This is the 2008 Work Programme implementing the 'People' Specific Programme of the 7th Framework Programme (2007 to 2013). It translates in specific actions the objectives and priorities in the Specific Programme, the associated funding, and the timetable for implementation for the year 2008.

To support the further development and consolidation of the European Research Area, the People Specific Programme's overall strategic objective is to make Europe more attractive for the best researchers. Dedicated entirely to human resources in research, this Specific Programme has a significant overall budget of over EUR 4.7 billion over the seven years of FP7. It will be implemented through “Marie Curie” actions under five headings, with the following budget breakdown:
1. Initial training of researchers around 40 % of the indicative budget for 2008, 185 million EUR
2. Life-long training and career development (including Co-funding) between 25% and 30% of the budget for 2008, 147 million EUR
3. Industry-academia pathways and partnerships 5 to 10% of the budget, 45 million EUR
4. International dimension, 25 to 30% of the budget, 93.25 million EUR
5. Specific Policy actions around 1% , 6.89 million EUR

The 2008 PEOPLE Work Programme The majority of the content in the 2008 People work programme represents continuity of Actions from previous years. A new Marie Curie Action is proposed – "IRSES", an international research staff exchange scheme, which has special interest for countries with which the EU has a strong policy link.