Fundamental genomics in FP6

In the Sixth Framework Programme, fundamental genomics is funded under the priority area ‘Life Sciences, Genomics and Biotechnology for Health’ and, within this priority, under the thematic area ‘Fundamental knowledge and basic tools for Functional Genomics in all organisms’.

At the beginning of this year, 32 projects in fundamental genomics were funded under FP6, following a first call for proposals which closed in March 2003. These projects are listed on the Projects Overview page.

The high quality of proposals submitted by the research community led the Commission to increase the budget available for fundamental genomics from €134 million to €166 million. Of this, 80% went to fund the so-called FP6’s ‘new instruments’ – Integrated Projects and Networks of Excellence – which aim to structure and give critical mass to research in the European Union.

The selected projects build upon the excellence of the strong fundamental genomics community which already exists in Europe. in both public and private sectors. and provide an important niche for basic research at the heart of FP6.

A second call for proposals was issued in July 2003 and the projects submitted then are currently being evaluated.