italy-usa funding brochure 2010-2011 revised edition...

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Dear reader,

The Italian Trade Commission, together with its collaborator, Innova Consulting Group, has produced this 2010-2011 Edition of the brochure, “Funding Instruments for International Cooperation in Scienc e and Technology: Italy, Europe and USA,” as a revision of the 2009 version, providing newly updated and current information on science and technology research funding opportunities.

Operating through 115 branch offices in 86 countries, the Italian Trade Commission is the government agency responsible for the promotion of trade, business opportunities, and industrial cooperation between Italian and foreign companies, and is also involved in the attraction of foreign direct investment into Italy and the enhancement of R&D collaborations between Italy and other countries in scientific and technological fields. In the United States, the Italian Trade Commission is present in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and Miami, and it’s deeply committed toward tighter economic partnership between Italy and the USA. Within the framework of its mission to promote business and research cooperation between Italy and the US, the Trade Commission, via its Investment Desks in the New York and Los Angeles offices, specifically carries out various programs aimed at promoting technology R&D collaboration between the two regions and increasing the involvement of foreign investors in the scientific and technological innovations of Italian research centers, universities and of the growing number of spin offs and entrepreneurial enterprises stemming from these infrastructures. .

Aligned with these objectives, this brochure is a handbook that is meant to provide concrete, practical tools in order to better search for funding opportunities in Italy, Europe and the USA, by outlining major funding mechanisms in these 3 regions. The primary objective of this brochure is to support S&T researchers and entrepreneurs who aim to perform international research or create joint projects between Italy/EU and USA, encouraging either new or continued research and/or business in either region.

This 2010-2011 brochure edition has been edited to include new calls for proposals for the upcoming 2010-2011 objectives, for Italian Programs, European (including the 7th Framework Programme) and USA grant programs. In addition to outlining the call objectives, deadlines, and funding mechanisms, an overview of the funding organizations is provided for all the programs listed.

Newly established programs for Italy and Europe were found, and are further explained in the brochure. The FP7 Cooperation Thematic calls that specifically target USA in future calls through 2011 have been provided in the European Section.

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The brochure is organized like a handbook, divided accordingly by region, is color-coded, and indexed for easy-use. There’s also a helpful table for each funding objective that demonstrates what types of participants can benefit from this funding.

We hope it will be a practical tool in your international research endeavors.

Aniello Musella

Trade Commissioner

Executive Director for the USA

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Chapter 1

Italian Funding Opportunities

� Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE)

� Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR)

� Ministry of Foreign Affairs / MUR

� Ministry of Economic Development (MED)

� Fulbright Grants: Italy-USA Joint Program

Chapter 1


Chapter 1


� Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE)� Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE)

� Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR)� Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR)

� Ministry of Foreign Affairs / MUR� Ministry of Foreign Affairs / MUR

� Ministry of Economic Development (MED)� Ministry of Economic Development (MED)

� Fulbright Grants: Italy-USA Joint Program� Fulbright Grants: Italy-USA Joint Program

Chapter 2

European Funding Programs

� Cooperation Programme of FP7

� Capacities Programme of FP7

� People Programme of FP7

� Ideas Programme of FP7

� European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)

� European Cooperation in Science

and Technology (COST)

� EuroTrans-BIO

Chapter 2


Chapter 2


� Cooperation Programme of FP7� Cooperation Programme of FP7

� Capacities Programme of FP7� Capacities Programme of FP7

� People Programme of FP7� People Programme of FP7

� Ideas Programme of FP7� Ideas Programme of FP7

� European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)� European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)





� EuroTrans-BIO� EuroTrans-BIO

Chapter 3

US Funding Programs

� Human Frontier Science Program US/International Fund

� National Institutes Of Health (NIH)

� National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST)

Chapter 3

US Funding Programs

Chapter 3

US Funding Programs

� Human Frontier Science Program US/International Fund� Human Frontier Science Program US/International Fund

� National Institutes Of Health (NIH)� National Institutes Of Health (NIH)

� National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST)� National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST)

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INDEX

Introduction: EU-US Science and Technology Agreemen t 6

Chapter 1: Italian Funding Opportunities Introduction 8 1.1 Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) 9 1.2 Ministry for Economic Development (MED) (MISE i n Italian) 10

1.2.1 ICE-MISE-CRUI Funding Programme 10 1.2.2 Industria 2015 – Program for Research Institutes

Private Companies 11

1.2.3 Law46/82: Technology Innovation Fund for Research

Institutes and Private Companies

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1.3 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) 12 1.3.1 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Grant for Foreigners and Italian

Citizens (Individual Researchers)

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1.4 Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration wi th the MIUR 14 1.4.1 Researcher Mobility in Scientific and Technological

Executive Collaboration Projects

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1.4.2 Projects of Major Importance in the S&TCollaboration

Executive Programme for Research Institutes

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1.5 Fulbright Grants: Italy-USA Joint Program 16 1.5.1 Fulbright Grants for US Citizens Individual Researchers 16 1.5.2 Fulbright Grants for Italian Citizens Individual Researchers 17 Chapter 2: European Funding Programs Introduction 18 2.1 Cooperation Programme of FP7 18 2.1.1 Health 20 2.1.2 Food, Agriculture & Fisheries, Biotechnology 21 2.1.3 Information & Communication Technologies 24 2.1.4 FP7 Cooperation Theme – Energy 28 2.1.5 FP7 Cooperation Theme – Transport (Including Aeronautics) 29 2.1.6 FP7 Cooperation Theme – Space 31 2.2 Capacities Programme of FP7 32 2.2.1 Capacities International Cooperation 33 2.2.2 Access to Research Infrastructures - Individual Researchers 33 2.2.3 Research Infrastructure for Research Institutes 33 2.2.4 International Cooperation Program - Institutes & Private Co. 34 2.2.5 Research for the Benefit for SMEs Program - Private Co. 34 2.3 People Programme of FP7 35

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2.3.1 Talents for an International House (TALENTS) - EU/Italy 35

2.3.2 Marie Curie for Individual Researchers and Research

Institutes

36

2.3.3 IAPP: Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways for

Private Companies

37

2.4 Ideas Programme of FP7 38 2.4.1 ERC Starting Independent Research Grant 38 2.4.2 ERC Advanced Investigator Grants 39 2.5 European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) 39 2.5.1 EMBO Courses & Workshops for Individual Researchers 40 2.5.2 EMBO Fellowships for Individual Researchers 40 2.5.3 EMBO Young Investigators for Individual Researchers 40 2.5.4 EMBO Installation Grants for Individual Researchers 40 2.5.5 EMBO Career Development for Individual Researchers 40 2.6 European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) 40 2.6.1 COST for Research Institutes 41 2.7 EUROTRANS-BIO 42 2.7.1 EUROTRANS-BIO Initiative for Private Companies and

Research Institutes

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Chapter 3: USA Funding Programs Introduction 44 3.1 Human Frontier Science Program US/International Fund 44 3.1.1 Research Grants for Individual Researchers 45 3.1.2 Fellowships for Individual Researchers 45 3.1.3 Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships for Individual Researchers 45 3.1.4 Short-term Fellowships for Individual Researchers 46 3.1.5 Career Development Awards for Individual Researchers 46 3.2 National Institutes of Health (NIH) 46 3.2.1 Foreign Investigator/Student Eligibility (in the US) 47 3.2.2 NIH Fogarty International Center for Research Institutes 47 3.2.3 NIH Program Project for Research Institutes 48 3.2.4 NIH Grants to Support Small Business Government

Assistance Programs

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3.3 National Research Council (NRC) 49 3.3.1 Research Associateship Program (RAP) – Individual 49 3.4 National Institute of Standards & Technology (N IST) 51 3.4.1 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 52 3.4.2 The Technology Innovation Program (TIP) –Private Co. 52

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Introduction: EU-U S Science and Technology Agreement

It is more than evident that science and technology contribute significantly to the

economic growth and quality of life in both the United States and Europe. Europe

and the US have a long history in scientific collaboration and it is essential to act

on the possibilities for future cooperation in all science and technology fields. As

two global power regions, the scientific and technological research priorities, in

both the US and EU, are competitively similar. Europe has contributed much in

the field of science over the years, as it produces one third of the world’s

scientific knowledge. While on the other hand, the strong economic performance

of the U.S. in recent years has demonstrated the value of a knowledge-based

economy, one in which research, its commercial applications, and other

intellectual activities play an important role in driving world economic growth and

prosperity.

The US and the European Union entered into a Science and Technology Co-

operation Agreement, originally signed in 1998 and renewed in 2004, which

brings a pan-European dimension to transatlantic S&T co-operation to

complement the many bilateral arrangements with individual Member States and

between individual scientists. The S&T Agreement is itself multi-dimensional in

scope, and actions are undertaken notably through implementing arrangements

on the following topics: Environment, Metrology, Materials Science (including

nanotechnology), Non-Nuclear and Renewable Energy (including Hydrogen).

