These long-term research networking programmes are the platform for nationally funded research groups to address major scientific and research infrastructure issues with the goal to advance the frontiers of science. A successful programme proposal must deal with high quality science and demonstrate the added value of being carried out at the European level. European Science Foundation (ESF) Programmes are funded à la carte by ESF Member Organisations interested in supporting proposals recommended by ESF.

Proposals are assessed through international peer review. On the basis of written assessments by external referees the ESF Standing Committees select proposals to be recommended for funding. The final decision on proposals to be presented to the ESF Member Organisations for funding will be made by the ESF Chief Executive together with the Standing Committee Chairs. The budget of an ESF Programme usually averages Euro 100,000 -130,000 annually, for a four or five-year period. Proposals will be accepted until 22nd October 2009. New Programmes start from 1 January 2011. Further information can be found on the website below.

ESF website