Eight thousand participants from 61 countries met in Brussels from November 11 to 13 to study the scope of this huge research programme between 2002 and 2006, budgeted at €17.5 billion.
Twenty-two Maltese representatives from the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST), the University of Malta, the National Council of Women (represented by its general secretary Doris Bingley), unions and press participated in this innovative conference.
In his opening speech Philippe Busquin stated that FP6's success depends not only on the projects generating synergies, but also on de-compartmentalisation. The European Union has long championed scientific and technological research as a means of developing the competitive position of European industry, while benefiting EU citizens and improving their quality of life.
The sixth framework will carry on this tradition, but will take on a new dimension as a key instrument in building the European Research Area. FP6 continues the development of its predecessors, moving over the next four years towards larger-scale research integration and a longer-term perspective.
FP6 has been built around three objectives: focusing and integrating community research; structuring the European research area and strengthening the foundations of the European research area.
There is good news for SMEs as they will play an important role in these projects. The aim is to dedicate at least 15 per cent of the budget to them, which is a challenge, though the EU has prepared measures to encourage SME participation.
The key instrument for implementing the European Research Area (ERA), FP6 will encourage SMEs to remain engaged as favoured partners in "Integrated Projects" and "Networks of Excellence".
National Contact Points (NCPs) are valuable in providing background information and guidance to the SMEs wanting to participate in EU-funded research and development. The MCST is the key provider of NCPs in Malta (www.mcst.org.mt)
Thematic areas within FP6 concentrate on:
Breaking down the gender barrier. Today, the majority of students are women, most of whom are attracted to the social and human sciences, medicine and natural sciences. Those opting for engineering or technology are few and far between. Greater encouragement is needed to support women's efforts. The gender element is a horizontal feature of FP6.
Energy, transport and the environment. These are part of the sustainable development objectives. With a budget of over e2 billion this is the third largest priority area in FP6. Research activities will be divided into three parts: global change and ecosystems, sustainable surface transport and sustainable energy systems.
Genomics and biotechs for health. The programme is split between advanced genomics, including applications of new fundamental knowledge and tools to healthcare, and specific approaches targeted at combating major diseases. These illnesses include cancer and the major communicable diseases linked to poverty: HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB.
Citizens and governance in a knowledge-based society. For the first time in a EU research programme, the importance of looking behind the technology at how society works, and how it is governed, has been given a prime role. It is the complexity of constructing a new Europe that has brought about this revival of the social sciences.
Nanotechnology with new production processes and materials, Information Society Technology (IST), Aeronautics and Space, and Food Quality and Safety are other areas, which this framework programme is addressing. Each thematic area and the candidate countries including Malta, were represented at an exhibition, which ran parallel to the seminars and workshops. This allowed participants to network with others for the development of future projects.
One of the priorities of this framework is to involve civil society. Within the parameters of FP6, NGOs such as the National Council of Women, must now examine suitable areas for project development, which will deal with integration of the gender dimension, incentives for greater female participation in all areas of endeavour, improvements to centres offering lifelong learning programmes for women entrepreneurs and craft research.
We must endeavour to instil the love of technology and science in young girls to increase the number of women scientists and engineers in the future.
For more information about this conference visit www.europa.eu.int/omm/research/conferences/2002.