1. Top Management Programme 22 September 2005 Amanda Crowfoot Director UK Research Office Tel.: +32 2 286 90 50 E-mail: amanda.crowfoot@bbsrc.ac.uk

2. UKRO’s Sponsors Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Economic and Social Research Council Medical Research Council Natural Environment Research Council Arts and Humanities Research Council

3. UKRO Mission To promote effective UK participation in EU-funded research programmes, higher education programmes and other related activities by: supporting sponsors and subscribers through early insight and briefing on developments in European programmes and policies; disseminating timely and targeted information on EU funding opportunities; providing high quality advice, guidance and training on applying for and managing projects; and exchanging information between the UK research and higher education community, the Institutions of the EU, and other countries participating in EU programmes

4. Direct liaison with the Commission Interaction with MEPs and the European Parliament Liaison with Council and permanent representations Information events, conferences, seminars, committees Commission advisory groups, brainstorming meetings Interaction with regional representations and lobby groups Visibility and credibility Understanding of ‘Commission speak’ Links with other countries – IGLO Why be Based in Brussels?

5. UKRO Services Tailored information solutions: Information on funding opportunities, policy background, developing legislation, emerging issues, events etc. Information segmented by user type Choice of specific subject/policy area Selection by information type Choice of frequency of e-mail alert Personalised web pages

6. UKRO Services Enquiry service – advice, guidance and support for subscribers and sponsors UK subscriber visits – briefing, training, consultancy Brussels based meeting room and visitors’ office Annual conference and training courses Mobility National Contact Point service UKRO and NCP web sites European RTD Insight

7. Growing Profile for Research in the EU Development of the European Research Area (ERA) Increasing investment in research Role of Universities in the ERA Role of researchers in Europe Bologna Process – EHEA Research Infrastructures Changes to Structural Funds Development of FP7

8. 6 April 2005 ─ Commission proposal for the Framework Programme 21 September 2005 ─ Commission proposals for FP7 Specific Programme Autumn 2005 ─ Commission proposal for FP7 Rules of Participation 2005-2006 ─ Political process – co-decision Early 2007 ─ Launch of FP7

9. Benefits for UK Research Base UK HEIs most successful applicants to FP Internationalisation of research Benchmarking performance in European context Networking opportunities – research and teaching Mobility of staff and students Pan-European university networks Links to third ‘stream’ activities

10. Current Issues FP7 Simplification ─ Financial Aspects ─ Legal Aspects ─ Programme Management Basic Research and the European Research Council (ERC) Marie Curie Programmes – FP6 and FP7 Development of ERA-NET+ Full Economic Cost – implications in Europe

11. FEC and European Funding Shared-cost principle ‘Cost models’ as mechanisms for cost sharing TRAC may mean move from AC to FC in FP6 UKRO/UUK/JCPSG project on implications of move Detailed project currently underway FP7 rules not yet known, but changes to: ─ Funding mechanisms ─ Cost models ─ Cost reimbursement

12. Institutional Profile Raising Develop a European Strategy Make contact with local MEPs Promote participation of staff as experts Foster key Commission contacts Build relations with UK representatives and pan- European lobby groups Promotional publications Brussels presence – showcase events