An ESF Research Networking Programme is a networking activity bringing together nationally funded research activities for four to five years, to address a major scientific issue or a science-driven topic of research infrastructure, at the European level with the aim of advancing the frontiers of science.

Key objectives include:

• creating interdisciplinary fora;
• sharing knowledge and expertise;
• developing new techniques;
• training young scientists.

Proposals may be submitted in any or across several of the following broad scientific fields (Multi-disciplinary proposals across fields are encouraged.):

• Biomedical Sciences
• Life, Earth and Environmental
• Physical and Engineering Sciences
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Science driven issues of Research Infrastructures in any of the above fields

Proposals with a ‘global’ dimension which intend to interface a European scientific network supported by a new ESF à la carte Programme with network(s) of scientists in other, non-ESF, countries (e.g. Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Russia, USA and others) supported by their own agencies are also encouraged.

Possible Activities:

• Science meetings (workshops, conferences or schools) organised either by Programme participants or following an open call for proposals;
• Grants for short and exchange visits awarded following an open call for applications;
• Publication of information brochures and leaflets, DVDs and CD Roms, scientific books and meeting proceedings etc; creation of websites;
• Creation of scientific databases at the European level.

Research activities, e.g. salaries, equipment and materials, are not funded, as such costs should be funded directly at the national or international (e.g. EU) level.

Eligibility criteria for applicants

Proposals may be submitted by researchers from European universities or research institutes in countries having agencies that are ESF Member Organisations.

ESF Member Organisations:
http://www.esf.org/about-us/75-member-organisations.html
The European Science Foundation currently has 75 member organisations from 30 European countries. Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (http://www.hazu.hr) is one of these member organisations.

Proposals may have co-proposers from non-ESF member countries. In this case, the co-proposers should assure their funding through their own sources.

Call for proposals:
http://www.esf.org/activities/research-networking-programmes/2007-call-for-proposals.html
Frequently Asked Questions:
http://www.esf.org/activities/research-networking-programmes/2007-call-for-proposals/frequently-asked-questions-on-research-networking-programme-proposals.html
Proposal content and submission proceedure:
http://www.esf.org/activities/research-networking-programmes/2007-call-for-proposals/2007-call-for-rnp-proposals-proposal-contents-and-submission-procedure.html