1. Science communication and the European Union - options for funding!
Dr. Enikő Patkós
ESO/PAD

2. EU and science communication in action…

5. Two good reason for discussing EU funding options
Complexity
Countries eligible for funding

6. Complexity - how to find the relevant EU program?
Science communication is a new and emerging field - no obvious policy line for it in the EU system;
Bits and pieces in several programs;
Need for some guidance;

7. EU programs - jungles of rules?
To find info: well-built info-sites for each program, all info and documentation on the Internet, system of National Contact Points;
If you decide to submit a proposal: choose an experienced project coordinator;

8. Countries involved in EU funding options
Changing from program to program:
Member States (MS)
Associated countries (AC)
International cooperation partners
Industrialized countries
Definitions:

10. 1) 7th R&D Framework Program
Two directions to find science communication funding options in the EU structure
Research policy
1) 7th R&D Framework Program
Technology policy
2) eContentPlus
3) Media2007

11. 1) 7th Research and Development Program (FP7)
Main program to support research in the EU;
Budget: M ;
Time frame: ;
Structure: Specific Programs (SP)/themes/action lines
Science communication (and astronomy) is not an individual theme, only appears at action line level;

12. Structure of FP7 Cooperation SP Ideas SP People SP Capacities SP
Health
Agriculture
ICT
Nanosciences
Energy
Environment
Transport
Socio-economic sciences
Security, Space
ERC
Marie Curie RI
SMEs
Regions of knowledge
Research Potential
Science in Society
INCO

13. 1) FP7 Capacities SP Science in Society/SiS (330 M )
Aim: encourage greater public engagement;
International Cooperation/INCO (180 M );
Aim: build strategic partnerships with 3rd countries

14. 1) Calls in the Science in Society theme (for 2008)
5.2.1 Gender and research (IYA relevance)
The provisions of reliable and timely scientific information for the press and media
Training actions to bridge the gap between the media and the scientific community
Encouraging a European dimension at science events targeting the public (IYA relevance)
Promoting science by audio-visual means in European co-production and the circulation of science programs

15. 1) Calls in the International Cooperation theme
FP-INCO Activities of International Cooperation - ERA-NET and ERA-NET PLUS
11 M 
Open for “program owners”

16. 1) FP7 basics What you need: What you need to read and follow:
Good idea
Open Call
What you need to read and follow:
Call
Work Program
Guides

17. 1) More info about FP7 Open Calls
FP7 main website

18. Two directions to find science communication funding options in the EU structure
Research policy
1) 7th R&D Framework Program
Technology policy
2) eContentPlus
3) Media2007

19. 2) eContentPlus
Aim: “make digital content in Europe more accessible, usable and exploitable”
based on proven state-of-the-art technology
geared towards innovation in organization and deployment:
Joint projects, networks, best practice
Digital content:
Geographical information
Educational information
Digital libraries (educational, scholarly content)

20. 2) eContentPlus Budget: 149 M  Time frame: 2005-2008
Next Call in 2008 (49 M )
Participation rules:
with funding only for MS and EFDA countries
with no funding anyone can join the projects

21. 3) MEDIA2007 Support for the European audiovisual industry;
No restrictions for the topic;
Training
Development of production projects (feature film, television drama, documentation, animation, new media)
Promotion of European audiovisual products in and outside of Europe

22. 3) MEDIA2007 Budget: 755 M  Time frame: 2007-2013
One deadline every year
Web:

23. Conclusions
Count with the EU-given possibilities and use them for your advantage;
Catchphrases: FP7, eContentPlus, MEDIA2007
Get in contact with National Contact Points of the different programs for guidance;
Use the EU networking tools to find good coordinators and partners for your projects;
Don’t be discouraged by the lengths of the documentation…..and use the guides!

24. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!

25. IYA2009 UN SPoC-lobby coordination
PLEASE INFORM US ABOUT THE ACTIONS YOU MADE!
Claus Madsen (ESO, Head of Public Affairs Department)
Enikö Patkós (ESO, EU Affairs Officer)