There is also a Task Force on Biotechnology.

The EC-US S&T agreement is an important and efficient tool for the regular S&T

policy dialogue between the European Community and the Government of the

United States with the aim of intensifying the EC-US S&T cooperation and the

exchange of experience and good practice in the area of S&T policy. The EC-US

S&T agreement should be extended possibly considering new areas and forms

for cooperative activities. In general, the S&T agreements have the potential to

play an important role also in the frame of the implementation of the strategic

European framework for international S&T cooperation especially in the context

of further moves towards strategic partnerships with key third countries. In the

further development of a European strategic framework for international S&T

cooperation, the whole spectrum of possible arrangements should be explored

and utilized in complementary ways: EC-US cooperation in the Framework

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Program, joint EC-US S&T programs, cooperation in variable geometry between

groupings of Member states and US partners, and bilateral cooperation between

Member states and the US.

In addition to the S&T cooperation agreement between the US and the European

Union as a whole, the U.S. also has bilateral agreements directly with 19 EU

member states, including Italy. Also, many science-focused U.S. government

agencies including the National Science Foundation, NASA, U.S. Departments of

Energy and Agriculture, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology

have major research arrangements with the EU under the S&T Agreement.

Transatlantic Cooperation Research programs are now recognized as a priority

by the US government, that aims to continuously advance the Agreement, by:

enhancing existing research collaboration programs in areas of mutual interest;

examining international grant funding mechanisms with the aim of eliminating

obstacles and better coordinate research activities, such as coordinated calls for

transatlantic research; and working to more closely coordinate research agendas

on both sides of the Atlantic in line with the priorities identified at the February

2007 meeting of the EU-U.S. High Level Joint Consultative Group on S&T.

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Chapter 1:

Italian Funding Opportunities Investment in research and development in Italy are

supported through the use of both public funds

(approximately 53%) and private funds (about 47%).

The Italian public funds can be collectively classified

according to the following funding sources:

• Regional funding – funding derived from the

regional budgets, aimed at achieving

innovation strategies for local production

systems.

• National funding – funding granted by the Italian Ministries for the

support of both Research Public Institutions (Universities and Public

Research Institutions), and private research entities. The Ministry of

Education, University and Research (MIUR) manages and co-ordinates

the principal public financial interventions foreseen from the Italian

Government. Nevertheless, other Ministries are responsible in

managing several financing programs related to their area of interest.

In particular, the main funds managed by the MIUR are:

o “PRIN” (Research Projects of Relevant National Interest) for

Universities

o “FISR” (Special Integrative Fund for Research) for public and

private entities

o “FAR” (Fund for Research Facilities) intended mainly to

businesses

o “FIRB” (Basic Research Integrative Fund) is intended to

Universities and Research Institutions that collaborate with

private companies

o “FFO” (Ordinary Fund for University) for the overall operation of

the University

o “FOE” (Fund for Public Research) for the overall financing of

Public Research Bodies supervised by MIUR.

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As mentioned, other ministries are investing in research, as the

Ministries of Health, Environment, Development and others. As an

example, the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) operates, as

well as several funds dedicated to the development of world production,

as for example the “FIT” (Fund for Technological Innovation).

• European funding – Italy can also take advantage of European funds

either through direct funding of research projects through the European

Commission’s 7th Framework Programme (FP7), and through the

Structural Funds which co-finance activities operated by the Italian State

(National Operational Programmes, PON, and Regional POR).

1.1 - Ministry of Education, University and Researc h (MIUR)

Italy has one of the oldest traditions of

university studies in Western Europe

that dates back to the 11th century.

Italy offers excellent study and

research opportunities in the arts,

humanities and social sciences as well

as in the sciences and technological fields. Italian universities also offer a wide

selection of courses taught in English at all degree levels. the Italian higher

education system together with advisory bodies such as the National University

Council (CUN), the Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI), the National

Council for Higher Artistic and Music Education (CNAM) and the University

Student National Council (CNSU).

The Ministry of Education, University and Research is in charge of promoting

scientific and technological research together with the development of

Universities. MIUR operates in the following areas: university education,

programming of intervention on university system; addressing and coordinating,

supervision, financing and evaluating university activities as far as teaching and

research are concerned. These actions concern public research agencies, as

well. The ministry also pursues a co-ordination of participation by national agents

to international research programs and supports research activities in the private

sector through specific appropriated funds.

As mentioned, MIUR is in charge of the management and organization of the

main public research funding programs, which includes programs for individual

Individual Researchers

Research Institutes

Private Companies

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researchers (PhDs, young professors or researchers), national public institutes,

national SMEs.

Among the several funding opportunities managed by MIUR, it is worth to

mention the programs foreseen within the Ministerial Decree n. 593, which

disciplines the principal tools in support of industrial research (FAR funds).

Particularly, the “Articolo 11 ” of the mentioned DM 593 represents an interesting

tool which gives the opportunity to constitute technological start up in any

scientific field. The application includes the development of a 2 years research

project proposal (which has to foreseen mainly industrial research), a market

analysis and a business and financial plan of the future start up. All the

documentation has to be submitted to the MIUR.

Further information: http://www.miur.it/

1.2 - Ministry for Economic Development (MED) (MISE in Italian)

The Ministry for Economic

Development (MED) promotes

international alliances in high

technology sectors; supports major

industrial research projects in Europe;

favors the internationalization of

businesses; encourages enterprises, especially those operating within the

industrial districts, to establish relationships of integration and collaboration, also

through fiscal, administrative and financial measures.

1.2.1 – ICE-MISE-CRUI Funding Programme for Univers ities and Private

SMEs

Purpose: This Italian Programme aims to improve the international

competitiveness of Italian SMEs, approaching the Research activity to the

national industrial system through the development of joint projects of

Universities/Enterprises toward foreign markets.

Objective: The funding programme consists in the public co-financing of 50% of

the costs related to proposals submitted by the University with participation of at

least one Italian enterprise, finalized with the objective to develop collaboration

abroad in the fields of the applied research, innovation and technological

transfer, specifically targeted towards the aim at producing new licenses or spin-

offs.


Research Institutes

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Budget: Each project can have a maximum budget of € 250.000 (maximum

amount of funding: € 125.000).

Deadline: 30 September 2010

Additional Information:

http://www.mincomes.it/circ_dm/circ2010/luglio_10/mise_crui_2010/com020710.htm

1.2.2 - Industria 2015 - Program for Research Insti tutes and Private

Companies

Funded by the MED, the “Industria 2015” contains Italy‘s government strategies

for the development and the improvement of the Italian Industrial system. The

program strategy seeks: to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the

growth of private demand of highly innovative goods; to improve the capacity of

the productive system to effectively fit the new needs characterizing an advanced

society; to improve the competitiveness of traditional sectors by developing new

synergies between technology producers and consumer goods producers.

Although the program is aimed at financing Italian universities and companies,

foreign entities are eligible to obtain funds when submitting proposals in

partnership with Italian counterparts. Nonetheless, if the project is eligible to

obtain funds, the amount the foreign entity will receive cannot exceed 15% of the

total project amount.

The program aims to reach this goal through the implementation of the following

activities and projects.

• IIP- Projects for Industrial Innovation

Industrial Innovation Projects (IIPs) represent the main and most innovative

measure established by the “Industry 2015” programme. IIPs aim to stimulate

and promote the development of high-tech products and services in the following

five strategic areas: energy efficiency; sustainable mobility; new technologies for

renewal of the traditional Italian industries; technologies for the enhancement of

cultural heritage; technologies for life. To fund IIPs, one billion Euros have been

allocated for the period 2007- 2009, of which 150 million specifically dedicated to

the biotechnology sector.

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Eligibility: industrial projects; Beneficiaries: consortia of universities/research

centers and private companies. While the Ministry has already closed the bidding

processes and awarded funds for projects within 3 IIPs, the strategic plan for Life

Sciences and Biotechnology is currently being finalized

• Creation of networks between enterprises

The networks of enterprises represent coordinated contract actions between

businesses, specifically addressed to SMEs, with a view to increase their critical

mass and strength their presence on the market.

Further information: http://www.industria2015.ipi.it/?id=2

1.2.3 - Law 46/82: Technology Innovation Fund (FIT) for Research Institutes

and Private Companies

FIT Program supports R&D and industrial research projects.

Beneficiaries: industrial companies producing goods and/or services; transport

companies; agro-industrial companies; craft companies; research centers with

their own legal status; consortia and companies with one of the previous subjects

being major shareholders (the minimum participation limit is set at 30%). One or

more of the subjects listed above may present a joint application with

universities/ research institutes) provided that the first ones are responsible for at

least 30% of the total eligible cost of the project.

