Seventh Research Framework Programme (FP7)
The Framework Programme is the most important instrument of the EU for financing research in Europe. The Framework Programme is proposed by the European Commission and adopted jointly by the Council and the European Parliament. The “People” and “Ideas” programmes are of particular interest to young researchers.
Ideas / ERC
The Ideas Programme of the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme for Research finances the European Research Council (ERC) and its calls for proposals. Unlike other sub-programmes, the topic for calls for proposals in the ERC Ideas Programme is open, i.e. no research area or objectives are predefined. The funding period lasts up to five years. Applications for funding are selected solely based on the scientific quality of the application and the quality of the area of research in which the project will take place.
Calls for proposals for ERC grants are published once a year. The ERC Starting Grants target distinguished postdocs (3 – 8 years after completion of doctoral degree). ERC Consolidator Grants are intended for young researchers (7 - 12 years after completion of docotral degree).
Ideas • Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) 
People / Marie Curie Actions
The People component of the 7th Framework Programme for Research is an outgrowth from the 6th Framework Programme’s Marie Curie Actions to promote the mobility of researchers in Europe.
There are calls for proposals in two areas of particular interest to young researchers:
- Initial training of researchers in both the public and private sectors to enhance their scientific skills and general qualifications, especially in connection with technology transfer and spin-offs.
- Life-long learning and career development to support young researches expand their skills and acquire new qualifications and competencies. Other objectives include improving interdisciplinarity and mobility and ease resumption of research career after a break. Funding is provided for period of 12-24 months.
