BUDGET: Approx €1.8 Billion over FP7

SUPPORT TO EXISTING RESEARCH INFRASTRUCURES:

The objective is to optimise the use and development of existing research infrastructures, in all fields of science and technology, and to ensure the access of research teams from across the EU to these infrastructures.

Integrating Activities.

To Provide a wider and more efficient access to, and use of, the research infrastructures existing in EU Member States, Associated Countries and at international level when appropriate
The Integrating Activities needs to combine, in a closely co-ordinated manner the following 3 activities:

Networking Activities- to foster co-operation between participants in the project and scientific communities benefiting from the new RI.

Trans-national access and/or services activities- allowing access for researchers to one or more RI, operated by the participants; and/or provide specific RIs related services to the scientific community.

Joint Research Activities- to improve quality/quantity of the services provided by the RIs

ICT based e-Infrastructures
Supporting a number of inter-related topics designed to foster the emergence of a new research environment in which ‘virtual communities’ share and exploit the collective power of European scientific and engineering facilities.

SUPPORT TO NEW RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE:
Design Studies – concepts for new research infrastructures with clear European dimension and interest.
Providing catalytic and leveraging support for the preparatory phase of new research infrastructures (but funding of the construction phase proper falls to national Governments. In the UK, the Research Councils are responsible for the Government's investment in large scientific facilities and are supported, where appropriate, by DIUS' Large Facilities Capital Fund (LFCF).
 

ACCOMPANYING MEASURES
Policy development - supporting, in the context of building up the European Research Area and including international cooperation, the coordination of national and/or regional policies and programmes in the field of research infrastructures.
Programme implementation and support to emerging needs - supporting the effective implementation of this programme by fostering cooperation among National Contact Points (NCPs) and promoting measures to identify emerging needs.