The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) is designed to support a wide range of participants: from universities, through public authorities to small enterprises and researchers in developing countries.

The broad objectives of FP7 have been grouped into four categories: Cooperation, Ideas, People and Capacities. For each type of objective, there is a specific programme corresponding to the main areas of EU research policy.  All specific programmes work together to promote and encourage the creation of European poles of (scientific) excellence.

Project Priorities

In the Commission's proposal for FP7 the four specific programmes handle research themes in different ways:

• Cooperation - Collaborative research projects will be selected under sub-programmes in nine defined themes, largely representing continuity with the seven thematic priorities of FP6. European Joint Technology Initiatives will be selected from the strategic research agendas defined by individual technology platforms.
• Ideas - The European Research Council (ERC) will support 'researcher led' basic research across all scientific and technological areas.
• People - Marie Curie actions to support individual researchers will operate horizontally across all research themes.
• Capacities - Activities to support research infrastructures, SMEs, international cooperation, regional capabilities and 'science in society' will also be identified across all research areas.

More detailed information can also be found on the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) website at http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/home_en.html which contains comprehensive details of the programme, including the programme documents, lists of projects and project ideas.