New reporting tool FORCE

With "FORCE" a new web based editor of forms C was made available for the financial reporting in FP6 and 7 projects.

Like the questionnaires due with the initial and final reporting and the new dissemination tool PIDS, it is accessible via the SESAM system.

From now on, the use of FORCE is mandatory for the financial reporting in FP7 projects (except for projects under the auspices of DG INFSO such as ICT projects). Partners in FP6 projects can choose whether they want to use FORCE or as before excel sheets offline.

Key services of FORCE include the preparation of FP6 and FP7 FORMS C with updated and correct contract/grant information of each beneficiary participating in the project/grant, the printing of Forms C and their electronic submission of FORMS C to the Commission (signed paper version to be sent afterwards). Also the correction of Forms C after refusal by the EC will be possible.

For the time being, only coordinators (should) have received the necessary passwords to access FORCE; regular beneficiaries should receive their own access rights in the coming weeks.

How to register on FORCE and how to use the new tool for your reporting, is shown in a presentation made available by the EC.

Finance helpdesk: FP7 Research for SMEs - Budget Calculation

The finance helpdesk published a leaflet on the budget calculation in "FP7 Research for SMEs" projects.

The “Research for SMEs” funding scheme supports small groups of innovative SMEs in solving technological problems and acquiring technological know-how. SMEs subcontract research to RTD performers in order to acquire the necessary technological knowledge. The EU grant is capped at 110% of the price to be invoiced to RTD performers for subcontract work as agreed prior to contract signature.

You can download the leaflet from the finance helpdesk site.

CORDIS: Project Information and Dissemination Service (PIDS)

This service is
- A one stop shop where FP6 projects officers can find their information on all their projects.
- A collecting tool: coordinators will be able to use this service to provide the Commission with information on all their projects' outputs (results, news, events...)
- A disseminating tool: through this service, the projects' outputs will be directly disseminated to the relevant CORDIS sections (results database, CORDIS news...)

It is only available to Project Coordinators and EC Project officers already registered with a CORDIS login.

More information.

Commission suggests a “European research programme in the field of metrology"

On 3 December, the European Commission suggested to set up the “European research programme in the field of metrology (EMRP)”, a joint research programme bringing together 22 national research programmes (including Switzerland). As science of measurement, metrology has various applications in very different fields such as health, security research, nanotechnology or environment. EMRP is financed jointly by the 22 participating states with up to €200 million and through an expected Community contribution of €200 million. The Commission’s proposal will now be transmitted to the European Parliament and the Council for approval and should be adopted in early summer 2009. More information.

Full costing: a way to improve European Universities’ financial sustainability?

The European University Association (EUA) published a report entitled “Financially Sustainable Universities: Towards Full Costing in European Universities” on 13 November 2008. The EUA recommends universities to implement full costing of all their internal and external activities to reinforce their financial sustainability. This report aims at providing an analysis of the current state of development of full costing in higher education institutions in Europe and also at identifying the drivers, benefits and obstacle in this process. More information.

EU presents an economic Recovery Plan for research and innovation

In order to address the worsening economic situation, the European Commission presented an Recovery Plan on 26 November including short term measures, but also initiatives to support innovation and ways to increase private sector R&D investments. The plan suggests partnerships between the public and the private sector and targets three industrial sectors: A “European green cars initiative” with a combined funding of at least €5 billion, a “European energy-efficient buildings initiative” worth €1 billion, and a “factories of the future initiative” estimated at €1.2 billion. The focus will be on enabling technologies, such as engineering technologies for adaptable machines and industrial processes, ICT and advanced materials.

Please find here the communication from the Commission to the European council, the approval of the European council , and a related press release.

Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes associated to the FP7

Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes associated to the Seventh European Framework research programme (FP7).

On 24 Nov 2008, Bosnia and Herzegovina signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the European Commission which will allow full access to the EC's 7th Research Framework Programme (FP7) which runs from 2007 to 2013. This "associated status" will allow Bosnia and Herzegovina to participate in all calls for proposals and compete on an equal footing with the EU Member States and the other associated countries for research co-operation and support actions funded under FP7, as of 1 January 2009. This agreement is an important step in Bosnia and Herzegovina's integration into the European Research Area and in the pre-accession process for European Union membership. Bosnia and Herzegovina is the 12th country associated to FP7. More information.