Funding: Generally, program over 1,000,000 Euro will be accepted, but different

limits can be established through calls.

Typology of financing: The funding can be provided in three different forms: Soft

loan, ;Interest account grant; Grant.

Further information: http://www.sviluppoeconomico.gov.it/

1.3 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in

charge of implementing the

Government's foreign policy and it

carries out a broad-based and

intensive activity aimed at the

dissemination of Italian culture abroad


Research Institutes

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through the network of Italian Cultural Institutes that are an extension of its

Directorate General for Cultural Cooperation and Promotion. Language courses,

incentives for the translation of Italian literary works and study grants for foreign

students are among the most important aspects of this promotional activity, along

with the administration of a complex network of Italian school institutions located

abroad. For this purpose, together with the diplomatic-consular network and its

Cultural Institutes, the DGPCC stipulates scientific and cultural agreements and

protocols with other countries, aimed at funding and facilitating various forms of

collaboration.

Also of major importance, are the Directorate’s efforts in the multilateral context

of UNESCO, of which Italy is a principal contributor both financially as well as in

terms of ideas, technicians and projects.

1.3.1 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Grant for Forei gners and Italian Citizens

(Individual Researchers)

• Grants for Foreigners

Study grants are awarded by the Italian government to foreigners as a

contribution toward their studies and research in Italy in an effort to encourage

international cultural cooperation and the dissemination of the Italian language,

culture and sciences, also by promoting Italian economic and technological

advances around the world.

• Grants for Italians Residing Abroad

Special study grants are available to Italian citizens legally residing in Australia,

Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Congo-Brazzaville, Egypt, Eritrea,

Ethiopia, Jordan, Mexico, Peru, Syria, South Africa, Tunisia, United States of

America , Uruguay and Venezuela.

For both Italians and foreigners, study grants are awarded for research or study

at the following types of State or otherwise legally accredited institutions:

o Universities or university or poly-technical institutes

o Institutes for advanced artistic or musical training

o Restoration institutes

o National School of Cinema

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o Research labs or centers, libraries, archives and museums

associated with graduate and undergraduate university

courses in which the candidate is obliged to enroll.

Applicants may request study grants for:

o Brief language courses

o Individual University Courses

o Degree Courses

o Courses in advanced musical and artistic training

o Italian language and culture courses for Italian teachers

o Post graduate university courses, including: Doctorates in

research, Masters, Specializations

o Research

Further Information: http://www.esteri.it/mae/it

1.4 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the MIUR

Ministry of Foreign Affairs carries out a

broad-based and intensive activity

aimed at the dissemination of Italian

culture abroad through the network of

Italian Cultural Institutes that are an

extension of its Directorate General for

Cultural Cooperation and Promotion. For this purpose, in concert with the

diplomatic-consular network and its Cultural Institutes, the DGPCC stipulates

scientific and cultural agreements and protocols with other countries, aimed at

funding and facilitating various forms of collaboration. International bilateral

cooperation in research and technological innovation contributes to strengthening

activities in support of the Italian scientific and technological system abroad. The

Directorate General for Cultural Promotion and Cooperation promotes and

supports cooperation between national scientific and technological research

facilities, both public and private, and similar facilities in other countries through

the negotiation of Executive Programmes. Bilateral Executive Programmes take

into account the priorities set out in the National Research Programmes and the

European Union’s Framework Programmes. Under these programmes, the


Research Institutes

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parties develop joint research projects in various sectors, which have normally

been identified in Framework Agreements. In general, their duration is two or

three years.

1.4.1 - Researcher Mobility in Scientific and Techn ological Executive

Collaboration Projects

Each scientific and technological Executive Collaboration Project includes a list

of joint research projects to be funded bilaterally in the scientific sectors both

countries consider to be a priority. The exchange usually takes place on a

reciprocal basis. The priority sectors are agreed with the partner. On the Italian

side, the following factors are generally taken into consideration in selecting the

sectors: the strategic lines set out in the National Research Programme; the

programme guidelines contained in the European Union’s Research Framework

Programme; the strategic lines of the main research bodies’ three-year

Programmes; and the internationalization initiatives adopted by the Regions and

Autonomous Provinces in the scientific and technological research sector.

Further information:

http://www.esteri.it/MAE/EN/Politica_Estera/Cultura/CooperScientificaTecnologic

a/ProgrammiEsecutivi/MobilitaRicercatori/

1.4.2 – Projects of Major Importance in the Scienti fic and Technological

Collaboration Executive Programme for Research Inst itutes

Annually, the Directorate General for Cultural Promotion and Cooperation, of the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, awards grants for bilateral scientific and technological

projects, in conjunction with the Ministry for the Universities and Research.

Annual Project Submission Deadline: usually November/December.

Projects will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria: experience and

qualifications of researchers and their organizations; methodology, strategy,

structure and publications; infrastructure available to the project; degree to which

the project is original and innovative; contribution to scientific, industrial or social

development; aim of the research units’ cooperation; evidence of bilateral nature

of the research; the nature of the use of the results; dissemination of results;

appropriate estimated budgeting for proposed project activities; amount of co-

funding.

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http://www.esteri.it/MAE/EN/Politica_Estera/Cultura/CooperScientificaTecnologic

a/ProgrammiEsecutivi/ProgettiGrandeRilevanza/

1.5 - Fulbright Grants: Italy-USA Joint Program

Fulbright is bi-national program

founded in 1948, jointly funded by the

US Department of State and by the

Italian Ministry of the Foreign Affairs

and managed by the Commission for

cultural exchanges and the U.S. – Italy

Fulbright Commission in collaboration with the Institute of International Education

(IIE) and the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES).

1.5.1 - Fulbright Grants for US Citizens Individual Researchers

• The Fulbright US Student Program in Italy

Fulbright Grants to Italy are offered to United States citizens:

o College graduates, Master or doctoral degree candidates, young

professionals and artists.

o Scholars and professionals.

o U.S. high school teachers and professors who are currently teaching

Latin, Greek, Italian, Classical Studies, or Ancient Art.

Fulbright Grants to Italy are awarded to carry out a study/research project,

lecture and/or conduct research, serve as expert consultants on curriculum,

faculty development, institutional planning, and related subjects at Italian

universities, assist English language teachers in Italian high schools.

Fulbright full grants are offered to US citizens for study and research at an Italian

institution (i.e. university, research center, library, archives and museums or

other institutions). Candidates at all degree levels and in all fields of study are

eligible: B.S./B.A. graduates or graduating seniors, master’s and doctoral

candidates, young professionals and artists. Preference is given to contemporary

topics in all fields of study, science and technology and entrepreneurship.


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Grant Length: 9 months, October 10, 2010 to July 10, 2011

Further Information: The US–Italy Fulbright Commission, Via Castelfidardo 8;

00185 Rome, Italy http://www.fulbright.it/ ; Email: [email protected]

• Fulbright Senior Specialists Program

The Fulbright Senior Specialists Program provides short-term academic

opportunities for U.S. Faculty and professionals that are invited by Italian

universities. Shorter grant lengths give specialists greater flexibility to pursue a

grant that works best with their current academic or professional commitments.

Senior Specialists collaborate with their counterparts in other countries on

curriculum and faculty development, assist in institutional planning, give lectures

and otherwise use their expertise, depending on the host institution’s interests

and needs.

Grant Length: 2-6 weeks



1.5.2 - Fulbright Grants for Italian Citizens Indiv idual Researchers

• Fulbright scholarships to the United States are reserved to Italian

citizens:

o Graduates (bachelor or postgraduate degree old system) or

graduates from the Academies of Art or Music.

o Students of the PhD research in Italy.

o PhD graduates, researchers, academics.

o Teachers of secondary and ministerial responsibility of teaching.

Fulbright scholarships are offered for research projects, research and teaching in

the best U.S. universities. All Fulbright grants include the costs of travel between

Italy and the United States and medical insurance coverage funded by the

Government of the United States.



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Chapter 2: European Funding Programs European 7 th Framework Programme (FP7)

The Seventh European Research Framework

Programme (FP7) provides funding of more than 54

billion Euro over 7 years (2007-2013) to increase

Europe’s Research Area and its global competitiveness.

FP7 consists of four specific programmes:

COOPERATION - to fund collaborative projects

between research teams; CAPACITIES - to enhance

research and innovation capacities throughout Europe;

PEOPLE - to fund training, mobility and career

development of researchers; and IDEAS - to fund excellent individual

investigators in cutting-edge frontier research through European-level

competition.

