Based on the experience of a similar event in February 1999 which attracted over 5 000 participants the conference will be a major forum to present the objectives and priorities of the Framework Programme and to explain rules for participation. At the same time the conference is meant to create opportunities for scientific debate and exchange of best practice beyond those subjects addressed in the Framework Programme.
The overall structure and content of the conference is shown in the
programme.
The major features of this three-day event are as follows.
Sessions addressing all the main thematic priorities of the Framework Programme as well as the cross-cutting issues of the European Research Area such as human resources and mobility, patenting and intellectual property, etc.
Sessions providing guidance on How to participate in the Framework Programme.
In a major innovation compared with the 1999 conference, symposia, workshops and poster sessions will be designed and organised using a bottom-up approach. This participants' forum will be organised by scientists, industrial researchers, research users, organisations and associations, and others working in or affected by research and technology on topical subjects relevant for research and society - though not necessarily related to the Framework Programme. The European Commission will supply the platform and create an appropriate environment.
Project presentations for the media and a wider audience, presenting the aims and results of research projects carried out under past EU research programmes or other programmes involving international co-operation .
Exhibition: in parallel with the conference, there will be a major exhibition, providing space for some 150 stands, where interesting EU-sponsored research projects will be on display; this will complement the verbal project presentations mentioned before and promote the networking and integration of research activities in Europe. Space will also be available to accommodate corporate stands from European research organisations and national organisations having developed genuine European programmes for researchers.
Press: there will be two press briefings each day; interviews and background discussions will be facilitated wherever possible. A fully equipped pressroom in a central location will be available. Technical assistance will be provided to journalists from the audio-visual press.
Venue
The Conference will be held in the Palais du Heysel in Brussels.
Registration
Registration is now possible.
Accommodation
Participants will cover their own travel and accommodation costs.
Resotel, a hotel and reservations service, have negotiated special rates for all delegates attending the conference. Here is a booking form listing the various hotels available.
If you wish to book a hotel that is not on the list, Resotel will be pleased to help you with this too (tel: +32-2-779 39 39; fax: +32-2-779 39 00).
Conference fee
Euro 180 for registrations received by 15 September; Euro 250 thereafter. (Euro 60 for participants from countries having applied for EU membership; Euro 80 after 15 September ). The conference fee covers documents, meals and coffee during the conference. It will be waived for the press, and entrance to the exhibition will be free for teachers and students.
Further information
Click for more practical information including how to get to the conference, the welcome desk, registration, meals etc.
You can also contact the
Information and Communication Unit
Directorate-General for Research
European Commission
Tel: +32-2-295 99 71
Fax: +32-2-295 82 20
E-mail:
rtd-conference2002@cec.eu.int The detailed programme will be updated over the coming months as session details become available. It will also include events planned following the call for proposals and reflect any other changes. The final printed programme will be available at the conference.