2006/973/EC: Council Decision of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme People implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Text with EEA relevance.
Date: 2006-12-19
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: EU programme, professional career, research programme, scientific research, technological change, vocational training

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COUNCIL DECISION 

of 19 December 2006 

concerning the specific programme "People"  

implementing the Seventh Framework Programme 

of the European Community for research,  

technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)  

(Text with EEA relevance) 

(2006/973/EC) 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 166(4) 

thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament1, 

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee2, 

1 
2 

Opinion of 30 November 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal). 
OJ C 185, 8.8.2006, p. 10. 

 
                                                 
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Whereas: 

(1) 

In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision No 967/2006/EC of the 

European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 concerning the Seventh 

Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological 
development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) 1 (hereinafter referred to as "the 

Framework Programme")  is to be implemented through specific programmes that define 

detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means 

deemed necessary. 

(2) 

The Framework Programme is structured in four types of activities: trans-national 

cooperation on policy-defined themes ("Cooperation"), investigator-driven research based 

on the initiative of the research community ("Ideas"), support of training and career 

development of researchers ("People"), and support of research capacities ("Capacities"). 

Activities under "People" as regards indirect actions should be implemented by this 

specific programme. 

(3) 

The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the 

dissemination of research results, for the framework programme (hereinafter referred to as 

"the rules for participation and dissemination") should apply to this specific programme. 

1  

OJ L 391, 30.12.2006. 

 
                                                 
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(4) 

The Framework Programme should complement the activities carried out in the Member 

States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall strategic effort 

for the implementation of the Lisbon objectives, alongside in particular those on structural 

funds, agriculture, education, training, culture, competitiveness and innovation, industry, 

health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport and environment. 

(5) 

Innovation and SME-related activities supported under this Framework Programme should 

be complementary to those undertaken under the Framework Programme for 

Competitiveness and Innovation which will contribute to closing the gap between research 

and innovation, and promote all forms of innovation. 

(6) 

Implementation of the Framework Programme may give rise to supplementary 

programmes involving the participation of certain Member States only, the participation of 

the Community in programmes undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of 

joint undertakings or other arrangements within the meaning of Articles 168, 169 and 171 

of the Treaty. 

 
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(7) 

The international dimension is a fundamental component of human resources in research 

and development in Europe. As provided for under Article 170 of the Treaty, this specific 

programme is open to the participation of countries having concluded the necessary 

agreements to this effect, and is also open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual 

benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international 

organisations for scientific cooperation. Moreover, all actions, as well as dedicated actions 

in this specific programme are open to participation of individual researchers from third 

countries. 

(8) 

Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical 

principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the 

European Union. 

(9) 

The implementation of the Framework Programme should contribute towards promoting 

sustainable development. 

(10) 

Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should 

be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal 

certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, in compliance with 

Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial 
Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities1 and 
Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/20022 laying down detailed rules for the 

implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments. 

1 
2 

OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1. 
OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Commission Regulation (EC, 
Euratom) No 1261/2005 (OJ L 201, 2.8.2005, p. 3). 

 
                                                 
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(11) 

Appropriate measures – proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests - 

should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the 

effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud 

and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly 

used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 
18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests1, 

Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning 

on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the 
European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities2 and 

Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning 
investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)3. 

(12) 

The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision are essentially 

management measures, and should therefore be adopted by the management procedure 

provided for in Article 4 of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999, laying down 
the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission4. On 

the other hand research involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem 

cells raises specific ethical issues, as described in Article 4 of this Decision. Therefore, 

measures for the financing of such projects should be adopted by the regulatory procedure 

provided for in Article 5 of Decision 1999/468/EC. 

1 
2 
3 
4 

OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1. 
OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2. 
OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1. 
OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 
22.7.2006, p. 11). 

 
                                                 
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(13) 

In the implementation of this programme adequate attention needs to be paid to gender 

mainstreaming, as well as to, inter alia, the working conditions, transparency of 

recruitment processes, and career development as regards the researchers recruited on 

projects and programmes funded under the actions of this programme, for which the 

Commission Recommendation of 11 March 2005 on the European Charter for Researchers 

and on a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers offers a reference 

framework, while respecting its voluntary nature. 