Further information, consult the European Comission’s CORDIS website :

http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/understand_en.html

To download the key documents for the FP7, please consult the following web

address: http://ec.europa.eu/research/fp7/index_en.cfm?pg=documents

2.1 - Cooperation Programme of FP7

Objective: The budget for Cooperation

will be devoted to supporting

cooperation between universities,

industry, research centres and public

authorities throughout the EU and

beyond.

Who is eligible: Research institutions, universities and industry are invited to join

research proposals. Eligibility requirements are strict. Proposals must include

institutions from a minimum of 3 different EU Member States or Associated

Countries. Industrialized countries (such as the US) are generally expected to

bring their own funding to the project. In exceptional cases however, e.g. where it

is essential for the project, they may be funded.


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Topics covered: The specific programme on 'Cooperation' supports all types of

research activities carried out by different research bodies in trans-national

cooperation and aims to gain or consolidate leadership in key scientific and

technology areas. The Cooperation programme is sub-divided into ten distinct

themes: Energy; Security and Space; Health; Environment (including climate

change); Information and Communication Technologies; Nanoscience,

Nanotechnologies, Materials and New Production Technologies; Food,

Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology; Socio-Economic Sciences and

Humanities; and Transport. Cross-disciplinary topic: The Ocean of Tomorrow:

Joining research forces to meet challenges in ocean management. The ten

identified themes reflect the most important fields of knowledge and technology

where research excellence is particularly important to improve Europe’s ability to

address its social, economic, public health, environmental and industrial

challenges of the future.

International Cooperation Eligibility: In addition to the eligibility requirements

mentioned above (and further detailed in the Guide for Applicant on Cordis), all

3rd country participants can participate in the FP7 Cooperation program, as long

as you are a legally established entity.

In some cases, to promote EU international cooperation, there can be calls that

specifically target 3rd countries. Here we provide a comprehensive list of new

calls, during the time period of 2010-2011, that are targeted towards the United

States; the involvement of a USA entity is considered directly beneficial to the

results and impact of the project. Open calls for proposals in the recently

published FP7 2011 Work Programmes targeting international cooperation with

the United States are listed below, organized by FP7 programme and thematic

area.

There are some FP7 themes, (i.e. Nanotechnology, Security, etc.), excluded from

the list below; this signifies that there are no foreseen open calls throughout 2011

that target cooperation specifically with the United States.

Further information: http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/cooperation/home_en.html

To see the full details of the calls, please consult the following web address:

http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/calls/

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2.1.1 – FP7 Cooperation Theme – Health

FP7 International Cooperation in Health Theme

International cooperation continues to be an integral part of the Health Theme

with many opportunities throughout the work programme to include international

cooperation partner countries. In particular, in the area of diabetes / obesity and

on early life programming, the need for a global approach encompassing several

regions of the world such as the Mediterranean region, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin

America, Asia, etc. is envisioned. In recognition of the opening of NIH

programmes to European researchers, participants es tablished in the

United States of America are eligible for funding a nd participation in all

topics described in this work programme.

Currently, there are three (3) health calls open.

1) Identifier: FP7-ERANET-2011-RTD

Publication Date: 20 July 2010

Budget: € 44 600 000

Deadline: 22 February 2011 at 17:00:00 (Brussels local time)

2) Identifier: FP7-HEALTH-2011-single-stage


Budget: € 160 500 000

Deadline: 10 November 2010 at 17:00:00 (Brussels local time)

3) Identifier: FP7-HEALTH-2011-two-stage

Publication Date : 20 July 2010

Budget : € 498 000 000

Deadlines: 13 October 2010 at 17:00:00 (Brussels local time)

10 February 2011 at 17:00:00 (Brussels local time) - Second deadline (for 2-

stage procedure indicative)


ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/docs/wp/cooperation/health/a-wp-

201101_en.pdf

21

2.1.2 – FP7 Cooperation Theme – Food, Agriculture a nd Fisheries,

Biotechnology

International Cooperation Funding: A financial contribution may be granted by

the European Union in the case of a participating international organisation other

than an international European interest organisation, or a legal entity established

in a third country other than an international cooperation partner country, such as

Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States, etc, provided that such a

contribution is essential for carrying out the indirect action.

1) Call Identifier: FP7-KBBE-2011-5

Objective Identifier: KBBE.2011.1.1-01

Activity: 2.1 Sustainable production and management of biological resources

from land, forest and aquatic environment

Area: 2.1.1 Enabling research

Objective: KBBE.2011.1.1-01: Promoting conifer genomic resources


Deadline: 25 January 2011

Call Budget: € 237 270 000

Funding scheme: Collaborative Project (large-scale integrating project)

Additional Information: Participation of relevant partners from Canada and the US

will add to the scientific and/or technological excellence of the project and ensure

effective uptake of on-going international efforts in the area of conifer genome

sequencing.


ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/docs/wp/cooperation/kbbe/b-wp-201101_en.pdf



Activity: 2.1 Sustainable production and management of biological resources

from land, forest and aquatic environment

Area: 2.1.3 Optimised animal health, production and welfare across agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture

22

Objective: KBBE.2011.1.3-03: European interprofessional network addressing zoonotic diseases transmitted via companion animals



Call Budget: € 237 270 000

Funding scheme: Coordination and Support Action (supporting action)

Additional Information: Projects supported under this topic should integrate

relevant partners from US (USDA and CDC), Australia, New Zealand and

Canada.





Activity: 2.2 Fork to farm: Food (including seafood), health and well being

Area: 2.2.2 Nutrition

Objective: KBBE.2011.2.2-02: New technologies and tools and their potential

application to nutrition research



Call Budget: € 237 270 000


Additional Information: The European added value lies in exploiting and

developing cutting edge-technologies and methodologies for the scientific

community in the nutrition field. Projects supported under this topic should

integrate relevant partners from Australia, Canada, the USA and New Zealand.

The participation of partners from those countries is important to achieve the

expected impact of the research to be undertaken.



23



Activity: 2.2 Fork to farm: Food (including seafood), health and well being

Area: 2.2.2 Nutrition

Objective: KBBE.2011.2.2-03: Long-term influence of early nutrition on health

Publication Date: 20 July 2010 Deadline: 25 January 2011

Call Budget: € 237 270 000


Additional Information: Projects supported under this topic should integrate

relevant partners from the USA, the participation of which is important to achieve

the expected impact of the research to be undertaken.




Objective Identifier: KBBE.2011.4-02

Activity: 2.4 Other Activities

Objective: KBBE.2011.4-02: Support to European Commission (EC) activities

related to international co-operation with Australia-Canada-New Zealand and

with the USA


Call Budget: € 237 270 000

Funding scheme: Coordination and Support Action (supporting action)

Additional Information: The budget for this project should cover the activities

incurred in organising international events in Europe and cover participation

costs of European participants in the events organised in Australia, Canada, New

Zealand and the US. Further information:


24

2.1.3 – FP7 Cooperation Theme – Information & Commu nication

Technologies; Future Calls 7 and 8

2010-2011 Call 7 - FP7-ICT-2011-7

1) Call Identifier: FP7-ICT-2011-7

Objective Identifier: ICT-2011.1.3

Activity: 1: Pervasive and Trusted Network and Service Infrastructure

Area: ICT-2011.1.3 Internet-connected objects

Objective: ICT-2011.1.3c Coordination and support actions


Call Budget: € 778 500 000

Funding scheme: Coordination and Support Action

Further information: ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/ict/docs/ict-wp-2011-

12_en.pdf



Activity: 3: Alternative Paths to Components and Systems

Area: ICT-2011.3.3 New paradigms for embedded systems, monitoring and

control towards complex systems engineering

Objective: ICT-2011.3.3.g Analysis of international research agendas



Call Budget: € 778 500 000



12_en.pdf



25


Area: ICT-2011.3.4 Computing Systems

Objective: ICT-2011.3.4.e International Collaboration



Call Budget: € 778 500 000



12_en.pdf




Area: ICT-2011.3.6 Flexible, Organic and Large Area Electronics and Photonics

Objective: ICT-2011.3.6.d Coordination and support actions



Call Budget: € 778 500 000



12_en.pdf



Activity: 5: ICT for Health, Ageing Well, Inclusion and Governance

Area: ICT-2011.5.2 Virtual Physiological Human

Objective: ICT-2011.5.2.c Coordination and Support Action



Call Budget: € 778 500 000

26



12_en.pdf

2011-2012 Call 8 - FP7-ICT-2011-8



Activity: 1: Pervasive and Trusted Network and Service Infrastructure

Area: ICT-2011.1.1 Future Networks

Objective: ICT-2011.1.1.e Coordination and Support Actions and

Networks of Excellence



Call Budget: € 785 500 000

Funding scheme: Coordination and Support Action, Network of Excellence


12_en.pdf




Area: ICT-2011.3.1 Very advanced nanoelectronic components: design,

engineering, technology and manufacturability

Objective: ICT-2011.3.1.d Coordination and Support Actions



Call Budget: € 785 500 000



12_en.pdf

27



Activity: 6: ICT for a low carbon Economy

Area: ICT-2011.6.7 Cooperative Systems for energy efficient and sustainable

mobility

Objective: ICT-2011.6.7.c Coordination and support actions



Call Budget: € 785 500 000



12_en.pdf



Activity: 9 Future and Emerging Technologies

Area: ICT-2011 9.6: FET Proactive: Unconventional Computation (UCOMP)



