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ERA-NET – European Research Area

The ERA-NET (European Research Area-NET) scheme was introduced in 2000 by the European Commission as part of the Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP6).

Due to its success, the scheme will expand further as part of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).

The long-term objectives of the ERA-NET scheme entails:

  • the creation of a European internal market for research, where researchers, technology, and knowledge can circulate freely
  • improved European-level coordination of national research activities and policies
  • the development of a European research policy which funds and implements initiatives on a European level.

The ERA-NET scheme has led to the establishment of a large number of ERA-NETs in which national and regional research units from all over Europe participate. These units are typically scientific research councils and other national research funding agencies.

Denmark is represented in many ERA-NETs. In 2008, the Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation is participating in the following Era-Nets:

  • BONUS for the Baltic Sea Science
  • ECORD-NET European Consortium for Ocean Research Drilling
  • ERA-IB Industrial Biotechnology
  • ERA-PG European Research Area Plant Genomics
  • HERA Humanities in the European Research Area
  • NORFACE New Opportunities for Research Funding Cooperation in Europe
  • WoodWisdom Net Networking and integration of national programmes in the area of wood material science and engineering.

For further information on possibilities for participation, activities entitled to funding and so on, please visit the homepage of EuroCenter.

Further information on calls etc. can be found on the homepages for the individual ERA-NETs as well as on the homepages of the scientific research councils involved.

Facts

As part of the FP7, the EU has initiated a new approach to coordinate national research programmes, the so-called ERA-NET Plus.

With this approach the EU wishes to financially support trans-national programmes that formulate a single joint call for trans-national projects and where the participating national research programmes provide a financial commitment.