Research Networking Programmes (RNPs) lay the foundation for nationally funded research groups to address major scientific and research infrastructure issues, in order to advance the frontiers of existing science.  These long-term programmes, subject to selection through an open call and an international peer review process, must deal with high-quality science and demonstrate the added value of being carried out at the European level.  

2010 Call for Proposals postponed

The Call for Research Networking Programmes (RNP), originally scheduled for 1 July, has been postponed. This decision was taken in the context of the current discussions between ESF and EUROHORCS (European Heads of Research Councils) about the ways in which their relationship could be better developed to serve European science.
The timing of the review of the RNP proposals, and the negotiations with ESF Member Organisations to obtain the necessary funding, is such that there is a two year gap between launching a call for RNP proposals and starting the Programmes. The RNPs resulting from this call would therefore not start before 2012, when the new organisation resulting from the current discussions should already be active.
The way to proceed with the Call for RNPs will be decided when there is more clarity. It depends largely on the outcome of further discussions regarding the future mission and activities of the new organisation.
This decision has no bearing on the call for contributions from Member Organisations for the proposals from the 2009 RNP Call. This will continue as planned, as the existing call represents a commitment to the research community that we will honour.