The complete name of FP7 is 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (2007 -2013). The programme has a total budget of over € 50 billion which reflects the high priority of research in Europe. FP7 is a key tool to respond to Europe's needs in terms of jobs and competitiveness, and to maintain leadership in the global knowledge economy. The broad objectives of FP7 are grouped in four categories i) cooperation; ii) ideas; iii) people; and iv) capacities. The humanities and social sciences are eligible for funding under all categories. FP7 aims to contribute to the development of the European Research Area (ERA) by integrating and coordinating current European research activities. Based on these objectives, a select number of thematic priorities have been chosen for funding. The cooperation programme has a specifically dedicated socioeconomic sciences and humanities (SSH) theme (Theme 8). The cooperation programme is the core of FP7 – two thirds of the budget is dedicated to the cooperation programme. Its objective is to foster research across Europe and other partner countries through projects by transnational consortia of industry and academia. FP7 holds many opportunities for researchers in the SSH (Social Sciences and the Humanities) community in addition to the Cooperation programme. The Ideas programme will enable frontier research in all disciplines, through the starting and advanced investigator grants. There are also social science opportunities in many of the other themes such Health, ICT, and Security.

For more information: FP7 (general): http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/home_en.html

Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities (SSH) in FP7: http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/ssh/

FP7 in Ireland: Enterprise Ireland (EI) has set up a dedicated unit to provide a National Information & Support Service to potential participants in FP7. EI act as the national coordination unit for Ireland in FP7. It will disseminate information and will work in cooperation with the national representatives for the various specific areas of FP6. It will also participate in the Europe-wide network of National Contact Points providing a mechanism for identifying partners in other countries with whom Irish organisations can collaborate.

For more information: http://www.fp7ireland.com/default.aspx