In today's era of globalisation and rapid progression, research is of fundamental importance both from a macro and micro perspective. Consequently, the European Commission will be launching the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) this November in Brussels.

The principal goal of this programme is to discourage fragmentation, separation and regional disparity within the various fields of research in an effort to promote research and enhance competition and productivity in Europe.

The FP6 presents an excellent opportunity for the University of Malta, research institutes, SMEs and other entities to benefit from the use of infrastructures, access to virtual information and foreign expertise, hence counteracting the disadvantage of limited resources.

The FP6 will encompass seven thematic areas, 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.

University personnel requiring further information about the FP6 can direct any queries to the European Unit on tel. 2340-2204 or e-mail europeanunit@um.edu.mt or visit the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) Website www.mcst.org.mt .