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The National Framework Programme of RPF for 2009-2010 was officially announced on the 1st of June 2009.

The National Framework Programmes is devided i 5 Pilars and 18 spesific research areas

Pillar I: Multi-thematic Development of Research

The “Multi-thematic Development of Research” Pillar, deals with funding cutting-edge research projects covering a wide spectrum of thematic fields. The aim of the first Pillar is to upgrade research activities in Cyprus, with view to enhance the socio-economic development in alignment with the strategic plan of the country.

The first Pillar intends to engage both local and international research and academic organisations in research activities and, moreover, to promote their collaboration with enterprises and public benefit organisations at the local and international level.
The first Pillar includes the following five Programmes:

• Sustainable Development
• Information and Communication Technologies
• Technology
• Health and Biological Sciences
• Social and Economic Sciences and the Humanities

Pillar II: Development of Human Resources in Research

The “Development of Human Resources in Research” Pillar aims at the quantitative and qualitative development of human resources engaged in research activities by:

- Attracting and incorporating new researchers in the RTDI sector that have recently completed their doctoral programmes
- Training and directing new scientists that are currently preparing their doctoral dissertations in order for them to become the next generation of researchers
- Preparing the younger generations via the establishment of the view that following a career in research could be an excellent option for professional development

The second Pillar is composed of the following three Programmes:

• Programme “DIDAKTOR”
• Programme “Support for Young Researchers-PENEK”
• Programme “Development of Research and Innovative Culture”

Pillar III: Development of Research and Innovation in Enterprises

The “Development of Research and Innovation in Enterprises” Pillar aims at improving the viability, the competitiveness and the growth of Cypriot enterprises and, thereby, the creation of new job positions through the involvement of enterprises in research and innovation activities and the development of new products or the enhancement of the existing products and processes.

The third Pillar is comprised by three Programmes:

• “Research for Enterprises” Programme
• “EUREKA Cyprus” Programme
• “Innovation” Programme

Pillar IV: Development of Research Infrastructures

The “Development of Research Infrastructures” Pillar intends to deal with the sustained lack of research infrastructures, research laboratories and equipment in Cyprus. This will be achieved through the development of new infrastructures, the upgrading and enrichment of the existing infrastructures, as well as the creation of opportunities for Cypriot researchers to access important research infrastructures abroad.
The fourth Pillar incorporates the following Programmes:

• “New Infrastructure” Programme
• “Upgrading of Existing Equipment” Programme
• “Access to CERN” Programme

Pillar V: Development of International Collaboration

The “Development of International Collaboration” Pillar intends to integrate Cypriot enterprises, research organisations and researchers in international networks and to achieve the creation of collaboration partnerships between them and organisations from abroad, so as to establish solid international connections that will help to qualitatively upgrade the research level of Cyprus.

The Fifth Pillar includes the following Programmes:

• “Bilateral Collaboration” Programme
• “International Collaboration” Programme
• “Attracting Researchers from Abroad” Programme
• “Measures for Supporting International Collaboration” Programme