(14) 

This programme aims at creating a genuine European labour market for researchers as a 

further development and implementation of the integrated strategy on human resources in 
research and development in Europe on the basis of the "Mobility Strategy for the ERA"1 
and the "Researchers in the ERA: one profession, multiple careers"2, and takes into account 

the Council conclusions on human resources in R&D of 18 April 2005. 

(15) 

The "People" programme aims to increase the human R & D potential in Europe in terms 

of both quality and quantity, including by recognising the 'profession' of researcher with a 

view to maintaining the excellence in basic research and the organic development of 

technological research, and encouraging European researchers' mobility from, to and 

throughout Europe. Moreover, it should help to provide the right conditions in order to 

attract the best foreign researchers to carry out research in Europe, 

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:  

1 

2 

Communication from the Commission "A Mobility Strategy for the European Research 
Area" – COM(2001) 331, 20.6.2001 and Council Resolution 2001/C367/01. 
Communication from the Commission "Researchers in the European Research Area: one 
profession, multiple careers" – COM(2003) 436, 18.7.2003 – and Council 
Resolution 2003/C282/01. 

 
                                                 
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Article 1 

The Specific Programme "People" for Community activities in the area of research and 

technological development, including demonstration activities, hereinafter the "Specific 

Programme", is hereby adopted for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013. 

Article 2 

The Specific Programme shall support the activities for "People", stimulating people to enter into 

the profession of researcher, strengthening, quantitatively and qualitatively, the human potential in 

research and technology in Europe including as regards the potential of women. The activities 

supporting training and career development of researchers, referred to as "Marie Curie Actions", 

shall focus on the key aspects of skills and career development and strengthened links with national 

systems. 

The objectives and the broad lines of those activities are set out in Annex. 

Article 3 

The amount deemed necessary for the execution of the specific programme shall be 

EUR 4 750 million, of which less than 6 % shall be for the Commission's administrative 

expenditure. 

 
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Article 4 

1. 

All research activities carried out under the Specific Programme shall be carried out in 

compliance with fundamental ethical principles. 

2. 

The following fields of research shall not be financed under this programme: 

– 

– 

research activity aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes, 

research activity intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which 
could make such changes heritable1, 

– 

research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of 

research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement, including by means of somatic 

cell nuclear transfer. 

3. 

Research on human stem cells, both adult and embryonic, may be financed, depending 

both on the contents of the scientific proposal and the legal framework of the Member 

State(s) involved. 

Any application for financing for research on human embryonic stem cells shall include, as 

appropriate, details of licensing and control measures that will be taken by the competent 

authorities of the Member States as well as details of the ethical approval(s) that will be 

provided. 

1 

Research relating to cancer treatment of the gonads may be financed. 

 
                                                 
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As regards the derivation of human embryonic stem cells, institutions, organisations and 

researchers shall be subject to strict licensing and control in accordance with the legal 

framework of the Member State(s) involved. 

4. 

The fields of research set out above shall be reviewed for the second phase of this 

programme (2010-2013) in the light of scientific advances. 

Article 5 

1. 

The specific programme shall be implemented by means of the funding schemes 

established in Annex III to the Framework Programme.  

2. 

The rules for participation and dissemination shall apply to this specific programme. 

Article 6 

1. 

The Commission shall draw up a work programme for the implementation of the specific 

programme, setting out in greater detail the objectives and activities set out in Annex, the 

funding scheme to be used for the actions on which proposals are invited, and the timetable 

for implementation. 

 
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2. 

The work programme shall take account of relevant research, research training and career 

development activities carried out by the Member States, associated countries and 

European and international organisations, and the achievement of European added value as 

well as the impact on industrial competitiveness and the relevance for other Community 

policies. It shall be updated where appropriate. 

3. 

Proposals for indirect actions under the funding schemes shall be evaluated and projects 

selected considering the criteria set out in Article 15(1b) of the rules for participation and 

dissemination. 

4. 

The work programme may identify: 

(a) 

organisations that receive subscriptions in the form of a membership fee; 

(b) 

support actions for the activities of specific legal entities. 

Article 7 

1. 

2. 

The Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of the specific programme. 

The management procedure laid down in Article 8(2) shall apply for the adoption of the 

following measures: 

(a) 

the work programme referred to in Article 6 including the funding schemes to be 

used, the content of the calls for proposals as well as the evaluation and selection 

criteria to be applied; 

 
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(b) 

the approval of the funding of activities referred to in Article 2, where the estimated 

amount of the Community contribution under this programme is equal to or more 

than EUR 0,6 million; 

(c) 

the drawing up of the terms of reference for the evaluations provided for in 

Articles 7(2) and 7(3) of the Framework Programme. 

