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Network of National Contact Points (NCPs)
The network of National Contact Points (NCPs) is the main structure to provide guidance, practical information and assistance on all aspects of participation in FP7.
What is the NCP network?
NCPs are national structures established and financed by governments of the 27 EU member states and the states associated to the framework programme. NCPs give personalised support on the spot and in proposers' own languages.
The NCP systems in the different countries show a wide variety of architectures, from highly centralised to decentralised networks, and a number of very different actors, from ministries to universities, research centres and special agencies to private consulting companies. This reflects the different national traditions, working methodologies, research landscapes and funding schemes.
Thematic NCP Networks
There are 18 thematic networks within the overall Network of Contact Points. These correspond to themes found in the Seventh Framework Programme and operate on a Europe-wide basis. The thematic networks aim to support regional stakeholders in enhancing science- and technology-based development. The networks also provide services, training and information to regional authorities, research institutions and enterprises.
Each thematic network is independently managed and operated, but share common goals with other networks.
Other support services
FP7 support services
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Enquiry Service (A service provided by the Europe Direct Contact Centre)
Ask your questions about any aspect of European research in general and the EU Research Framework Programmes in particular.
This service replaces the traditional Help Desk email service.
NB: it will provide no answers related to forgotten passwords (for experts, proposals, etc.), the technical aspects of proposal submission, or IT problems (there will be specific help via the Electronic proposal (EPSS) pages).Disclaimer: For enquiries related to the submission of proposals, we can not guarantee to provide an answer in time shortly before a call deadline. Please submit your enquiries at least 2 weeks before the deadlines.
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Ethics Help Desk for all FP7 projects
The Ethics Help Desk for FP7 projects provides information on issues and offers consultation regarding the ethical aspects of research that is funded under the 7th Framework Programme. The goal of the Help-Desk is to support scientists that are research participants in FP7 funded projects, to meet the EU and international ethical standards related to the issues outlined in the "Ethics check list".
Via this service, scientists can receive advice from the Ethics Review Sector of DG research and by experts in the ethics field concerned, in order to reach their research objectives and meet the ethical requirements of their work.
The advice is offered on the basis of the FP7 ethics framework as outlined in the FP7 legal basis documents and the legal documents for implementation.
Please address your questions to the Ethics Help Desk.
All questions will be treated confidentially and personal information will be protected.
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Enterprise Europe Network - Business Support on Your Doorstep
The Enterprise Europe Network offers support and advice to businesses across Europe (including on FP7 and research opportunities) and helps them make the most of the opportunities in the European Union. Our services are specifically designed for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) but are also available to all businesses, research centres and Universities across Europe. The Enterprise Europe Network is made up of close to 600 partner organisations in more than 40 countries, promoting competitiveness and innovation at the local level in Europe and beyond. -
European IPR Helpdesk
Through its Helpline, the European IPR Helpdesk provides tailor-made assistance on Intellectual Property (IP) issues free of charge to current and potential beneficiaries of EU-funded projects, focusing on Research and Technical Development (RTD) and Competitiveness and Innovation Programmes (CIP).
With the aim of raising awareness of the importance of good management of the IP assets within EU-funded projects, the European IPR Helpdesk conducts various awareness actions and provides training on IP rights and management issues throughout the EU; each training and awareness action is prepared according to the particular needs of the target group.
An informative website on IP and the EU funded projects is available, and Newsletter and Bulletin services provide relevant content and information of the latest IP developments.
The European IPR Helpdesk also gives support in IP matters to EU SMEs, including micro-enterprises in the process of negotiating or concluding transnational partnership agreements, especially through the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). -
IGLO - Informal Group of RTD Liaison Offices
IGLO is an informal association of Brussels-based non-profit R&D; Liaison Offices. The aim of IGLO is to facilitate and enhance the interaction, information exchange and co-operation between Members of IGLO, their national research systems and the European institutions on issues related to EU R&D;, in particular, the Framework Programmes. - CORDIS Mini-Guide makes the most of the service's many benefits.
- European Committee for Standardisation (CEN-CENELEC)
Through its services, CEN provides a platform for the development of European standards and other technical specifications. CEN/CENELEC has created a specific webpage to assist research projects, including a helpdesk for researchers.
Non FP7 specific support services
Logistics
The following links provide basic information for experts who may be visiting Brussels. Please note that the provided information may be specific to them.
Last updated on: 2012-01-11
