The European Commission has launched a new set of webpages on Horizon 2020, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation which will replace the Seventh Framework programme and shall run from 2014 to 2020.
Horizon 2020 will:
- Strengthen the EU’s position in science with a dedicated budget of € 24 598 million. This will provide a boost to top-level research in Europe, including an increase in funding of 77% for the very successful European Research Council (ERC).
- Strengthen industrial leadership in innovation € 17 938 million. This includes major investment in key technologies, greater access to capital and support for SMEs.
- Provide € 31 748 million to help address major concerns shared by all Europeans such as climate change, developing sustainable transport and mobility, making renewable energy more affordable, ensuring food safety and security, or coping with the challenge of an ageing population.
The EU’s research programme is by its nature complex, and the webpages are not the easiest to navigate, however there are some very useful sections which help explain the background to the latest research programme, how it will work and what it aims to achieve, along with a timeline and calendar of events. A new video from key stakeholders giving their views on Horizon 2020 will be posted on the webpages every day until the launch of the programme.
The European Commission have also produced a really useful presentation on Horizon 2020 which introduces the programme and its three key objectives of excellent science, competitive industries and better society.
Horizon 2020 will start on the 1st January 2014 with the launch of its first calls.