The CORNET network launched its seventh call for trans-national collective research project proposals in January 2009.

This latest call covers all industrial sectors. To be eligible, consortia must be made up of associations, federations, trade associations or industrial groupings from at least three different European countries or regions.

The call, which is open until 30 April 2009, is being organised and funded by national and regional ministries which participate in CORNET. All project proposals must include an SME users committee.

For the seventh call, the CORNET website is publicising nascent project consortia which are currently looking for additional partners. Examples include a project which addresses food packaging harnessing high-pressure processes; the use of thermo-plastics in the automotive and aerospace industries; and efforts to stop meat products from discolouring.

CORNET falls under the EU’s ERA-NET scheme, which was established to improve links between different European regional and national research programmes.

Through its calls, CORNET enables consortia of SME associations, businesses and research institutions from across Europe to work together on research that will benefit SMEs.

Full details of the call and how to make a proposal can be found at the website below.