Brussels, 13/02/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 9 February the European Commission launched the third and final call for proposals on preparatory action in security research. As in 2004 and 2005, EUR 15 million is available, together with a maximum co-funding rate of 75%. Proposals submitted for assessment have to correspond to a work programme that includes the five same themes found in the multidisciplinary projects: optimisation of security and network systems protection; protection against terrorism; improvement in crisis management; interoperability and integration of information and communication systems; improvement in situation recognition. The Commission intends, however, to prioritise aspects that have not yet been covered in the two previous calls for proposals. Six to eight projects are expected to be selected. In the context of support activities, the Commission is counting on supporting a maximum of ten activities: coordination of networks between actors involved in security technology; coordination of networks for integrating chains of security technology supplies, including SMEs; studies highlighting human behaviour; estimates of requirements for standardising equipment and associated services; feasibility studies and common use of major research infrastructure, assessment tests of activities in the security domain; studies on the fight against the financing of terrorists. Out of the available amount, 12.5 million is included for research projects and 2.5 million for support activities. Proposals should be sent to the Commission no later than 4 May 2006. The call for proposals was published in Official Journal C34 on 10 February 2006.