3. 

The regulatory procedure laid down in Article 8(3) shall apply for the approval of the 

funding of activities involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells. 

1. 

2. 

Article 8 

The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee 

Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall 

apply. 

The period laid down in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two months. 

3. 

Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall 

apply. 

The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two months. 

4. 

The Commission shall regularly inform the Committee of the overall progress of the 

implementation of the Specific Programme, and shall provide it with timely information on 

all RTD actions proposed or funded under this programme as specified in Annex II. 

 
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5. 

The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure. 

Article 9 

The Commission shall arrange for the independent monitoring, assessment and review provided for 

in Article 7 of the Framework Programme Decision to be conducted concerning the activities 

carried out in the fields covered by the Specific Programme. 

This Decision shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal 

Article 10 

of the European Union. 

This Decision is addressed to the Member States. 

Done at Brussels, 19 December 2006. 

For the Council 

The President 

J. KORKEAOJA 

 
 
 
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ANNEX I 

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES, 

BROAD LINES OF THE THEMES AND ACTIVITIES 

Introduction 

One of the main competitive edges in science and technology is the quantity and quality of its 

human resources. As a prerequisite for increasing Europe's capacity and performance in research 

and technological development and for consolidating and further developing the European Research 

Area, the overall strategic aim of this programme is to make Europe more attractive to researchers. 

This shall be done by pursuing a considerable structuring effect throughout Europe on the 

organisation, performance and quality of research training, on the active career development of 

researchers, on knowledge-sharing through researchers between sectors and research organisations, 

on increasing partnership between industry and academia, and on strong participation by women 

and early-stage researchers in research and development. 

 
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The programme will be implemented by systematic investments in people, mainly through a 

coherent set of "Marie Curie Actions", particularly taking into account the European added-value in 

terms of their structuring effect on the European Research Area. Building on the experience with 

the "Marie Curie Actions" under previous Framework Programmes, these actions address 

researchers in terms of their skills and competence development at all stages of their careers, from 

initial research training specifically intended for young people, to career development and life-long 

training in the public and private sector. Mobility, both trans-national and intersectoral, is 

fundamental to this programme. Increasing the mobility of researchers and strengthening the 

resources of those institutions which attract researchers internationally will encourage centres of 

excellence around the European Union. Recognition of experiences acquired in different sectors and 

countries, and adequate working conditions are also key elements throughout the "Marie Curie 

Actions". Special measures to encourage early-stage researchers and support early stages of 

scientific career, as well as measures to reduce the "brain drain", such as reintegration grants, will 

be introduced. 

The "Marie Curie Actions" are open to all domains of research and technological development 

addressed under the Treaty. Research fields are chosen freely by the applicants. Nevertheless the 

possibility is retained to target certain activities under the programme, for example regarding 

scientific disciplines and technological areas, participating regions, types of research organisations 

and researcher population, in order to respond to the evolution of Europe's requirements in the area 

of research training, mobility, career development and knowledge sharing. To ensure training and 

mobility within new research and technology areas, appropriate coordination with other parts of the 

Framework Programme will be ensured, including the possibility for joint calls. 

 
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A strong participation by enterprises, including SMEs, is considered a crucial added value for this 

programme. The enhancement of industry-academia cooperation in terms of research training, 

career development and knowledge sharing, taking into account the protection of intellectual 

property rights, is encouraged throughout the "Marie Curie Actions", while a dedicated action is 

addressing industry-academia pathways and partnerships, with special attention being given to 

SMEs. 

The international dimension, as a fundamental component of human resources in research and 

development in Europe, will be addressed in terms of career development without discrimination, as 

well as of strengthening and enriching international cooperation through researchers and attracting 

research talent to Europe. The international dimension will be incorporated throughout the "Marie 

Curie Actions" and in addition will be subject to self-standing actions.  

