Cancer, a European priority

Prevention, detection, treatment… Fundamental and clinical research are joiningforces to fight a disease whose varied and complex forms present a challenge to the efforts of scientists and doctors alike. RTD info looks at theprogress of the latest research strategies and the vital work of cancer information networks.

The Union's commitment
On every front
Spreading the cancer message
Because clinical research is fundamental

Sixth Framework Programme
(2002-2006)

Following a political agreement at the Council of Ministers, and with its content and budget now set, the new directions taken are giving real shape to the European Research Area.

European research steers a new course

European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin sets out the main thrust and summarises the thinking behind it

The home straight

A preview of the Sixth Framework Programme due to be adopted this summer.

Research 2002: the big November meeting

All about the launch conference in Brussels.

Enlargement
Partners in excellence

Thirty-four multidisciplinary centres of excellence in 11 candidate countries benefit from union support. these new scientific and technological partners who will be strengthening the european research area are presented here complete with useful addresses.

Portrait
The correct use of mathematics

RTD info meets Giorgio Israel (La Sapienza University, Rome), expert on the history of mathematics, humanist and philosopher who is concerned about the aberrations of the technosciences, the misuse of mathematics and the foundations for a new rationality.

Oceanography
A floating phenomenon

Polarstern, the star of German oceanography, spends its time sailing between the Arctic and the Antarctic. Its nine on-board laboratories are staffed by a succession of scientific teams studying such matters as climatology, marine biology, underwater geophysics and continental drift.

International Research
Indian resolve

After its spectacular success in the computing sector, India is now turning to other high-tech fields, such as biotech-nology. It has just signed a mutual scientific cooperation agreement with the Union which marks a major departure from the usual notion of development assistance.

Health
The mobile phone: friend or foe?

Are the electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phones and other everyday on-line technologies damaging to health? Scientists are unsure, the WHO is cautious, and the Union is backing new research on this problem for science and society.

Innovation
Technology without borders

The specialised experts from the IRCs, which form a solid network throughout Europe, are helping SMEs with a high technological potential to conclude successful international cooperation agreements.