Other EU research programmes
In addition to the 7th Framework Programme, there are other European programmes that promote networking with researchers from other countries, or collaborative projects.
COST
The COST research initiative (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) promotes co-ordination of European research, above all in basic and pre-competitive research as well as activities of public interest. COST research projects are generated at the initiative of the researchers. The Cost Switzerland website provides more information.
European Science Foundation (ESF)
The ESF promotes science and research by employing the following tools: research networking programmes, scientific programmes, EUROCORES, exploratory workshops, European research conferences.
One of the member organisations of the ESF is the Swiss National Science Fund or SNSF whose purpose it is to promote scientific research.
EUREKA
EUREKA is a Europe-wide network for industrial research and development. EUREKA has launched a new initiative called Eurostars from which SMEs can be funded directly. Funding for Swiss SMEs is also possible. The condition is that they partner with a Swiss university.
LifeLongLearning
The European Commission has amalgamated various initiatives as regards general education and vocational training including:
- Comenius (for schools)
- Erasmus (for university education)
- Leonardo da Vinci (for vocational training)
- Grundtvig (for adult education)
and put them into one single programme entitled “LifeLongLearning”. Switzerland will be an associated country from 1.1.2011. From this date, Swiss participants will have the same rights and obligations as participants from EU member states. Until that date, Swiss participants are funded directly by the SER (Swiss state secretariat for education and research).
MEDIA
The MEDIA programme is an EU funding programme for the audio-visual industry (training, project development, leasing/sales, promotion). MEDIA Desk Suisse has been acting as an intermediary between the Swiss film industry and representatives of the MEDIA programme in Brussels since 2006.