Estonia launches support scheme for covering project preparation and VAT costs in EU research programmes

“Being the first such support scheme in Baltics, this national funding helps to stimulate international research cooperation, and to give recognition to Estonian research institutions and enterprises for their high quality projects.

With the extra funding for project preparation we expect even more researchers to initiate projects themselves,” said Ulle Must, board member of Archimedes Foundation, the funding body for this scheme.

The preparation support amounts to €3800 for applicants who propose to take on the role of the coordinator of a multi-partner project. Organisations whose role in the project is work package or task leader, can apply for €1280. Support is aimed to participants of EU research framework programmes and COST (European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research).

“The importance of participating in EU research programmes shouldn't be underestimated. In 2007 the total amount of acquired Community funding from EU framework programme was €18 million, that is only one million less than national targeted research financing. Most importantly, Estonian researchers participate more than 40 international projects with topics ranging from cancer research to sustainable energy technologies“, added Must.