15 - 21March 2001

EU call for proposals explained in seminar

Representatives of the local industry, the University of Malta and other organisations earlier this week had the opportunity to know more about the opportunities available for research within the EU.
During an information day organised by The Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST), participants were familiarised with the Fifth Framework Programme (FP5) which is the EU’s programme for research and technological development.
The information session, which was held on Monday at Metco trade centre, focused on a particular periodic call for project proposals under the “Competitive and Sustainable Growth (GROWTH) Thematic Programme”. Maltese entities are entitled to EU funding for their research/development projects under this programme.
The opening addresses were given by Jesmond Mugliett, Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Science and Technology, and by Dr Janet Mifsud, the National Co-ordinator for the FP5 in Malta.
A brief overview of the GROWTH thematic programme under FP5 was given by Dr Michael A. Saliba, National Contact Point for this thematic programme in Malta.
Mr Hervé Pèro, Head of the Unit “Products, Processes and Organisation” at the European Commission, Directorate General – Research, and Mr John Sillwood, National Contact Point for Growth in the UK, grave presentations on the subject and also highlighted specific ways in which Maltese entities could benefit under the FP5.
Mr Sillwood described the UK experience with particular reference to the opportunities made available to the British industry. Both speakers oriented their presentations very strongly towards the specific needs and opportunities of Malta within the Fifth Framework Programme.
The final portion of the Information Day consisted of an interactive discussion among all the participants about specific ways in which local researchers could benefit from funding available in the programme.
There was also a special focus on ways in which small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) could obtain support for their research and product development objectives.
More information on the call for proposals is available on the local FP5 website: http://www.mcst.org. mt/tp3_current_calls.htm and on the EU FP5 website: http://www.cordis. lu/growth.