Due account will be taken of the principles of sustainable development and gender equality. The 

programme aims to ensure gender mainstreaming by encouraging equal opportunities in all "Marie 

Curie Actions" and by benchmarking gender participation (a target of at least 40 % participation by 

women). In addition, the actions will be designed to assist researchers to get established on a more 

stable career path and to ensure that researchers can achieve an appropriate work/life balance, 

taking into account their family situation, and to contribute to facilitate resuming a research career 

after a break. Furthermore, considerations of the ethical, social, legal and wider cultural aspects of 

the research to be undertaken and its potential applications, as well as socio-economic impacts of 

scientific and technological development and foresight, will be addressed under this specific 

programme where relevant.  

 
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In order to fully exploit Europe's potential for becoming more attractive to researchers, the "Marie 

Curie Actions" will create concrete synergies with other actions both within the framework of the 

Community research policy, as well as within actions under other Community policies, e.g. on 

education, cohesion and employment. Such synergies will also be sought with actions at regional, 

national and international level. Actions on linking science education to careers, and research and 

coordination actions on new methods in science education are foreseen under the Science in Society 
part of the "Capacities" programme1. 

Ethical aspects 

During the implementation of this specific programme and in the research activities arising from it, 

fundamental ethical principles are to be respected. These include, inter alia, the principles reflected 

in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, including the following: protection of human 

dignity and human life, protection of personal data and privacy, as well as animals and the 

environment in accordance with Community law and the latest versions of relevant international 

conventions, guidelines and codes of conduct, e.g. the Helsinki Declaration, the Convention of the 

Council of Europe on Human Rights and Bio-medicine signed in Oviedo on 4 April 1997 and its 

Additional Protocols, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Universal Declaration on 

the human genome and human rights adopted by UNESCO, UN Biological and Toxin Weapons 

Convention (BTWC), International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, 

and the relevant World Health Organisation (WHO) resolutions. 

1 

With a view to facilitating the implementation of the programme, for each meeting of the 
programme committee as defined in the agenda, the Commission will reimburse, in 
accordance with its established guidelines, the expenses of one representative per Member 
State, as well as one expert/adviser per Member State for those agenda items where a 
Member State requires specific expertise. 

 
                                                 
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Account will also be taken of the Opinions of the European Group of Advisers on the Ethical 

Implications of Bio-technology (1991-1997) and the Opinions of the European Group on Ethics in 

Science and New Technologies (as from 1998). 

In compliance with the principle of subsidiarity and the diversity of approaches existing in Europe, 

participants in research projects must conform to current legislation, regulations and ethical rules in 

the countries where the research will be carried out. In any case, national provisions apply and no 

research forbidden in any given Member State or other country will be supported by Community 

funding to be carried out in that Member State or country. 

Where appropriate, those carrying out research projects must seek the approval of the relevant 

national or local ethics committees prior to the start of the RTD activities. An ethical review will 

also be implemented systematically by the Commission for proposals dealing with ethically 

sensitive issues or where ethical aspects have not been adequately addressed. In specific cases an 

ethical review may take place during the implementation of a project. 

No funding will be granted for research activities that are prohibited in all the Member States. 

 
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The Protocol on protection and welfare of animals annexed to the Treaty requires the Community to 

pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals in formulating and implementing Community 

policies including research. Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the 

approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding 
the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes1 requires that all 

experiments be designed to avoid distress and unnecessary pain and suffering to the experimental 

animals; use the minimum number of animals; involve animals with the lowest degree of 

neurophysiological sensitivity; and cause the least pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. Altering 

the genetic heritage of animals and cloning of animals may be considered only if the aims are 

ethically justified and the conditions are such that the animals' welfare is guaranteed and the 

principles of bio-diversity are respected. 

During the implementation of this programme, scientific advances and national and international 

provisions will be regularly monitored by the Commission so as to take account of any 

developments.  

Research on ethics related to scientific and technological developments will be carried out in the 

"Science in Society" part of the "Capacities" Specific Programme. 

1 

OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1. Directive as amended by Directive 2003/65/EC of the European 
Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 230, 16.9.2003, p. 32). 

 
                                                 
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Activities 

The following "Marie Curie Actions" will be supported: 

– 

Initial training of researchers 

This action supports the initial training of researchers, typically directed at the first four years (or 

full-time equivalent) of their careers, plus up to one additional year if necessary for the completion 

of the initial training. Through a trans-national networking mechanism, aimed at structuring a 

substantial share of the high-quality initial research training capacity throughout Member States and 

associated countries in both public and private sectors, the action aims to improve researchers' 

career perspectives in both sectors, thereby also enhancing the attraction of young people to 

research careers.  

