Opportunities under the FP6 research programme

Various research opportunities are available under the FP6 programme - a new research programme launched by the European Commission aimed at promoting research and innovation in several key areas.

Such opportunities were discussed at a two-day international conference organised by the European Unit at the University of Malta and the Malta Council for Science and Technology in collaboration with the Malta Business Bureau.

The primary aim of this conference, entitled "Exploring Industry-Academia Synergies in Research and Innovation", was to bridge the divide between University and industrial research and innovation. Various academic and non-academic staff from the University of Malta and from the Compostela Group of Universities attended this conference together with several representatives from local industry.

During this conference, several aspects of the FP6 framework were discussed by representatives of local academic and industry repre-sentatives or beneficiaries of the previous research programme FP5. One aspect dealt with the practical issues of the framework such as the necessary application procedures and the thematic areas in which research can be conducted, namely: Information Society Technologies; Food safety and health risks; Citizens and governance, Aeronautics and space; Nanotechnology; Intelligent materials and new production processes; Genomics and biotechnology for health and sustainable development.

Other aspects of the FP6, in particular examples of research initiatives in the European Research Area and also the financial aspect were highlighted by officials of the European Commission.

The programme, chaired by Dr Joseph Mifsud, chairman of the European Unit, and Wilfred Kenely, CEO, MSCT, also allowed for a round table discussion during which all participants had the opportunity to discuss various issues and queries about FP6 framework.

A highlight of the conference was a visit by President de Marco who stressed the importance of research and innovation in today's era of rapid progress and encouraged collaboration to promote continuous development in all participating countries.

The FP6 framework programme presents an excellent opportunity for the University of Malta to benefit from the use of financial and infrastructural resources, access to virtual information and foreign expertise hence counteracting any disadvantages of limited resources.

For further information about the FP6 programme contact Andrew Bianco at the European Unit University of Malta on 2340-3180, e-mail andrew.bianco@um.edu.mt or from the MCST on 2360-2138 or Website: www.mcst.org.mt.