Brussels, 14/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 14 January, the European Commission held a meeting in Brussels for researchers from throughout the EU, to inform them about a Marie Curie initiative under the seventh framework programme for research (7th FPRD), designed to encourage exchanges between businesses and universities. The Marie Curie initiative, named “Marie Curie Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways” (IAPP), is particularly aimed at small businesses. Between now and 2013, it will grant €400 million to staff exchange projects between businesses and universities. The conference also announced the success of previous industry/research partnerships and took the opportunity to look into current obstacles to mobility between the public and private sectors. In particular, it was made up of workshops to help those taking part to sketch out high-quality research partnerships and to draw as much benefit is possible from a potential contract as part of the initiative. The IAPP is “one of the sharpest arrows” of the seventh FPRD, said Commissioner for Research Janez Potoènik in his opening speech. “So I am looking forward to seeing many new successful IAPP 'marriages' in the months and years to come”. The IAPP programme is open to all bodies active in the field of research, a Commission press release explains. The partnerships must bring together at least one private research body and one public research body, from at least two of the countries taking part in the framework programme. The support on offer is aimed at exchanges of knowledge and experience, in the form of reciprocal secondments of researchers, research and networking activities, the recruitment of experienced researchers from outside the partnership, the organisation of workshops and conferences and helping SMEs to buy research equipment. Funding is typically for four years and will cover up to 100% of the costs of the project. No additional funding is required. The second call for proposals is now open until 25 March 2008. The share of the budget available for the current call is €45 million. (B.C.)