European Union

EU national ministers have agreed a new kind of public–private research partnership that will see nearly €10 billion ploughed into joint technology initiatives.

Fifteen member states had no system for allowing third party nationals into the EU to carry out scientific research when the deadline for applying the directive passed last week.

The multidisciplinary nature of research in nanosciences and nanotechnologies will result in a sharp increase in European funding, the Commission has said.

Poland has set out a strategy for developing nanosciences prepared by 14 members of the Interdisciplinary Group for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Around €300 million looks set to be slashed from the European Union’s 2008 research and development budget, and re-channelled into the flagship Galileo satellite project.

EU governments have resigned themselves to the fact that the Galileo satellite navigation network will have to financed from the public purse – but failed to agree where the money will come from.

European Technology Platforms need to align national, regional and international activities with research agendas, says a new report.

The European Commission has launched a grass-roots political campaign to get more money, planning and flexibility for R&D.