implemented in accordance with the rules set out below.

1. INTRA-EUROPEAN FELLOWSHIPS

Specific objectives of the action

These fellowships will allow the most promising experienced researchers from EU and Euratom Associated States to undertake transnational mobility training through research in the European organisations most appropriate to their individual needs so as to give them the necessary boost to become independent researchers in their areas of interest. The topic will be freely chosen within the scope of the Euratom work programme by the researcher in collaboration with the host, with a view to completing or diversifying his/her expertise.

Implementation

Project and participants

This action provides financial support for complementary training and mobility, for a period of 12 to 24 months toby experienced researchers from Member States or Euratom Associated States in liaison with a host organisation from another Member State or Euratom Associated State.

Eligible researchers

Researchers must be nationals20 of a Member State or Euratom Associated State other than that of the host organisation21. They can carry out their transnational mobility in all other Member States and all other Euratom Associated States. At the start of their fellowship, researchers may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in the country of their host organisation 19 Within the meaning of the rules for participation, Council Regulation No 2322/2002 (Euratom) of 5 November 2002.

20 Non-nationals from Member States or Euratom Associated States having legally resided or having had their main activity (work, studies etc) for at least four of the last five years at the start of their fellowship in Member States/Euratom Associated States are treated as nationals of the Member/ Euratom Associated State in which they have resided the longest.

21 However, the researcher will be considered as being eligible to benefit from the training or mobility action in their country of origin, if they can provide evidence that they have legally resided and have had their principal activity (work, studies, etc) in an other country for at least four of the last five years immediately prior to the relevant deadline for submission of proposals.

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for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the relevant deadline for submission of proposals. Short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.

The transnational mobility rule does not apply in the case of international European interest organisations.

In the case of a national holding more than one nationality, he/she will be able to carry out a period of mobility in the country of his /her nationality in which he/she has not resided during the previous 5 years. Short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.

“Experienced researchers” are defined as:- researchers having, at the time of the relevant deadline for submission of proposals, at least 4 years of research experience (full-time equivalent) since gaining a university diploma giving them access to doctoral studies (the degree must entitle the holder to embark on doctoral studies, without having to acquire any further qualifications) in the country in which the degree/diploma was obtained, or- researchers already in possession of a doctoral degree, independently of the time taken to acquire it. Researchers must comply with this rule at the latest eight months after the relevant deadline for submission of proposals. The researcher must have met all the necessary requirements for the conferment of the doctoral degree, as officially certified by the awarding body.

Community contribution, rates and applicable evaluation criteria

Rates of Community Contribution: the activities developed by the participants in order to attain the objectives of this action may be funded by the Community under the conditions given in Section 5.1 and summarised in the Table in Section 6 of this Annex.

Evaluation criteria: see Annex IV.

2. EUROPEAN RE-INTEGRATION GRANTS


European Re-integration Grants will be directed at researchers from the EU and Euratom Associated countries who have just completed a Euratom training fellowship of two years duration. The mechanism will assist the professional re-integration of the research worker, the priority being given to re-integration in his or her country or region of origin22. The action also intends to encourage the researchers to place their transnational mobility period within the framework of a coherent professional project and to promote the perspectives of the development of their research career.

Implementation


This action aims at offering the opportunity to researchers of Member States or Euratom Associated States, to capitalise on their transnational mobility period, after having been in receipt of a Euratom Fellowship with a duration of at least 24 months under this or the previous Euratom Programme.

22 Defined as the country of nationality.

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This action consists of a lump sum, in the form of a grant of one year duration. It will be allocated for the benefit of researchers’ re-integration, via (re)integration hosts, on the basis of a well-defined project that will not only endorse but also give added value to the benefits gained during the previous period of mobility. The project will be evaluated on its own merits.

The mechanism will assist the professional re-integration of the researcher in an organisation different from the one in which he/she has been carrying out his/her initial fellowship, priority being given to re-integration in his/her country or region of origin.

The proposals can be submitted at the earliest in the last year of the initial training/mobility and at the latest 6 months before the end of it or until the subsequent closing date as foreseen in the call for proposals. In the case of rejection of the first proposal, and as an exception to this, proposers will be offered the right to resubmit a proposal for the following evaluation session. The (re)integration grant will normally commence within six months after the termination of the original Fellowship.

A contract is issued with the (re)integration host in a Member State or Euratom Associated State, which will commit itself to assure an effective and lasting re-integration (attested by adequate legal means) of the researcher (for at least a period of 2 years). Evidence that researchers will be integrated on a longer-term basis in the (re)integration host will be positively taken into account during evaluation. The (re)integration host will have to secure with the Commission the commitment by contract of its researcher to stay for at least 2 years in order to carry out the presented reintegration programme.