Call Budget: € 785 500 000

Funding scheme: STREP


12_en.pdf



Activity: 9 Future and Emerging Technologies

Area: ICT-2011 9.7: FET Proactive: Dynamics of Multi-Level Complex Systems

(DyM-CS)

Objective: ICT-2011.9.7.b World-class international research cooperation


28


Call Budget: € 785 500 000



12_en.pdf

2.1.4 – FP7 Cooperation Theme – Energy

1) Call Identifier: FP7-ENERGY-2011-1

Objective Identifier: ENERGY.2011.5.2-1

Activity: ACTIVITY ENERGY.5: CO2 CAPTURE AND STORAGE

TECHNOLOGIES FOR ZERO EMISSION POWER GENERATION

Area: AREA ENERGY.5.1: CO2 CAPTURE

Objective: ENERGY.2011.5.2-1: Understanding the long-term fate of

geologically stored CO2


Deadline: 16 November 2010

Call Budget: € 74 000 000

Funding scheme: Collaborative Project

Additional information: The active participation of relevant partners from the

Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum, in particular the U.S. and Canada,

could add to the scientific and/or technological excellence of the project(s) and/or

lead to an increased impact of the research to be undertaken.


ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/docs/wp/cooperation/energy/e-wp-

201101_en.pdf

2) Call Identifier: FP7-ENERGY-2011-EXCHANGE

Objective Identifier: ENERGY.2011.10.2-1

Activity: ACTIVITY ENERGY.10: HORIZONTAL PROGRAMME ACTIONS

Area: AREA ENERGY.10.2: OTHER HORIZONTAL ACTIONS

Objective: ENERGY.2011.10.2-1: Pilot International Researcher Exchange in

the field of energy research (US and Japan)

29




Funding scheme: Support for training and career development of researchers

Additional information: A partnership agreement in this action shall be

established between a consortium of a at least two independent participants

established in at least two different EU Member States or Associated Countries,

and one or more partner organisation(s) located in the US or Japan.


ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/docs/wp/cooperation/energy/e-wp-

201101_en.pdf

2.1.5 – FP7 Cooperation Theme – Transport (includin g Aeronautics)

1) Call Identifier: FP7-TPT-2011-RTD-1

Objective Identifier: TPT.2011.1-2

Activity: 7.3. HORIZONTAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF

THE TRANSPORT PROGRAMME

Area: 3.1. Socio-economic research and technology foresight

Objective: TPT.2011.1-2. Transport needs for an ageing society


Deadline: 2 December 2010


Funding scheme: Collaborative Projects (small or medium-scale focused

research project)


ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/docs/wp/cooperation/transport/g-wp-

201101_en.pdf





30

Area: 3.2. Integration of transport modes and cross-cutting research

Objective: TPT.2011.2-2. Enhanced cross-fertilization and synergies in

research actions dealing with safety aspects




Funding scheme: Coordination and Support Action aiming at supporting

research activities: or Collaborative Projects (small or medium-scale focused

research) for specific cooperation actions (CP-FP-SICA) dedicated to

international cooperation partner countries



201101_en.pdf





Area: 3.3. Strengthening the European Research Area, encouraging

participation, and dissemination of research results

Objective: TPT.2011.3-1. A productive international cooperation to

strengthening the European Transport research area and facing global

challenges




Funding scheme: Coordination and Support Action aiming at supporting

research activities: or Collaborative Projects (small or medium-scale focused

research) for specific cooperation actions (CP-FP-SICA) dedicated to

international cooperation partner countries



201101_en.pdf

31

2.1.6 – FP7 Cooperation Theme – Space

1) Call Identifier: FP7-SPACE-2011-1

Objective Identifier: SPA.2011.2.1-01

Activity: 9.2. Strengthening the foundations of Space science and technology

Area: 9.2.1: Research to support space science and exploration

Objective: SPA.2011.2.1-01 Exploitation of space science and exploration data





research project)


ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/docs/wp/cooperation/space/j-wp-201101_en.pdf




Area: 9.2.1: Research to support space science and exploration

Objective: SPA.2011.2.1-02 Research and development for space exploration





research project)






Area: 9.2.3: Research into reducing the vulnerability of space assets

32

Objective: SPA.2011.2.3-01 Prevention of impacts from Near Earth Objects

(NEOs) on our Planet





research project)





Activity: 9.3 Cross-cutting activities

Area: 9.3.2: International cooperation

Objective: SPA.2011.3.2-02 Facilitating access to space for small scale

research missions





research project)



2.2 - Capacities Programme of FP7

The Capacities programme aims at

the enhancement of research and

innovation capacity in Europe. This

covers inter alia the support to existing

and new facilities of pan-

European/international relevance.

Both types of action are fully open to participation of international partners.


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2.2.1 – Capacities Programme – International

Cooperation Theme

New Call Identifier: FP7-INCO-2011-7

Objective Identifier: FP7-INCO-2011-7

Activity: INCO-LAB: Strengthening European

research facilities in third countries

Area: Area 1: Brazil, Area 2: China, Area 3: India, Area 4: Japan, Area 5: Russia,

Area 6: USA


Deadline: 15 March 2011




http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm?fuseaction=UserSite.CapacitiesDetailsC

allPage&call_id=353

2.2.2 - Access to Research Infrastructures for Indi vidual Researchers

The capacities programs aims at the enhancement of research and innovation

capacity in Europe. This includes support to existing and new facilities of pan-

European/international relevance. Funding is allocated to select European

infrastructures to provide access to their access to their facilities to research.

Who is eligible: This action is open to participation of international researchers.

Researchers from the USA can be supported if part of a selected research team.

To see the full details of the calls, please consult the following web address:

http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/calls/

2.2.3 - Research Infrastructures for Research Insti tutes

The overall objective of the Research Infrastructures part of the 'Capacities'

specific programme is to optimize the use and development of the best research

infrastructures existing in Europe, and to help to create in all fields of science and

technology new research infrastructures of pan-European interest needed by the

European scientific community to remain at the forefront of the advancement of

34

research, and able to help industry to strengthen its base of knowledge and its

technological know how.

2.2.4 - International Cooperation Program for Insti tutes and Private

Companies

The Cooperation Programme provides financial support to researchers in Europe

and external countries to work together on international collaborative research

projects. The programme includes specific Bilateral Coordination actions to

improve S&T cooperation between Europe and third countries with which it has a

Science and Technology Agreement (including the US). The INCO programme

promotes cooperation between universities, industry and research centers across

the European Union as well as with the rest of the world. Activities that are

funded are actions to stimulate and facilitate the participation of third countries in

the priority areas of FP7; the programme does not fund research alone, but

rather funds information and awareness – raising, dissemination activities that

encourage international cooperation.

2.2.5 - Research for the Benefit of SMEs Program fo r Private Companies

The program will help SMEs outsource research, increase their research efforts,

extend their networks, better exploit research results and acquire technological

know how, bridging the gap between research and innovation.

Topics covered: Proposals from all areas of scientific and technological research

of interest to the European Community are welcome.

What will be funded: To achieve the objectives of 'Research for the benefit of

SMEs', the following three groups of indirect actions will be implemented:

� Supporting SMEs outsourcing research activities

� Developing and coordinating support to SMEs at national level

� Support measures to reinforce impact of participation in SME-specific

research projects

Further information: http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/capacities/research-sme_en.html

35

2.3 - People Programme of FP7

The People Programme

acknowledges that one of the main

competitive edges in science and

technology is the quantity and quality

of its human resources. To support the

further development and consolidation

of the European Research Area, this specific programme's overall strategic

objective is to make Europe more attractive for the best researchers.

2.3.1 – Talents for an International House (TALENTS ) – EU/Italy Programme

TALENTS is a Fellowship Programme – co-funded by the European Commission in the framework of the FP7 People Programme (COFUND Action) - developed by AREA Science Park with the endorsement of the Regional Authority of Friuli Venezia Giulia and is aimed at supporting the mobility of experienced researchers,

enhancing their professional potential and their future employability.

