Community Research and Development Information Service

The Community Research and Development Information Service, also known as CORDIS, is an interactive information platform that aims to provide the latest news, progress, partnership, and initiatives in European research and development activities to a wide range of users, including researchers, entrepreneurs, government agents, and nonprofit organizations. Specifically, CORDIS offers information about ongoing and previous research projects, news, potential partnerships, and funding opportunities in the Framework Programmes (FPs) for Research and Technological Development. The Framework Programmes were created by the European Union, with the objective of facilitating and encouraging European research.

CORDIS: Nanotechnology is a thematic service of CORDIS that emphasizes nanotechnology related activities at the European Commission. It highlights elements specifically relevant to nanotechnology in Europe, such as the European strategy and the Action Plan, projects and funding opportunities in the FPs, and related publications and events. Specifically, the CORDIS: Nanotechnology Website provides links that contain information on funding opportunities in the European Union (EU), international cooperation, financing and innovation, publications and events, education and training, risk assessment, communication and debate, the latest press briefing.

The program details the EU Funding Opportunity, and highlights various calls for research under the 7th Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development (FP7), which is the largest funding program ever initiated by the EU. FP7 started in 2007 and will run for seven years, until 2013. Within the total budget of over 50 billion euros (approximately $66 billion), a 3.5-billion euro portion will be dedicated to nanotechnology. The Website section detailing international cooperation gives a list of countries which have reached an agreement with the EU about the corroborative development of science and technology in general, and nanotechnology in particular. Information is provided about policies, efforts, and financing in relation to nanotechnology innovations. Small- and medium-sized entrepreneurs who develop commercial nano products are the target group.

The Website offers a range of publications derived from meetings, workshops, and surveys, including films, news articles, reports, and event listings. CORDIS: Nanotechnology strives to increase the level of scientific knowledge by providing education and training, information about training courses and activities, and by providing a list of Websites advocating a similar cause. The issue of safety is also explored with a provided series of reports, publications, EU-funded projects, and international activities on the assessment of risks associated with nanotechnology.

CORDIS: Nanotechnology also addresses the efforts of the European Commission to make the development of nanotechnology correspond to the needs and concerns of ordinary citizens. Its Website offers several information resources, such as electronic brochures aimed to inform the public about nanotechnology, a report on European activities in the field of ethical, legal, and social aspects (ELSA), and the governance of nanotechnology, and ways to participate in the public debate. CORDIS: Nanotechnology added a press room to their Website in 2002 under the 6th Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development (FP6). It includes media briefings and information about various action plans, workshops, conferences, and published [Page 111]leaflets that explain nanotechnology research. Instead of packaging information in the form of a press release, the “press room” section offers hyperlinks for the aforementioned activities or projects. CORDIS: Nanotechnology also provides access to two European Technology Platforms (ETPs)—Nanoelectronics and Nanomedicine. Such technology platforms were set up to help stakeholders better define research and development priorities, orient FP7 to better meet the needs of industry, and address technological challenges that will have implications for key policy objectives.

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