 
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The action will be implemented through support to competitively selected networks of 

complementary organisations from different countries engaged in research training. In this frame 

support is foreseen for the best early-stage researchers to join established research teams. The 

networks will be built on a joint research training programme, responding to well identified training 

needs in defined scientific or technological areas, with appropriate references to interdisciplinary 

and newly emerging supra-disciplinary fields. These training programmes will address in particular 

the development and broadening of the research competences of the early stage researchers. 

Training will be primarily focused on scientific and technological knowledge through research on 

individual projects, complemented by training modules addressing other relevant skills and 

competences, e.g. in the field of management and financing of research projects and programmes, 

intellectual property rights and other exploitation methods of research results, entrepreneurship, 

ethical aspects, communication and societal outreach. 

The joint research training programme should be coherent in terms of quality standards, with due 

provision for supervision and mentoring arrangements. The joint training programme should exploit 

complementary competences of the participants in the network, including from enterprises, as well 

as other synergies. It shall require the mutual recognition of the quality of the training and, if 

possible, of diplomas and other certificates awarded. Particular attention will be paid to the 

problems concerning the long-term employment of researchers. 

 
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Direct or indirect involvement of organisations from different sectors is considered essential in this 

action, including (lead-) participation by private enterprises in appropriate fields. A single research 

organisation or twinning participations are eligible under this action, if it is clearly demonstrated 

that the necessary elements of the research training programme are effectively addressed in 

cooperation with a wider set of partners, without these being formally part of the network. 

Community support under this action would comprise: 

•  the recruitment of early-stage researchers to be trained; 

•  the possibility for setting up academic chairs in higher education institutions or equivalent 

positions in other research organisations and enterprises for experienced researchers, with a view 

to transferring new knowledge and strengthening supervision of the early-stage researchers 

trained in a network;  

•  networking and the organisation of short training events (conferences, summer schools and 

specialised training courses), open to both trainees of the network and to researchers from 

outside the network.  

 
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– 

Life-long training and career development 

This action targets experienced researchers at different stages of their careers, by enhancing their 

individual competence diversification in terms of acquisition of multi- or interdisciplinary skills or 

the undertaking of inter-sectoral experiences. The aim is to support researchers in attaining and/or 

strengthening a leading independent position, e.g. principal investigator, professor or other senior 

position in education or enterprise. The action will also assist researchers to resume a career in 

research after a break or to (re)integrate researchers into a research career in Member States and 

associated countries, including in their country of origin, after a mobility experience. 

Researchers addressed under this action should have at least four years of full-time or equivalent 

research experience or a doctorate; as the action is directed at life-long training and career 

development, it is however expected that the researchers will typically have a more senior profile in 

terms of experience.  

This action will be implemented through: 

(i) 

support for individual trans-national intra-European fellowships awarded directly at 

Community level, to the best or most promising researchers from Member States and 

associated countries, based on an application made by the researchers in conjunction with 

the host organisations;  

 
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(ii) 

co-funding of regional, national or international programmes in the field of research 

training and career development where this fulfils the criteria of European added value, 

transparency and openness, targeting a competitive selection of existing or new regional, 

national and international funding programmes that focus on the objectives set for this 

action, based on individual-driven mobility. These programmes are to apply an open, 

merit-based competition for the applying researchers, founded on international 

peer-review, without limitations regarding their origin and/or destination. These 

programmes are expected to offer adequate working conditions for the final beneficiaries.  

Applicants for the co-funding modality would be key actors in capacity building of human 

resources in research on their respective territories. They would typically be organisations falling in 

one of the following categories: 

•  official public bodies responsible for funding and managing fellowship programmes, e.g. 

ministries, state committees for research, research academies or agencies; 

•  other public or private bodies, including large research organisations, that finance and manage 

fellowship programmes either with an official mandate or recognised by public authorities, such 

as agencies established by governments under private law with a public service mission, 

charities, etc.; 

•  bodies at international level that run comparable schemes at European level as part of their 

mission. 

 
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For the co-funding modality, the Community will primarily contribute to the financing of 

fellowships complying with the requirements and aims of this action, notably in terms of 

trans-national mobility. International competition between researchers will remain central in order 

to ensure highest quality of research under this activity. 

