Programme name: A_Consortia

The National Scientific Research Grants Programme is managed by the National University Research Council (NURC). In 2004 the National Research Council launched a new programme focused on priority topics, as part of the National Grants Programme. The grant is a special form of financing based on competition for scientific research themes of national interest and distinct originality. The grant, which is non-reimbursable, is given to an individual researcher/coordinator of a research team from an accredited higher education institution, public or private research unit and institution to carry out, in a define period of time, specific research that may contribute to the development of science.

Objectives of the programme:

• -to set up and develop research networking by including university departments and laboratories, research centers and institutes, laboratories and institutes run by the Romanian Academy; such networks are meant to train highly qualified human resources and ensure a high level of scientific research;
• to support the integration of research units in international programmes;
• to develop scientific research as part of the human resources training process;
• to increase the scientific performance and encourage research team-building by ensuring wider participation of students matriculated to advanced studies, academic and doctoral programmes.

The national competition for this programme is organized every year. There are different 11 priority topics for each competition. The NURC allocates funds for 2 projects maximum belonging to each priority topic.
In 2006, the eleven themes (priority topics) have been identified for the Consortia Projects:

1. Natural and artificial nanostructured systems;
2. Non-conventional structures and interactions at molecular and intermolecular level;\
3. Vortex hydro/aerodynamics;
4. Alternative energy sources;
5. Social development and quality of life;
6. Romania and global economy;
7. Structure and dynamics of socio-ecological complexes;
8. Embryonic or adult stem-cell development biology
9. Safety of vegetal and animal food manufacturing and processing
10. Genetic epidemiology and the management of neuro-degenerative diseases
11. Rehabilitation of large residential areas, from the European.

Estimated duration: 1-3 years for each project; 400.000 Euro maximum/project

Budget: annual budget, 1.5 million Euro

Relevant links: www.cncsis.ro (only in Romanian)