The activities developed by the participants in order to attain the objectives of this action may be funded under the conditions given in Section 5.2 and summarised in the Table in Section 6 of this Annex. The Community contribution will be paid as a lump sum to the (re)integration host. The grant is to be used, within one year, as a contribution to the scientific costs relating to the researcher’s project at the re-integration host. The grant can also be used as a contribution to the salary costs of the researcher, in case the project concerns a researcher returning to a Less Favoured Region in the EU, a new Member State or an Associated Candidate Country.


3. GRANTS FOR COOPERATING WITH THIRD COUNTRIES


These grants aim at providing support to young research workers from the Newly Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union to work in laboratories in the Community with the view to developing mutually-beneficial co-operation between Europe and those countries. The topic will be chosen within the scope of the Euratom work programme.

Implementation


This action provides financial support for complementary training and mobility, for a period of up to 6 months to young research workers from the Newly Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union, in liaison with a host organisation from a Member State. The host organisation must

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actively be carrying out research funded by this or the previous Euratom programme at the time the placement occurs.

Eligible researchers

“Young research workers” are defined as those aged 35 years or less at the time of the relevant deadline for proposals.

Researchers will be considered as eligible to benefit from a grant if they can provide evidence that they have legally resided and have had their principal activity (work, studies, etc.) in a country or countries of the Newly Independent States (NIS) for at least four of the last five years immediately prior to the relevant deadline for submission of proposals.


Community contribution: the activities developed by the participants in order to attain the objectives of this action may be funded by the Community under the conditions given in Section 5.1 and summarised in the Table in Section 6 of this Annex.


4. GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR THE EXECUTION OF THE PROJECTS

The projects must take place totally, or mainly, in the country of the participating legal entities, with the exception of the actions managed by the international European interest organisations.

Eligible researchers must devote themselves in principle full-time to the project. They will be able, however, to devote themselves part-time if this is duly justified for reasons connected to personal or family circumstances (education of children, child-care, etc). The project may be carried out in several phases, though limited in number. The duration of each phase should have significance for the total project and form a coherent part of it.

In this context, family circumstances of researchers testifying to a partnership agreement (marriage, cohabitation, etc) recognised by applicable national legislation will also be duly taken into account in the implementation of the action (e.g., concerning postponement of the starting date, interruption of stays, etc).

Eligible researchers under the schemes set out above do not sign a contract with the Commission, but benefit from the Euratom Fellowships and Grants and are therefore in this way beneficiaries of Community funds.

5. COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION AND SPECIFIC APPLICABLE RATES

The financial contribution of the Community to each of the concerned actions is described below and summarised in the table in Section 6 of this Annex.

5.1 Intra-European Fellowships and Grants for Cooperation with Third Countries

Costs related to the research training activities carried out under the project may be reimbursed by the Commission as follows:

1. Contribution to the benefit of the researcher

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a) A monthly living allowance, according to the table 1 below:

Table 1 (a) : Intra-European Fellowships

Intra-European Fellowships Researchers recruited under an employment contract (€/year)

Researchers receiving a fixed-amount fellowship with minimum social security coverage (€/year)

Experienced researchers (4-10 years experience)

47 000 23 500

Experienced researchers (> 10 years experience)

70 500 35 250

Table 1 (b) : Grants for Cooperation with Third Countries

Grants for Cooperation with Third Countries

Researchers recruited under an employment contract (€/year)

Researchers receiving a fixed-amount fellowship with minimum social security coverage (€/year)

Early stage (< 4 years experience)

30 550 15 275

Experienced researchers (4-10 years experience)

47 000 23 500

Experienced researchers (> 10 years experience)

70 500 35 250

The host organisation receiving Community funding must pay to the selected researchers a minimum contribution according to the reference allowances specified above. Host organisation may pay a top up to the eligible researcher in order to complement this contribution.

The amount of this allowance has been established for Member States and Euratom Associated States by taking into account the conditions necessary to attract the best researchers as well as the overall situation of researchers of a corresponding level in the host country. This sum includes the necessary expenses for adequate social security.

In the case of the Training fellowships, in order to take into account the cases of parental leave of absence the Commission can decide, on request by the researchers and on advice/consultation of the host organisation, to prolong the duration of the fellowship and augment the sum of the Community contribution as a consequence. Calculated on a monthly basis, the contribution shall not exceed the difference between the compensation received from the national social insurance regime and the amount of the Community contribution mentioned in Table 1.

b) A contribution to the mobility costs, consisting of:

- A mobility allowance, according to the monthly flat rate in the table 2(a) below, which takes into account the family situation of the researcher at the time of the relevant deadline for submission of the proposal. The researcher must undertake a physical transnational mobility at the start of the research training activities or within less than 12 months before the relevant deadline for submission of the proposal in order to be entitled to a mobility allowance.

