FP7 & Cosmetics Europe

FP7, the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development of the European Union will last for seven years from 2007until 2013. The programme has a total budget of over € 50 billion. This represents a substantial increase compared with the previous Framework Programme, a reflection of the high priority of research in Europe. Indeed, FP7 is a key tool to respond to Europe's needs in terms of jobs and competitiveness, and to maintain leadership in the global knowledge economy. The money is mainly spent on grants to research actors all over Europe and beyond, in order to co-finance research, technological development and demonstration projects. Grants are determined on the basis of calls for proposals and a peer review process, which are highly competitive. In order to complement national research programmes, activities funded from FP7 must have a “European added value”. One key aspect of the European added value is the transnationality of many actions: research projects are carried out by consortia which include participants from different European (and other) countries; fellowships in FP7 require mobility over national borders. Indeed, many research challenges (e.g. fusion research, etc), are so complex that they can only be addressed at European level.

The EU Framework Programmes for Research have two main strategic objectives:

  • To strengthen the scientific and technological base of European industry and
  • to encourage its international competitiveness, while promoting research that supports EU policies.


Cosmetics Europe - The Personal Care Association, previously Colipa, is the European Trade Association representing the interests of the cosmetic industry. Its membership consists of 25 national associations of the EU Member States and beyond, 19 major international companies and 5 associated members. Cosmetics Europe represents more than 2000 companies throughout the EU via the active representation of its member national associations.

On 30 July 2009, the European Commission launched a Call for Proposals asking researchers to submit proposals on the development of a strategy towards alternative solutions to animal testing in the field of repeated dose systemic toxicity. For each proposal selected by the European Commission, the cosmetic industry, represented by Cosmetics Europe, has committed to provide additional funding. In each case the Cosmetics Europe funding matches the European Commission's contribution (50% of eligible costs). The proposals selected by the European Commission may therefore be funded up to 100% of their total eligible costs.

The cosmetic industry has shown a longstanding and continuous commitment to the elimination of animal testing. Through this collaboration with the European Commission, the cosmetic industry continues to support the development of alternative methods and of new approaches to safety assessment. Cosmetics Europe is already working with the European Commission and other sector organisations through the European Partnership for Alternatives to Animal Testing (EPAA).


Sources:

European Comission, "FP7 in Brief"
http://ec.europa.eu/research/fp7/understanding/fp7inbrief/what-is_en.html

Cosmetics Europe Website
http://www.cosmeticseurope.eu/