It is very important to understand that, like all individual thematic areas, there are subtle differences about NMP calls, procedures and Work Programmes.

Some key points are detailed below. For full detail, you must read official call and Work Programme documents very carefully.

Work Programmes:

NMP Work Programmes are very structured, and clearly map out topics (each with an expected impact) that build from nanotechnology-based subjects (a large number of small, research-intensive projects) through to full integration (a large number of large industrially-oriented technology-intensive projects).

Very importantly, only one funding scheme is assigned to each topic. For example, a call for surface catalysis projects may ask for Small Collaborative Projects – it will not ask for a mix of small and large projects. As a result, each NMP call (e.g. FP7-NMP-2007-SMALL) will cover a unique set of research areas.

Each funding scheme must have a boundary condition to define it. In NMP, Large and Small collaborative projects are defined simply by the amount of funding requested: Large is >4m€, Small is <4m€. In ICT for example, different boundary conditions are used.

For SME projects, at least 35% of the funding requested is expected to be allocated to participating SMEs.

Procedures and Evaluation Criteria for 2-stage calls:

2-stage calls apply to collaborative projects: Large, Small and SME projects.

Is evaluated on Scientific and Technical Quality and Impact each marked out of 5.

It is 10 + 2 pages in length only – 10 for the evaluation criteria, plus 2 to briefly describe the consortium and the proposed financial structure.

The marks for both the individual criteria and the total have a threshold below which proposals will be rejected. This varies for different funding schemes – full details are on each call fiche.

The 2nd stage:

Is evaluated on Scientific and Technical Quality, Impact and Implementation each marked out of 5.

It is full-length, detailed proposal.

The marks for both the individual criteria and the total have a threshold below which proposals will be rejected. This varies for different funding schemes – full details are on each call fiche.

For further details, please email nmp@fp7uk.co.uk or contact the NMP helpline.