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Table 2(a) : mobility allowance

Family situation € / monthMarried or equivalent 800Not married or equivalent 500No transnational mobility (e.g. international organisation in country of origin)

0

In order to take into account the cost of living and the national salary structure in the country/ies where the researcher is devoting him/herself to the research training activities, the correction coefficients indicated in table 2 (b) shall be applied to the above-mentioned monthly living and mobility allowances.

Table 2 (b) – Correction Coefficients

Austria 104 Bulgaria 72,1Belgium 100 Czech Republic 92Denmark 129,1 Hungary 69Finland 115,9 Latvia 80,7France 104,7 Romania 55,1Germany 103,8 Slovakia 68,8Greece 87,6 Slovenia 76,4Ireland 108,2 Switzerland 124,8Italy 99,3 Estonia 74,3Luxembourg 100 Lithuania 76,6Netherlands 103,9 Poland 88,7Portugal 88,7 Cyprus 95,1Spain 93,7 Malta 103Sweden 110,7United Kingdom 112,5

Revisions either upwards or downwards to the correction coefficients shall be applied to the ongoing appointment contract with the researcher as from the first day of the month following the publication of the revised Work Programme.

- In addition, if the researcher is entitled to the monthly mobility allowance, (s)he shall also receive a travel allowance, according to a flat rate, for one journey between his/her location of origin and the contractor’s premises for every period of 12 months or less when the first period or the last period is less than 12 months. The first travel allowance should be paid upon taking up appointment and yearly after. Only one travel allowance shall be paid per period of 12 months.

The rates in table 3 (return ticket) are applied to the direct distance (as the crow flies) based on latitude and longitude between the location of origin and the contractor’s premises.

Table 3: travel allowance

Distance (km) Fixed-amount rate (€)< 500 250500 – 1.000 500>1.000 – 1.500 750

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>1.500 – 2.500 1 000>2.500 – 5.000 1 500>5.000 – 10.000 2 000>10.000 2 500

c) A single career exploratory allowance, according to a flat rate (2000 € / fellow), if the researcher devotes his/herself to the research training activities for at least one year.

d) A contribution, according to the monthly flat rate defined in Annex I of the contract, to cover the other costs related to the involvement of the researcher in the project based on the nature of the activities to be carried out under the project. This allowance will be administered by the contractor and used for costs directly related to the researcher.

Costs related to the other activities carried out under the project may be reimbursed by the Commission as follows:

2. Contribution to the benefit of the contractor

a) Costs relating to the purchase or leasing with option to buy of durable equipment are ineligible.

b) Cost for management activities of the project: the maximum share of the Community contribution which may be charged to the project is 3%.

3. Indirect costs

A flat rate of 10% of the direct eligible costs excluding sub-contracting costs may be charged to the contract to cover indirect costs of the project.

5.2 European Re-Integration Grants

The grant will amount up to 40000 € subject to the following:- a proposal demonstrating that the estimated budget of the project is higher than this amount- the evidence that the results are achieved (i.e. effective reintegration) and that the actual expenses are higher than this amount.

Personnel costs related to the researcher may not be charged to the contract except when the return is to a Less Favoured Region, to a New Member, or to an Associated Candidate Country. Costs related to personnel cost other than those linked to the researcher may be charged to the contract (in accordance with Article II.18.7 of the contract.)

The costs related to the purchase or leasing with option to buy of durable equipment may be charged to the contract subject to the prior written agreement given by the Commission and shall take into account the depreciation of the equipment according to the applicable accounting principles.

Cost for management activities of the project: the maximum share of the Community contribution which may be charged to the project is 3%.

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6. Structure of the Community contribution

Type ofAction Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses for the activities carried out by the researchers Eligible expenses for the activities carried out by the host organisations - A -

Monthly living allowance

Transnational mobility

B - CTravel MobilityAllowance Allowance

- D -

Career explorator

y allowance

- E –

Contribution to the participation expenses of eligible researchers

- F -

Management activities

(including audit certification)

- G -

Contribution to overheads

- H -Other types of eligible expenses / specific

conditions

Euratom Intra-European fellowships

Application of the reference rates (cf. table 1(a) in Section 5.1 and Annex III to the contract)

x x x Contribution managed by the host organisation for expenses related to the participation of eligible researchers to research and training activities (meetings, conference attendance, training actions, research costs, etc):

Following a fixed amount scheme : 500 € per researcher- month for non laboratory based research training projects ; 750 € per researcher-month for laboratory based research training projects

Maximum 3 % of the Community contribution

10% of direct costs except for sub-contractors

-

Grants for cooperating with third countries

Application of the reference rates (cf. table 1(b) in Section 5.1 and Annex III to the contract)

X X - Contribution managed by the host organisation for expenses linked to the participation of the eligible researchers to research and training activities (meetings, conferences, training activities, research expenses etc.) according to standard rates (per researcher-month :Experienced researcher (> 4 years) : 500€ if not attached to a laboratory, 750€ if attached to a laboratory)Early stage researcher (< 4 years): 250€ if not attached to a laboratory, 500€ if attached to a laboratory)

