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NIH-European Cooperation
European Union
Since its beginning, the EU has supported research and development activities as science and technology contribute significantly to the economic growth and quality of life in Europe just as it does in the United States. The U.S. and the European Union have a
strong tradition of cooperation in science and technology as these activities, by their nature, involve collaboration between scientists. The Seventh Framework Programme (FP-7 2007-2013) bundles all research-related EU initiatives together under a common
roof playing a crucial role in reaching the goals of growth, competitiveness and employment; along with a new Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP), Education and Training programs, and Structural and Cohesion Funds for regional convergence
and competitiveness. It is also a key pillar for the European Research Area (ERA).
In October 2004, the United States and the European Union signed a five-year renewal of their "Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation." These agreements serve as the legal umbrella under which U.S. and European scientists from universities, industry
and government agencies undertake cooperative research in areas as diverse as endocrine disrupters, aging, children's health, biotechnology, bioethics, vaccines, and infectious diseases.
Further information about the U.S.-E.U. science and technology activities can be found at the following locations:
