Why participate in FP7?
The wide ranging scope of FP7 can make navigating and understanding the programme challenging for new applicants. Help and support is available for applicants and potential applicants who would like guidance on the programme’s structure, activities and themes from the UK National Contact Points.
Despite the challenges involved, previous participants have said FP7 provides a unique opportunity to share knowledge, experience and facilities across Europe. Obtaining funding through FP7 also facilitates the coordination of national or European teams and works to establish research networks. Participating in the programme offers the opportunity for research institutions to gain a competitive edge through translational knowledge. The European and international nature of FP7 offers researchers the opportunity to tackle global research challenges. Participating in FP7 offers individual researchers the chance to take advantage of development opportunities.
The funding available through the scheme illustrates the high priority of research in Europe. The current FP7 budget of over €50 billion represents a substantial increase compared with the previous programme, FP6 (41% at 2004 prices, 63% at current prices).