Maximum 3% of the Community contribution

10% of direct costs except for sub-contractors

-

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Type ofAction Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses for the activities carried out by the researchers Eligible expenses for the activities carried out by the host organisations - A -

Monthly living allowance

Transnational mobility

B - CTravel MobilityAllowance Allowance

- D -

Career explorator

y allowance

- E –

Contribution to the participation expenses of eligible researchers

- F -

Management activities

(including audit certification)

- G -

Contribution to overheads

- H -Other types of eligible expenses / specific

conditions

Euratom European

reintegration grants

- - - - - Maximum 3 % of the Community contribution

- " Amount up to 40000 € given subject to:* a proposal demonstrating that the estimated budget of the project is higher than this amount* the evidence that the results are achieved (i.e. effective reintegration) and that the actual expenses are higher than this amount

Ineligible expenses: remuneration of the eligible researcher, except when the return is to a Less Favoured Region , to a New Member or to an Associated Candidate Country

Eligible expenses: all expenses necessary to carry out the project (on base of the reintegration project submitted by the proposer and as approved by the Commission): cost of personal other than the eligible researcher, the latter with exception to the eligible researcher returning to a Less Favoured Region or to a New Member or to aa Associated Candidate Country ; consumables; travel costs; etc.….. equipment expenses if : - necessary for the project - duly justified on basis of real costs- and with prior agreement of the Commission (partial depreciation, or total if indispensable, if justified by the use of the goods and if final destination of goods is determined)

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ANNEX VI: Implementing rules for transnational access to large infrastructures

1. Specific objectives

The objective of the scheme ‘Trans-national Access to Large Infrastructures’ is to sponsor new opportunities for research teams (including individual researchers) to obtain access to individual major research infrastructures they require for their work. Such infrastructures must be rare in Europe, must provide a world-class service essential for the conduct of top quality research, and must typically have investment or operating costs that are relatively high in relation to those costs in their particular field. The infrastructures must also be able to provide adequate scientific, technical and logistic support to external, particularly first-time, users.

Access to a given infrastructure will be granted following a selection of potential users by ‘peer review’ (see also Section 4 of this Annex).

2. Forms of support

Community support is intended to cover the provision of access to an infrastructure for research teams working in Member States and Associated States other than the state where the operator of the infrastructure is established. There will be two ways of calculating access costs:

• On the basis of the User Fees: this system includes a Unit Cost, specified in Euro per unit of access, to be calculated on the basis of the infrastructure's average annual direct costs of providing access, divided by the total annual quantity of access provided to all normal users of the infrastructure (i.e. both internal and external, but excluding the new users to be supported). A flat rate of up to 20% may be added to cover all related indirect costs.

• On the basis of the actual additional costs of giving access to users.

In both cases, the costs connected with making the access to the infrastructure available to the research teams may cover also preparatory work and specific training courses for new users. Community support will also cover the travel and subsistence costs related to visits by users, where necessary.

Community support will exclude all contributions to the capital investments of the infrastructure. Support for trans-national access to a given infrastructure may not exceed 20% of the annual operating costs of that infrastructure, so as to avoid any undue dependence in the running of the infrastructure itself.

3. Participants

Contracts supported through this scheme will be concluded with only one participant (mono-partner contract). A participant in this scheme will be a legal entity, established in the Member States or Associated States, which operates major research infrastructures. Normally, infrastructures will be located on a single site. A geographically dispersed group of smaller complementary infrastructures having the

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same characteristics as a major infrastructure (as defined in Section 1) could also be considered for support provided they offer a coherent service under a unified management structure.

4. Publication of opportunities for potential users

Infrastructure operators supported with Community funds will also be required to make regular publications, e.g. on the Internet, describing the opportunities available. The choice of users will be made by each infrastructure operator by a ‘peer review’ on the basis of the scientific/technical merit of proposals from prospective users, while giving priority to first-time users and to users in countries without a similar infrastructure. The choice of users will be made in accordance with the principles of transparency, fairness and impartiality. User groups from the same country where the operator of the infrastructure is established will be excluded from access.

Where different facilities are offered simultaneously under a unified management structure, this eligibility condition for user groups will be applied separately on each facility. This applies, e.g. to a group of facilities on a single site, which are operated by different national organisations but managed by one of them for the purpose of the contract.

Users will be expected to publish their results within a reasonable time in the open literature, according to guidelines established by the Commission services. As a general rule, users conducting research for commercial purposes will not be supported under this scheme.

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1. introduction

Documents

field of nuclear technologies

radiation protection

nuclear energy generation

training programme

emergency management

cross cutting issues

large infrastructures

scope of work programme