The National Contact Points (NCPs) are the main support structures for the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7). They provide practical information and personalised support to researchers and entrepreneurs throughout their participation in FP7.

NCPs exist in all Member States of the European Union. Luxembourg's Ministry for Higher Education and Research has appointed Luxinnovation, the National Agency for Innovation and Research, as the NCP for the Grand Duchy.

Any legal entity (universities, research centres, companies, etc.) can request assistance from its NCP. The activities of the NCPs are diverse. Luxinnovation, the NCP for Luxembourg, offers personalised assistance:

• Information: tailor-made training, organisation of thematic seminars, dissemination of information on European R&D
• Strategy: analysis of the work programmes of the European Commission and identification of research topics that are likely to tie in with the strategy of organisations aiming to participate in FP7
• Partner search: identification of potential European partners through a European network
• Assistance with the preparation of project proposals in order to optimise the chances of successful submission to the experts of the European Commission: guidance and information on legal, financial and administrative matters
• Support for project promoters: assistance with their contractual obligations (preparation of administrative and financial reports) and project follow-up through well-established communication channels with the European Commission.