| Jun 14, 2012 |
Billion-euro research race enters closing stage
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(Nanowerk News) EU scientists and member states will decide over the next six months which future high-tech industries – from a choice including robot servants and nano clothing – should receive a €1 billion European funding boost.
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Six so-called 'future and emerging technologies' (FETs) - all based in the ICT sector - are vying for a prize of up to €100 million each year over a decade, with at least one pilot guaranteed to claim the bounty.
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The selection will be closely watched since any eventual winners will carry the endorsement that they are strong hopes for Europe's industrial future.
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The six programmes have just completed a year-long pilot period and are now producing lengthy proposals in their attempt to win the coveted status of >FET flagship initiatives. The competition is intense since each consortium is backed by several university research departments and the private sector.
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Robots and nano clothes
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They include attempts to shrink microchips to nanoscale using graphene materials, to create a simulation of the human brain and the development of advanced mapping of biological data for health services.
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Other programmes envisage the large-scale manufacture in Europe of domestic 'slave' robots designed to imitate the basic thinking patterns of animals, and nanomaterials designed to record minute fluctuations in body behaviour.
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Another programme is seeking to create a super-computer that will allow social scientists to apply mathematical equations to the data surfeit arising from the ICT revolution and globalisation.
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One official close to the decision-making process told EurActiv that no one programme has so far emerged as an early favourite. "They are all holding their firepower for their proposals," he said.
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Member states involved in the final choices
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The pilots must submit to a complicated multistage application process over the next six months, with their bids first being considered by an independent scientific advisory group to the European Commission.
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The decision will ultimately rest with delegates from the member states who must also green light the winning programmes.
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The €100 million figure is calculated to account for a Commission contribution in association with EU countries, incorporating contributions from institutions, national and regional funding agencies and industry.
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Winning ideas are likely to be those combining broad support from the private sector, a geographic scope covering several member states, and with ideas for growth-stimulating innovation.
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