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Genomic approaches play a key role in the Life Sciences today, in the search for basic knowledge, which builds the foundations of systems biology, and in the more applied fields of human health and disease. Our aim at the European Commission is to stimulate and sustain multidisciplinary basic research to exploit the full potential of genome information. That's why genomics is present through the whole Sixth Framework Programme in all Life Sciences programmes (health, food, environment), and in particular in the Fundamental Genomics workprogramme, which funds the research highlighted in this newsletter. We are proud of the European scientists who collaborate in top-class research projects in fields such as gene expression, proteomics, bioinformatics, structural genomics, comparative genomics, population genetics or basic biological processes. Some of their dreams and achievements will have a place in these pages.
Octavi Quintana i Trias Director of Health
at DG Research
European Commission
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Genome research supported by the European Framework Programme - Manuel Hallen
 Throughout history, Europe has been a crucible for developing new ideas. Genome research, alongside proven conventional approaches, is a good example of this. It is opening up new fields of knowledge and unprecedented opportunities to improve human health and stimulate industrial and economic activity. Post-genomic research will then lead to many applications in a number of health-related sectors, notably in the development of new diagnostic tools and treatments to combat major diseases. 
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Quality proposals boost project funding
Following the first call for proposals under the Sixth Framework Programme’s ‘Life Sciences, Genomics and Biotechnology for Health’ thematic priority (25 March 2003), 32 projects were selected in the field of fundamental genomics.
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Integrated Projects for EU genomics research
In 2002, as part of its Fifth Framework Programme, the European Commission decided to fund three major projects in genomics, with a total budget of nearly €40 million. SPINE, Eumorphia and GenomEUtwin were developed to test a new type of collaborative research instrument, the Integrated Project, and are now serving as pilots for the implementation of these new instruments in the Sixth Framework Programme (2002-2006). They combine excellence in research with strong networking and training components and aim to have a significant structuring effect on the genomics research community.
At the same time, a fourth large-scale project, Temblor, received funding of €19.4 million to provide a major European research tool in bioinformatics in support of the Integrated Projects in genomics.
See articles:
Temblor – a shared opportunity
Eumorphia – of mice and men
SPINE – strengthening structural biology
GenomEUtwin – doubling the impact
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