1st Call for Proposals: Submission deadline: 1 October 2010

The programme includes 2 mobility schemes:

1. Incoming mobility fellowships: addressed to experienced researchers of EU Member States, Associated countries or Third countries, intentioned to develop a project in one of the Scientific Institutions of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Coordination Network (18 months duration).

2. Outgoing mobility fellowships: addressed to experienced researchers of any nationality for a stay (12 months) in another EU Member State, Associated or Third country, with a "return phase" to be spent at the origin institution (6 months). Researchers must be operating in one of the Scientific Institutions of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Coordination Network.

Fellows will have the opportunity to choose both the research topic and the hosting institution. TALENTS will support 10 fellowships: 5 for incoming researchers and 5 for outgoing researchers. There will be 2 calls for proposals and for each call 5 fellowships will be awarded.

The selection procedure: The applicants will be selected by a Scientific Selection Committee (SSC) supervised by AREA Science Park. The Selection Committee will include high level professionals selected at an international level on the basis of several criteria (e.g. international background, experience in the private or public sectors).


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For each call, in order to award the fellowships, 5 panels of evaluators will be created. The proposals will have to submit a project within one of the following scientific areas:

1. Biotechnologies and Diagnostics

2. Material technologies, Mechanics, Physics and Chemistry

3. Ecology, Environment and Energy

4. Information Technology

5. Economic and social sciences

The selection procedure will follow the main principles adopted by the European Commission in the evaluation of the FP7 and will be described in detail in the call for proposals.

Further information: http://www.welcomeoffice.fvg.it/talents.aspx

2.3.2 - Marie Curie for Individual Researchers and Research Institutes

The People programme will provide funding for Marie

Curie actions, which promote the training and mobility of

researchers at all research career stages. The objective

is to reinforce career prospects and mobility for

researchers through support for training, mobility and

the development of European research careers. The 'Marie Curie Actions' have

long been one of the most popular and appreciated features of the Community

Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development. They

have developed significantly in orientation over time, from a pure mobility

fellowships programme to a programme dedicated to stimulating researchers'

career development.

Who is eligible: European researchers in the US will be eligible for all actions.

Non- European will be eligible for actions with an (*)

• * Intra-European fellowship

For Europeans to work in another European country

• Return and reintegration grants

For Europeans to work in another European country

• * Incoming international fellowship

37

For non-Europeans to work in Europe

• Outgoing international fellowship

For European researchers to work outside Europe

• * International research staff exchange scheme

A partnership of two participants in at least 2 Member States or

Associated Countries

• * Initial Training Networks

The Initial Training Networks support the training of researchers during

the first 5 years of their careers in research

• * Industry academia pathways and partnership

Research partnerships between public and private research

organizations (including universities, SMEs, manufacturing industries)

2.3.3 - IAPP: Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pa thways for Private

Companies

Objective: This action helps commercial and non-commercial research

organizations work together. Partners may include universities and companies

of all shapes and sizes. Focusing on joint research projects, IAPPs aim to boost

skills exchange between the commercial and non-commercial sectors.

Who is eligible: To qualify for an IAPP, the proposal must include one or more

universities/ research centers and one or more enterprises. On the business

side, participation by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is encouraged.

All of the partners get together and propose a project based on a joint

cooperation program. The industrial partners must be operating on a commercial

basis, i.e., they must be companies that earn most of their money by competing

in the marketplace, but they may include incubators, start-ups, spin-offs, venture

capital companies, etc. Cross-border cooperation is required. To be valid, an

IAPP project proposal must come from partners in at least two different EU

Member States or Associate Countries. Partners from Third Countries (such as

the U.S.) can also join in, but only if enough EU members or associates are

represented in the partnership too.

Proposals from all scientific and technological research fields of interest to the

EU are welcomed. The project should promote a strategic research partnership,

which can be coordinated by either a commercial or a non-commercial

38

participant. It should also highlight longer-term cooperation, and make full use of

all the skills and synergies available in the partnership. Research areas covered

by the EURATOM Treaty cannot be funded.

Funding and length: Successful IAPP project proposals receive 100% funding for

labor costs, and projects can be funded for 3-4 years.

2.4 - Ideas Program of FP7

The Ideas Programme will be

implemented through the European

Research Council (ERC). The ERC’s

mandate is to encourage the highest

quality research in Europe through

competitive funding and to support

investigator-initiated frontier research across all fields of research on the basis of

scientific excellence as sole evaluation criterion. Applications can be made in any

fields of research - including social science and humanities - with particular

emphasis on the frontier of science and scholarship.

2.4.1 - ERC Starting Independent Research Grant

ERC Starting Independent Researcher Grants (ERC Starting Grants) aim to

support up-and-coming research leaders who are about to establish or

consolidate a proper research team and to start conducting independent

research in Europe. The scheme targets promising researchers who have the

proven potential of becoming independent research leaders. It will support the

creation of excellent new research teams and will strengthen others that have

been recently created.

Topics covered: pioneering frontier research in any field of science, engineering

and scholarships

Who is eligible: Principal Investigator: candidates can be of any nationality, and

must have obtained their PhD (or equivalent degree more than two years but less

than ten years prior to the opening date of the relevant call for proposals

Funding: up to € 2.0 M per grant (normally up to € 1.5 M per grant)

Duration: up to 5 years


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Deadline: Calls for proposals: published annually in summer (normally late July

each year) with deadlines in autumn

2.4.2 - ERC Advanced Investigator Grants

The ERC Advanced Investigator Grant (ERC Advanced Grant) funding scheme

complements the ERC Starting Grant funding scheme by targeting researchers

who have already established themselves as independent research leaders in

their own right. ERC Advanced Grants allow exceptional established research

leaders in any field of science, engineering and scholarship to pursue frontier

research of their choice. They aim to encourage risk-taking and interdisciplinarity,

and supports pioneering frontier research projects.

Topics covered: Research proposal: pioneering frontier research in any field of

science, engineering and scholarship

Who is eligible: Principal Investigator: candidates can be of any nationality, must

be scientifically independent and have a recent research track-record and profile

which identifies them as leaders in their respective field(s) of research.

Funding: up to € 3.5 M per grant (normally up to € 2.5 M)

Duration: up to 5 years

Deadline: Calls for proposals: published annually in autumn with deadlines in

spring

2.5 - European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO )

Established in 1964, today EMBO has

approximately 1300 members in

Europe and close to 90 associate

members worldwide. The organization

runs an extended programme of

activities ranging from fellowships,

courses and workshops to science & society activities and scientific publications.

European Molecular Biology Organization’s Fellowships fund and support young

scientists in their pursuit of both pre and post-doctoral research.

Objective: Access to funding, training and networking is essential for young

scientists to develop the qualities needed to excel in their research careers.

Through key programs developed for early career scientists, from post-doc to


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young group leader, EMBO offers resources to plan for success. Different types

of activities are funded for individual researchers, such as the actions below.

2.5.1 - EMBO Courses & Workshops for Individual Res earchers

Funding and support for molecular life scientists to organize events that inform

and train researchers at all career stages. Funding is available for practical

courses, workshops, conference series, as well as plenary lectures.

2.5.2 - EMBO Fellowships for Individual Researchers

Broaden the post-doctoral research experience through exposure to new

environments. These young researchers are supported by one of the most

prestigious international fellowships - a core programme since the foundation of

EMBO - as they set out to becoming accomplished scientists.

2.5.3 - EMBO Young Investigators for Individual Res earchers

Talented young group leaders in the first years of establishing independent

research laboratories. The first program of its kind in Europe, young investigators

receive financial, academic and practical support and participate in a vibrant

network of more than 200 young scientists.

2.5.4 - EMBO Installation Grants for Individual Res earchers

Help promising scientists relocate and set up their labs in participating countries.

Installation Grantees are integrated into the EMBO Young Investigators network

to benefit from the offered support.

2.5.5 - EMBO Career Development for Individual Rese archers

Mobility and career resources to scientists at all career stages.

Further information: http://www.embo.org/

2.6 - European Cooperation in Science and Technolog y (COST)

COST is an intergovernmental

framework for European Cooperation

in Science and Technology, allowing

the coordination of nationally-funded

research on a European level. COST

contributes to reducing the

fragmentation in European research investments and opening the European

Research Area to cooperation worldwide. The goal of COST is to ensure that


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41

Europe holds a strong position in the field of scientific and technical research for

peaceful purposes, by increasing European cooperation and interaction in this

field. This research initiative makes it possible for the various national facilities,

institutes, universities and private industry to work jointly on a wide range of

Research and Development (R&D) activities.

2.6.1 - COST for Research Institutes

COST is one of the longest-running European instruments supporting

cooperation among scientists and researchers across Europe. COST Project

actions are networks centred around nationally funded research projects in fields

that are of interest to at least five COST countries. The financial support

averages EUR 100 000 per year for a four-year period.

