The Seventh European Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7) is the European Union's main financial instrument for the implementation of its policy of support to European research. It covers the 2007-2013 period and draws on a budget of €50 billion. The adoption of this multi-annual framework programme reflects the EU's emphasis on research and technological development.

The transnational character of FP7 is one of its defining features. In order to realise Europe's full potential in the area of research, it is crucial that these challenges be addressed at European level. FP7 was therefore designed to coordinate research activities throughout Europe, encourage multinational cooperation between research networks, promote researcher mobility and support the development of research infrastructures. FP7 is part of a wider strategy targeting the creation of a European Research Area.

Through a range of specific actions, FP7 pursues several general objectives:

• Encouraging the growth and competitiveness of European industry
• Boosting the scientific excellence of academic laboratories
• Making Europe more attractive for researchers

FP7 is subdivided into four specific programmes:

• Cooperation: The main objective of this programme is to support the implementation of transnational research projects in 10 thematic areas.
• Ideas: The main objective of this progamme is to fund fundamental and frontier research.
• People: The main objective of this programme is to strengthen the human potential through action to support researcher training and mobility.
• Capacities: The main objective of this programme is to promote the development and the reinforcement of research and innovation infrastructures (including those of small and medium-sized enterprises).

Nuclear research is covered by the Euratom research programme and the Joint Research Centre.

Many different stakeholders, from both the public and the private sector, are eligible for the specific programmes: research organisations, businesses, research teams, individual researchers, administrations, associations, etc. FP7 is primarily intended for transnational partnerships. A range of support services offer assistance to project promoters seeking project partners. Participation is open primarily to the Member States of the EU and to Associated Countries. The participation of other countries is supported in some cases.

FP7 supports various types of projects and activities: research and development (R&D); frontier research; demonstration activities; coordination and support actions; researcher training; multinational and individual projects, the establishment of research networks, etc. Coordination between national research programmes benefits from particular attention. The nature of the projects and activities eligible for funding varies from one FP7 specific progamme to another. Most of the supported activities are financed through subventions.

To participate in FP7, applicants must respond to one of the calls for project proposals which are regularly published by the European Commission. All calls are announced in the Calls for project proposals section of this portal.

Prospective applicants can benefit from personalised guidance from the National Contact Points (NCPs) established across Europe. In Luxembourg, Luxinnovation, the National Agency for Innovation and Research, has been appointed as the NCP for all FP7 themes.