On the 1st of January 2007 there will be the launch of the 7th EU research programme (FRP) which is endowed with 50 billion Euros. Whoever wishes to lay the foundations of their research, may inform themselves about the opportunities offered by the FRP on the 14th of September in Neuss.
In the course of the programme the EU supports joint European research and development projects in the field of economy and science. Among other things this programme is supposed to distinguish itself by facilitating research practices and a better integration of small and medium-sized entities (SMEs). The starting ceremony which can be attended for free is organised by the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHKs) of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and the Association of German Chambers of Commerce (DIHK). The event will be held starting at 3 pm on the premises of the 3M Deutschland GmbH in Neuss. For instance there will be talks by Andreas Pinkwart, who is minister of commerce for NRW, and Jörg Niehoff, who works at the directorate general of research with the European Commission, as well as Mr Andre Schlochtermeier from the EU office of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
On the agenda are sponsoring facilities, guidance on how to apply for the programme as well as project management. There will also be a discussion in which entrepreneurs from small and medium-sized entities will talk about their experiences with the FRP programme. An invitation flyer together with additional information can be downloaded from the website of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry in North Rhine-Westphalia. 