Covered Activities: COST provides the COST Actions with financial support for

joint activities such as conferences, short-term scientific exchanges and

publications. COST does not fund research itself but provides a platform for

European scientists to cooperate on a particular project and exchange expertise.

Who is eligible: COST invites researchers throughout Europe to submit proposals

for research networks and use this unique opportunity to exchange knowledge

and to embark on new European perspectives. Scientists from non-COST

countries can be reimbursed from the Action's budget under the condition that

the scientist has been formally invited as an “invited expert” for a specific

meeting. Furthermore, researchers from non-COST country institutions can

participate in COST Actions on the basis of mutual benefit (see Vademecum –

Non-COST Institutions). The COST Office does not reimburse participants from

non-COST country institutions except in the case of formally approved

institutions from near neighbor countries.

Deadline: A continuous Open Call for Proposals is used to attract the best

proposals for new COST Actions. The Open Call follows a two-stage process

whereby applicants, after registering, submit a preliminary proposal by a set

collection date. This preliminary proposal provides an overview of proposed

Action's goal and its foreseen impact. After assessment, approximately 80 of

these preliminary proposals are selected for the second phase. Successful

applicants are then invited to submit a full proposal.

Each collection date is announced in the Official Journal of the European Union.

The latest announcement is dated 15 July 2010.

42

Further information: http://www.cost.esf.org/

2.7 – EUROTRANS-BIO

2.7.1 - EUROTRANS-BIO Initiative

for Private Companies and

Research Institutes

The EUROTRANS-BIO initiative (ETB)

stems from the will of European

member states and regions to work

together, in order to support trans-national R&D private/private and private/public

co-operations between companies, especially SMEs, and academic labs by

coordinating their national or regional public funding programs. The goal of

EUROTRANS-BIO is to foster economic and academic biotech players in sharing

risks, costs and skills related to innovation in order to develop in a more efficient

way new products and technologies that could reach the market in the

short/medium term.

The EUROTRANS-BIO consortium represents key actors that are Ministries and

agencies of 12 European countries or regions that consider biotechnology as a

national/regional strategic priority. The ETB member countries are: Spain,

Germany, Austria, Italy, Belgium, France, The Netherlands, and Finland.

Topics covered: Projects must be in the field of biotech irrespective of the core

business of the participating partners.

Who is eligible: Projects must be technologically innovative and relevant for the

market. They may involve any kind of work up to and including the pre-

competitive phase (i.e. up to the first prototype).

Characteristics required for an eligible consortium are the following:

• The consortium consists of at least two SME partners from two different

ETB member countries. The consortium must be balanced between

countries/regions, between consortium partners, and have a focus on

SME participation. There is no upper limit on consortium size.

• The consortium must always be coordinated by a SME from an ETB

participating country/region.

• Academic research groups or other public research organisations as

well as large companies can join the consortia if there is also a SME in


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the consortium from the same country/region. There are specific

conditions for the funding of Large Companies in each ETB member

country participating in this call.

• The contribution of one country/region to the collaborative project must

not exceed 70% of the total budget in order to ensure balanced

transnational partnerships within the project.

• Any single partner’s participation must involve R&D activities. The focus

is on companies whose main activities rest in developing and

manufacturing innovative products.

• A minimum of 50% of the total project costs must be budgeted for SME

partners within the consortium.

• Parties from countries/regions which do not participate in the 4th ETB

call may be part of a consortium at their own cost if their contribution is

needed to achieve the project goals and they are additional with respect

to the minimum number of 2 ETB countries/regions.

• Subcontracting is allowed.

Deadline: ETB will continue to launch one annual call from 2009 to 2012.

The 6th ETB call for transnational proposals will open on October 1 st, 2010.

Deadline for submission is February 1 st, 2011.

• The strategic objective of the 6th ETB call is to foster the competitive

capacity Europe’s biotechnology industry by supporting the research

intensive SMEs and their strategic partnerships. The 6 th ETB call is a

generic call including all fields of biotechnology.

• The 6th ETB Call will be launched with the participation of the following

EU Countries and Regions:

Countries: Austria, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Israel, The

Netherlands

Regions: Basque Country , Catalonia, Madrid, Navarra (all Spain),

Flanders and Wallonia (Belgium).

Further information: http://www.eurotransbio.net/

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Chapter 3:

USA Funding Programs The US Research Organization System is one that is decentralized between

public and private research bodies and difficult to give a comprehensive

overview. There exists a variety of US research organizations that specifically

implement internationally welcoming programs that invite foreign participation.

One of the main barriers for EU research organizations and researchers to

participate in the US research/innovation programs is lack of knowledge and

information about access to US research opportunities, as there does not exist

yet a centralized information point that disseminates the US R&D and Innovation

Programs open to EU research organizations.

3.1 - Human Frontier Science Program US/Internation al Fund

The HFSP supports novel, innovative

and interdisciplinary basic research

focused on the complex mechanisms

of living organisms; topics range from

molecular and cellular approaches to

systems and cognitive neuroscience.

Topics covered: A clear emphasis is placed on novel collaborations that bring

biologists together with scientists from fields such as physics, mathematics,

chemistry, computer science and engineering to focus on problems at the frontier

of the life sciences.

Who is eligible: Research grants are provided for teams of scientists from

different countries who wish to combine their expertise to approach questions

that could not be answered by individual laboratories. The research teams must

be international. The principal applicant must be from one of the eligible

countries. However, other participating scientists and laboratories may be

situated anywhere in the world.

Deadline: Applicants must register, and submit a letter of intent to apply for a

research grant via the HFSP web site, and after review, selected teams will be

invited to submit a full application.

Further information: http://www.hfsp.org/


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3.1.1 - Research Grants for Individual Researchers

• Young Investigators' Grants are awarded to teams of researchers, all

of whom are within the first five years after obtaining an independent

laboratory (e.g. Assistant Professor, Lecturer or equivalent).

Applications for Young Investigators' Grants will be reviewed in

competition with each other independently of applications for Program

Grants.

• Program Grants are awarded to teams of independent researchers at

any stage of their careers. The research team is expected to develop

new lines of research through the collaboration. Up to $450,000 per

grant per year may be applied for. Applications including independent

investigators early in their careers are encouraged.

• Deadline: The competition for 2011 grants is now closed.

3.1.2 - Fellowships for Individual Researchers

• Long-term Fellowships provide young scientists with up to three years

of postdoctoral research training in an outstanding laboratory in another

country. The third year of the Long-Term Fellowship can be used either

for repatriation to the Fellow's country or in the host laboratory. The

fellowships provide approximately $US 45,000 per year, including

allowances for travel and research expenses. To be eligible, a fellow

must either come from or go to a member country. Long-Term Fellows

who return to their home country at the end of the fellowship may apply

for the competitive Career Development Award.

• Deadline: Closed

3.1.3 - Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships for Individu al Researchers

• Cross-disciplinary Fellowships are intended for postdoctoral fellows

with a Ph.D. degree in the physical sciences, chemistry, mathematics,

engineering and computer sciences who wish to receive training in

biology. The conditions are the same as for the Long-Term Fellowships.


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3.1.4 - Short-term Fellowships for Individual Resea rchers

• Short-term Fellowships enable researchers to move into new areas by

learning state-of-the-art techniques in use abroad or by establishing

new research collaborations. These fellowships can last from two weeks

to three months in a foreign country. To be eligible, a fellow must either

come from or go to a member country.


3.1.5 - Career Development Awards for Individual Re searchers

• Long-Term Fellows and Cross-Disciplinary Fellows who return to

their home country at the end of the fellowship are eligible to apply for

the Career Development Award. This award provides $300,000 over 3

years. Eligible HFSP Fellows will receive information in good time to

apply for the Award.

• Deadline: 14 October 2010

3.2 - National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The National Institutes of Health

(NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services, is the

primary Federal agency for conducting

and supporting medical research.

Helping to lead the way toward

important medical discoveries that improve people's health and save lives, NIH

scientists investigate ways to prevent disease as well as the causes, treatments,

and even cures for common and rare diseases. Composed of 27 Institutes and

Centers, the NIH provides leadership and financial support to researchers in

every state and throughout the world.


