1 NEST New and emerging science and technology EUROPEAN COMMISSION - 6th Framework programme : Anticipating Scientific and Technological Needs

2 NEST objectives n Stimulate visionary long term research at the frontiers of knowledge, and at the interface between disciplines n Give researchers freedom to develop and prove their ideas without preconceptions and within the broadest possible limits n Respond rapidly to new problems and opportunities

3 Instruments n Specific targeted research projects n Co-ordination actions n Specific support actions (conferences, workshops, expert groups, studies n (possibly) integrated projects

4 Two modes of operation n “Bottom-up”: u ADVENTURE projects u INSIGHT projects F Open to any research area F (Probably) Continuously open call for proposals u SUPPORT measures n Focused actions: u PATHFINDER initiatives F Targeted calls for proposals F Topics identified during the course of the programme (complementing, not duplicating, the thematic priorities)

5 Time profile of actions Relative proportion of budget allocated to open and focused actions Year 1234 Open area ADVENTURE projects and INSIGHT projects (based on bottom-up funding mode) PATHFINDER initiatives (clusters of projects on specific themes)

6 “Bottom-up” proposals n ADVENTURE projects Proposals might (for example) aim to: u develop new theoretical insights or exploit new experimental methodologies to advance scientific understanding in trans-disciplinary areas u create new cross-disciplinary “basic technologies” n INSIGHT projects u evaluate new discoveries or phenomena that could have long term consequences (risks) for European society n SUPPORT measures u develop research orientations/links with research communities u understand S/T dynamics, systemic vulnerabilities etc.

7 ADVENTURE projects : project requirements n create new scientific knowledge and/or technical capability with a very high impact n radical in conception and execution - high risk n high personal commitment by research partners n defined outputs in terms of knowledge and technical capabilities

8 ADVENTURE projects : means of implementation Specific targeted research projects (STRPs) 2 stage call for proposals n first stage : short proposals to access innovative, high benefit/high risk character of the research n second stage : full proposals

9 ADVENTURE projects : evaluation criteria n Objectives : novel, innovative, challenging n Scientific excellence : creative approach; multidisciplinarity n Impact : very high benefits / new prospects for scientific advance n Quality of the consortium n Management approach n Mobilisation of resources

10 INSIGHT projects : project requirements n New phenomena; high potential risk; significant scientific uncertainties n Need for better scientific understanding at European level n Challenge orthodoxy and/or address complex or inter-disciplinary questions

11 INSIGHT projects : means of implementation STRPs or co-ordination actions (Possibly specific support actions) 2 stage call for proposals n first stage : short proposals (may result in “brief INSIGHT” project) n second stage : full proposals

12 INSIGHT projects : evaluation criteria n Objectives : new phenomena, high potential risk, high uncertainty n Scientific excellence : unorthodox approach n Potential impact : could lead to robust strategies n Quality of the consortium n Management approach n Mobilisation of resources

13 PATHFINDER initiatives : objectives n larger-scale targeted actions, budget possibly EUR m each n focus on emerging areas of science and technology n generate “leverage” on the early development and consolidation of European research capabilities n precursor to conventional funding through future means of implementation

14 PATHFINDER initiatives : means of implementation n specific (targeted) calls for proposals n “cluster” approach (linked projects) n could involve integrated projects

15 PATHFINDER initiatives : selection of topics WORK PROGRAMME Ongoing projects Other consultation mechanisms High level scientific advice Emergencies! Continuously open call for ideas Selection of topics for focused actions Open area Focused actions

16 PATHFINDER initiatives: example topics? n Advanced mathematics - interfaces with leading edge sciences n Complexity, self-organization, evolutionary methodologies, system science n Neurosciences, neuroinformatics, cognitive science n Detection, imaging and manipulation at molecular and quantum level n Bionic systems

17 SUPPORT ACTIONS Specific support measures dealing with (e.g.): u promoting interaction with research community/identifying of research opportunities u analysing the conduct of highly advanced science and technology in the European context u management issues specific to high risk and interdisciplinary research, and “complex systems science” u improving methodological basis for addressing systemic and societal vulnerabilities to science- based hazards u disseminating results of the research activities

18 What do we hope to achieve? n New scientific understanding, new theoretical and experimental principles in emerging fields; n Exploitable “basic technologies” n Alert and evaluation of possible scientific problems and risks n New “communities of knowledge” across Europe, to enable quick take-off and exploitation of emerging science and technology n New visions of how science and technology will contribute to economy and society in the long term n Intelligent signaling of key emerging research areas

19 Timetable (envisaged)