Various types of projects and activities can be financed under the Seventh European Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7). They are covered horizontally by specific programmes (Cooperation, Ideas, People, Capacities) and address different themes depending on the programme.

In most cases, prospective participants apply by responding to a call for project proposals.

Types of projects and activities

The specific programmes of FP7 support different types of projects and activities:

Collaborative projects are research projects conducted by consortia of academic and industrial participants from different countries. These projects have clearly defined scientific and technological objectives.

Networks of excellence encompass several research organisations which are prepared to pool a part of their activities and capabilities in a specific research area in order to establish long-term cooperations. The participating research organisations formally commit to integrating part of their resources and their activities in the framework of joint work programmes.

Coordination and support actions are designed to coordinate or support research activities and policies (networking, exchanges, access to research infrastructure, conferences, education and so forth). These actions do not, therefore, support research activities as such.

Individual projects taken forward by individual national or transnational research teams are supported through the Ideas programme. These projects are dedicated to "frontier" research. They are funded by the European Research Council.

The training of researchers is supported through the Marie Curie Actions, which constitute the People programme. Researchers can benefit from various forms of assistance throughout their entire career to acquire new knowledge or hone their skills. This assistance enables them to further their careers.

Research for the benefit of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is eligible for aid. This aid is reserved for projects where the bulk of the research and of the technological development is carried out by universities, research centres or other legal entities for the benefit of SMEs.

The financial contribution of the European Commission varies depending on the type of activity:

• Research and development (R&D) activities: 50% contribution (75% for SMEs, public organisations, secondary and higher education establishments and public research centres)
• Frontier research activities: 100% funding
• Demonstration activities: 50% contribution
• Coordination and support actions (including management activities): 100% funding
• Researcher training and career development: 100% funding

Research themes

The different FP7 programmes approach the research themes from different angles.

• The Cooperation programme supports collaborative research projects in 10 clearly defined thematic areas.
• The Ideas programme encourages frontier research in all areas of science and technology.
• The People programme provides assistance for individual researchers without limitations regarding research topics.
• The Capacities programme co-finances activities supporting research infrastructures in all research areas.

In order to reduce the fragmentation of the European research sector, FP7 emphasises the need for coordination between national research programmes.