The European Commission published, in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ), on the 6th May 2008 a new Calls for Proposals under the ‘Capacities’ work programme of the 7th EC Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities. The budget for the calls for proposals is 20 million euros.

The ‘Capacities’ Programme will enhance research and innovation capacities throughout Europe and ensure their optimal use. This aim will be achieved through:   

• Optimising the use and development of research infrastructures.
• Strengthening innovative capacities of SMEs and their ability to benefit from research.
• Supporting the development of regional research-driven clusters.
• Unlocking the research potential in the EU's convergence and outermost regions.
• Bringing science and society closer together for the harmonious integration of science and technology in European society.
• Supporting the coherent development of research policies.
• Actions and measures in support of international cooperation.

Call for proposals under the ‘Capacities’ work programme of the 7th EC Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities will include service activites to provide specific research infrastructures related services to the scientific community.

The benefitiarires will be able to present their proposals to the appropriate authority from one member state or in the following associated countries: Albania, Croatia, FYR Macedonia, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey.

Participants will be able to present their  proposals  by the 11th September 2008 via the Electronic Proposal Submission Service (EPSS) based on the CORDIS website. There, all information related to this Call for Proposals can be downloaded.