Both implementation modes will be run in parallel from the beginning, with the co-funding mode 

initially on a controlled scale allowing for the necessary experience to be gained. In the course of 

the Framework Programme an impact assessment of the two modes will determine the 

implementation modalities for the remainder of the programme. 

– 

Industry-academia partnerships and pathways 

This action seeks to open and foster dynamic pathways between public research organisations and 

private commercial enterprises, including in particular SMEs, as well as traditional manufacturing 

industries. Activities will be based on longer term cooperation programmes with a view to 

increasing intersectoral mobility and increasing the transfer and sharing of knowledge (including 

project management, IPR management and product development) as well as promoting mutual 

understanding of the different cultural settings and skill requirements of both sectors.  

 
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The action will be implemented in a flexible way, inter alia based on good practices on 

industry-academia partnership throughout the EU, through cooperation programmes between 

organisations from both sectors from at least two different Member States or associated States, with 

support for human resources interactions within that framework. Community support will take one 

or more of the following forms: 

•  staff secondments between both sectors within the partnership, with a view of reinforcing the 

intersectoral cooperation;  

•  temporary hosting in both sectors of experienced researchers recruited from outside the 

partnership;  

•  networking and the organisation of workshops and conferences enhancing the inter-sectoral 

experience and knowledge exchange, in order to reach a larger number of staff members from 

both sectors; 

•  as an SME specific measure a contribution to small equipment related to their participation in the 

cooperation.  

– 

The international dimension 

Recognising the international dimension as a fundamental component of human resources in R&D 

in Europe, this dimension is addressed through dedicated actions both in terms of career 

development of European researchers and in terms of strengthening international cooperation 

through researchers.  

 
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The career development of researchers from Member States and associated countries will be 

supported through: 

(i) 

outgoing international fellowships, with mandatory return, for experienced researchers 

within the framework of life-long training and competence diversification, to acquire new 

skills and knowledge; 

(ii) 

return and international reintegration grants for experienced researchers after an 

international experience. Under this action the networking of researchers from Member 

States and associated countries abroad will also be supported with a view to keep them 

actively informed about and involved in developments in the European Research Area. 

The international cooperation through researchers will be supported through: 

(i) 

incoming international fellowships in order to attract highly qualified third-country 

researchers to Member States and associated countries, for knowledge enhancement for 

Europe and to build up high-level connections. Researchers from developing countries or 

from countries with emerging economies may benefit from support for a return phase. 

Networking of third-country researchers in Member States and associated countries, with a 

view to structuring and developing their contacts with their regions of origin, will also be 

supported; 

 
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(ii) 

partnerships between several research organisations in Europe and one or more 

organisations in: 

•  countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy; 

•  countries with which the Community has an S&T Agreement. 

On the basis of joint programmes Community support will be provided for short exchanges of 

early-stage and experienced researchers, for the organisation of mutually beneficial conferences and 

other events, as well as for the development of a systematic exchange of good practices with a 

direct bearing on issues regarding human resources in research and development. 

These actions will be implemented in line with the international activities under the "Cooperation" 

and "Capacities" Programmes. 

– 

Specific actions 

In support of the creation of a genuine European labour market for researchers, a coherent set of 

accompanying actions is to be implemented, with a view to removing obstacles to mobility and to 

enhancing the career perspectives of researchers in Europe. These actions will aim, in particular, at 

raising stakeholders and general public awareness, including through "Marie Curie" awards, at 

stimulating and supporting action at Member State level and at complementing Community actions. 

The specific actions will also include incentive measures for public institutions that promote 

mobility, quality and profile of researchers, where these activities fulfil the criteria of European 

added-value, openness and transparency. 

 
 
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ANNEX II 

Information to be provided by the Commission in accordance with Article 8(5) 

1. 

Information on actions, enabling the monitoring of the entire lifetime of each proposal, 

covering in particular: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

submitted proposals, 

evaluation results for each proposal, 

grant agreements, 

completed actions. 

2. 

Information on the outcome of each call and implementation of actions, covering in 

particular: 

– 

results of each call,  

 
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– 

– 

outcome of negotiations on grant agreements,  

implementation of actions, including payment data and outcome of actions. 

3. 

Information on programme implementation, including relevant information at the level of 

the Framework Programme, the Specific Programme and each activity. 

This information (in particular, on proposals, their evaluation and grant agreements) should be 

provided in a uniform structured electronically-readable and treatable format accessible through an 

IT-based information and reporting system which readily enables data analysis.