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3.2.1 - Foreign Investigator/Student Eligibility (i n the United States)

Type of grants:

• Extramural Research (outside the NIH)

o Grants (i.e., R01, R03, R21, etc.): Non-US citizens may apply

for research programs as principal investigators on NIH

research grants. The employment arrangement relating to the

terms of the individual’s visa during the period of the grant is

the responsibility of the grantee organization.

o Training (i.e., F31, F32, T Series, K Series): Non-US citizens

are eligible for the K99/R00 training

• Intramural Research (within the NIH)

NIH Visiting Program for Foreign Scientists The NIH Visiting Program

provides opportunities for foreign scientists to train and conduct

collaborative research at the NIH and is open to scientists at all career

levels. Categories of this program’s participants are: Visiting Fellows

who receive awards for research training, and Visiting Scientists who

receive appointments to conduct research.


http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/funding_program.htm#RSeries

3.2.2 - NIH Fogarty International Center for

Research Institutes

Objective: The Fogarty International Center is

dedicated to advancing the mission of the National

Institutes of Health by supporting and facilitating

global health research conducted by U.S. and

international investigators, building partnerships

between health research institutions in the U.S. and

abroad, and training the next generation of scientists to address global health

needs. The NIH international research funding is steadily increasing, with $397

million USD (FY 2006) awarded to foreign researchers as components in US

domestic awards, where $133 million were awarded to researchers or research

organisations from EU countries. Also in FY 2006, NIH awarded $306 million

USD directly to foreign researchers, and the EU again received almost half that,

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at $136.8 million USD. Researchers and research institutions, from anywhere in

the world, are eligible to apply for US NIH funding. Application from foreign

institutions are evaluated and scored using NIH standard review criteria.

Further information: http://www.fic.nih.gov/programs/research_grants/index.htm

3.2.3 - NIH Program Project for Research Institutes

Program project/center grants are large, multi-project efforts that generally

include a diverse array of research activities. (P01, P20, P30, P50):

• P01: Research Program Project Grant

Support for integrated, multi-project research projects involving a number of

independent investigators who share knowledge and common resources.

Each project contributes or is directly related to the common theme of the total

research effort, thus forming a system of research activities and projects directed

toward a well-defined research program goal.

• P20: Exploratory Grants

Often used to support planning activities associated with large multi-project

program project grants.

• P30: Center Core Grants

To support shared resources and facilities for categorical research by a number

of investigators from different disciplines who provide a multidisciplinary

approach to a joint research effort or from the same discipline who focus on a

common research problem.

• P50: Specialized Center

To support any part of the full range of research and development from very

basic to clinical.


http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/funding_program.htm#PSeries)

3.2.4 - NIH Grants to Support Small Business Govern ment Assistance

Programs

• Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) for Priva te

Companies

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Objective: Intended to stimulate scientific and technological innovation through

cooperative research/research and development (R/R&D) carried out between

small business concerns (SBCs) and research institutions (RIs); fosters

technology transfer between SBCs and RIs; assists the small business and

research communities in commercializing innovative technologies.

Who is eligible: Eligibility limited to U.S. small business concerns

• Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) for Priva te Companies

Intended to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector by supporting

research or research and development (R/R&D) for for-profit institutions for ideas

that have potential for commercialization. Assists the small business research

community in commercializing innovative technologies.

Further information: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/funding_program.htm ;

www.sbir.gov

3.3 - The National Research Council (NRC)

The National Research Council (NRC)

functions under the auspices of the

National Academy of Sciences (NAS),

the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), and the Institute of Medicine (IOM).

The four organizations are collectively referred to as the National Academies.

The mission of the NRC is to improve government decision making and public

policy, increase public education and understanding, and promote the acquisition

and dissemination of knowledge in matters involving science, engineering,

technology, and health.

3.3.1 - Research Associateship Programs (RAP) for I ndividual Researchers

Objective: The mission of the NRC Research Associateship Programs (RAP) is

to promote excellence in scientific and technological research conducted by the

U. S. government through the administration of programs offering graduate,

postdoctoral, and senior level research opportunities at sponsoring federal

laboratories and affiliated institutions.

Who is eligible: Education and Experience - Applicants to the Research

Associateship Programs must have earned a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or


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academically equivalent research doctorate before beginning tenure. If you have

not received the degree, the graduate dean, registrar, or recorder (not the

department chairman or major professor) must certify in writing--directly to the

Associateship Programs Office--that you have met all requirements for the

degree.

Citizenship - Citizenship requirements for the NRC Research Associateship

Program vary depending on the sponsoring federal laboratory.

Types of grants– The NRC makes Research Associateship awards at the

Postdoctoral and Senior researcher level and Fellowship awards at the

Masters , Doctorate and Postdoctoral levels.

Deadline: Annually, applications are accepted every 3 months starting Feb.1,

(respectively May 1, Aug 1, Nov 1).

Postdoctoral Research Associateships are awarded to persons who have

held the doctorate for less than five years at the time of application. 1 or 2 years

with a possibility for renewal for one or two additional years. Senior Research

Associateships are awarded to applicants who have held the doctorate five

years or more at the time of application or to persons who hold a permanent

appointment in academia, government, or industry and have research experience

that has resulted in significant contributions and recognition as established

investigators in their specialized fields. Although awards are usually for 1 year,

awards for periods of three months or longer may be considered. Methane

Hydrate Research Fellowship awards are made to carefully selected Master’s

level, PhD level, and Postdoctoral level scientists and engineers in national

competitions held two times each year. These awards provide opportunities that

enable these scientists and engineers to increase their proficiency in conducting

research on the subject of methane hydrates and advance the research program

of NETL. The research may be pursued at NETL labs, at other national or federal

government labs, or at accredited universities.

Further information: www.national-academies.org/rap

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3.4 - National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST)

Founded in 1901, the National

Institute of Science and Technology is

a non-regulatory federal agency within

the U.S. Department of Commerce.

NIST's mission is to promote U.S.

innovation and industrial

competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology

in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.

NIST carries out its mission in four cooperative programs:

• the NIST Laboratories, conducting research that advances the nation's

technology infrastructure and is needed by U.S. industry to continually

improve products and services;

• the Baldrige National Quality Program, which promotes performance

excellence among U.S. manufacturers, service companies, educational

institutions, health care providers, and nonprofit organizations; conducts

outreach programs and manages the annual Malcolm Baldrige National

Quality Award which recognizes performance excellence and quality

achievement;

• the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a nationwide network

of local centers offering technical and business assistance to smaller

manufacturers; and

• the Technology Innovation Program, which provides cost-shared

awards to industry, universities, and consortia for research on

potentially revolutionary technologies that address critical national and

societal needs.

NIST's FY 2009 resources total $1.6 billion. Also, between 1990 and 2007, NIST

managed the Advanced Technology Program.

NIST funds industrial and academic research in a variety of ways. The Small

Business Innovation Research Program funds R&D proposals from small

businesses. They also offer other grants to encourage work in specific fields:

precision measurement, fire research, and materials science.


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3.4.1 - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2 009 (Recovery Act) for

Researchers, Institutes, and Companies

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was

signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is an

unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs,

and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our

country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act is an extraordinary response to a

crisis unlike any since the Great Depression, and includes measures to

modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand

educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide

tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

Funding: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides a total of $610

million in funding to NIST. The funding includes:

• $220 million for NIST laboratory research, measurements, and other

services supporting economic growth and U.S. innovation through

funding of such items as competitive grants; research fellowships; and

advanced measurement equipment and supplies;

• $360 million to address NIST’s backlog of maintenance and renovation

projects and for construction of new facilities and laboratories, including

$180 million for a competitive construction grant program for funding

research science buildings outside of NIST;

• $20 million in funds transferred from the Department of Health and

Human Services for standards-related research that supports the

security and interoperability of electronic medical records to reduce

health care costs and improve the quality of care; and

• $10 million in funds transferred from the Department of Energy to help

develop a comprehensive framework for a nationwide, fully

interoperable smart grid for the U.S. electric power system.

Further information: http://www.nist.gov/recovery/

3.4.2 - The Technology Innovation Program (TIP) for Private Companies

The Technology Innovation Program (TIP) supports, promotes, and accelerates

innovation in the United States through high-risk, high-reward research in areas

of critical national need. TIP has the agility and flexibility to make targeted

investments in transformational R&D that will ensure our Nation’s future through

sustained technological leadership. Annually, the TIP of NIST solicits high-risk,

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high-reward research and development project proposals. In the call for

proposals in fiscal year 2009, appropriations include funds in the amount of

approximately $25 million for new TIP awards. TIP anticipates funding

approximately 25 projects in 2009, where a single company can receive up to a

total of $3 million (with cost-sharing requirements), with a project period of up to

3 years.

Eligibility: Single companies and joint ventures may apply for TIP funding; also

nonprofit organizations can apply but must meet the eligibility criteria set forth

which explains the eligibility criteria for companies.

Further information: http://www.nist.gov/tip/

The examples presented in this pamphlet are only a select sample of the

international funding opportunities available in the following three regions: Italy,

Europe and USA. They were not preferred for any promotional or dissemination

effort. The informational material provided is publicly available and is cited.

italy-usa funding brochure 2010-2011 revised edition...

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