The European Commission has given notice of the launch of calls for proposals under the 2011 People work programmes of the Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (2007 to 2013).

This action aims to improve career perspectives of early-stage researchers in both public and private sectors, thereby making research careers more attractive to young people. This will be achieved through a trans-national networking mechanism, aimed at structuring the existing high-quality initial research training capacity throughout Member States and associated countries. Direct or indirect involvement of organisations from different sectors, including (lead-) participation by private enterprises in appropriate fields, is considered essential in the action.

In particular, the action aims to add to the employability of the recruited researchers through exposure to both academia and enterprise, thus extending the traditional academic research training setting and eliminating cultural and other barriers to mobility. For the purposes of this action, the private sector is understood to comprise organisations gaining the majority of their revenue through competitive means with exposure to commercial markets.

ITN project proposals may take one of three forms:

1. Multi-Partner ITNs (Multi-ITN): ITNs are typically set up as Multi-Partner ITNs, with at least three participants established in at least three different Member States or Associated Countries.
2. European Industrial Doctorates (EID): Implementation mode under the ITN Action in 2012 with the objective of training highly-skilled researchers and to stimulate entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation in Europe. This is to be achieved in particular by involving businesses in doctoral training so that skills better match public and private sector needs. Each EID is composed of one academic institution and one participant from the private sector. These must be established in two different Member States or Associated Countries.
3. Innovative Doctoral Programmes (IDP): These are composed of a sole participant established in a Member State or Associated Country. They are typically universities or research institutions offering innovative doctoral programmes ensuring an international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral training for doctoral candidates. Collaborations with a wider set of associated partners, including from the private sector, as well as innovative elements of the proposed training, will be taken into account during the evaluations.

The Community provisional funding available for the call for proposals is:

• 470,72 Million EUR (Orientation of the budget)

• 22 November 2012 - 12 years ago (Deadline for the presentation of proposals)

• Official page of the Call

• Call fiche FP7-PEOPLE-2013-ITN (Guidelines for applicants)
• Guide for applicants FP7-PEOPLE-2013-ITN (Guidelines for applicants)
• Call - Marie Curie Initial Training Networks (ITN) (Legal base)

Opened to the following bodies or institutes with legal status established in the covered areas:

• Universities
• Any legal organisation
• Non profit organisations
• Non-governmental organization

Bodies or institutes must have their registered legal seat in one of the countries taking part in the Programme which are:

• European Union (EU)

Directorate-General for Research

• Call for Proposal - Marie Curie intra-european fellowships for career development (IEF)
• Call for Proposals - Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships (IIF)
• Call for Proposals - Marie Curie international Outgoing Fellowships for career development (IOF)
• Call for proposals - Researchers' Night
• Call for Proposals - Marie Curie Career Integration Grants (CIG)