The European Commission DG Research has launched a call for proposals under the Marie Curie Co-funding of Regional, National and International Programmes (COFUND) People programme. The 'People' specific programme acknowledges that one of the main competitive edges in science and technology is the quantity and quality of its human resources. To support the further development and consolidation of the European Research Area, this specific programme's overall strategic objective is to make Europe more attractive for the best researchers.

The 'People' Specific Programme will be implemented through actions under five headings:

• Initial training of researchers to improve mostly young researchers
• Life-long training and career development
• Industry-academia pathways and partnerships
• International dimension
• Specific actions

Budget: EUR 75 million
Deadline: 18 February 2010

European Commission