European Research 2002

The European Research Area and the Framework Programme

Brussels, 11-12-13 November 2002

From 11 to 13 November 2002 the European Commission will hold a major conference to mark the launch of the EU’s Sixth Framework Programme for research, which will cover the period from 2002 to 2006.

The major features of this three-day event are as follows.

Sessions addressing all the main thematic priorities of the Framework Programme as well as the cross-cutting issues of the European Research Area such as human resources and mobility, patenting and intellectual property, etc.

Sessions providing guidance on How to participate in the Framework Programme.

In a major innovation compared with the 1999 conference, symposia, workshops and poster sessions will be designed and organised using a bottom-up approach. This participants’ forum will be organised by scientists, industrial researchers, research users, organisations and associations, and others working in or affected by research and technology on topical subjects relevant for research and society – though not necessarily related to the Framework Programme. The European Commission will supply the platform and create an appropriate environment.

Project presentations for the media and a wider audience, presenting the aims and results of research projects carried out under past EU research programmes or other programmes involving international co-operation .

Exhibition: in parallel with the conference, there will be a major exhibition, providing space for some 150 stands, where interesting EU-sponsored research projects will be on display; this will complement the verbal project presentations mentioned before and promote the networking and integration of research activities in Europe. Space will also be available to accommodate corporate stands from European research organisations and national organisations having developed genuine European programmes for researchers.

Press: there will be two press briefings each day; interviews and background discussions will be facilitated wherever possible. A fully equipped pressroom in a central location will be available. Technical assistance will be provided to journalists from the audio-visual press.

More details on how to participate and conference program at http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/conferences/2002/index_en.html