The Research Framework programmes (FP) are the most important European Union programmes for the implementation of the joint policy on research and technology. Participation in these programmes is a high priority for Swiss research policy as well as for the National Science Foundation. Swiss researchers have been taking part in the framework programmes since 1987.
The 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7)
FP 7 is a European research and development programme for the years 2007-2013 with a budget of 54.6 billion Euros. Switzerland’s contribution to the budget for FP7 has been calculated on the basis of its GDP (gross domestic product) and will amount to 2.4 billion Swiss francs over the seven years.
Website of the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7)
SNSF Statement on FP7 (PDF only in German)
Resolution of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on the setting up of FP7 (PDF)
Rules for participation (PDF)
European Research Council (ERC)
The ERC is a new feature of FP7 and is defined in the specific programme "Ideas". The ERC is one of the flagships of FP7 and has been given a budget of 7.5 billion Euros over the seven years. It aims to provide funding for the best researchers in Europe. Its financial contributions support pioneering and frontier research by promoting both junior scientists and established researchers. In this way the ERC supplements funding opportunities already provided by national funding agencies. Therefore, the SNSF is following the development of the ERC with great interest.
Website of the European Research Council (ERC)
SNSF fact sheet on the ERC (PDF only in German)
Review of the European Research Council: Position of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) (PDF)
ERC strategy document: "The ERC launch strategy" (PDF)
Marie Curie Actions
The Marie Curie actions have been combined and consolidated in FP7 under the specific programme "People". This programme is entirely geared towards assisting junior researchers. A total of 4.7 billion Euros will be available to the programme over the seven years; this figure represents an average increase of 50% in comparison with FP6. The Marie Curie actions cover researchers’ needs in the areas of education, mobility and career development.
Website Marie Curie Actions
SNSF declaration on the European Charter: Swiss National Science Foundation declaration of approval concerning: European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers." (PDF)
Coordination of national research programmes
In the specific programmes "Cooperation" and "Capacities", the objective of the funding programmes ERA-NET, ERA-NET+ and the initiatives according to Art. 169 of the European Community Treaty is to promote the coordination of national and regional public research programmes. The SNSF participates in these projects through its international cooperation.
Website Coordination of national research programmes
SNSF fact sheet on the coordination of national research programmes (PDF only in German)
SNSF statement on the coordination of national research programmes (PDF only in German)
ERA-NET brochure (PDF)