Frequently asked questions

Can I become a member of ESRIF?
ESRIF membership is closed after the initial selection phase, only replacements based on nomination by the Member States and FP7 Associated Countries are possible now. But the ESRIF working groups can take up additional contributors that are willing to play an active role and bring complementary and required expertise.

Why will ESRIF expire in 2009?
The need to work on a longer term strategy for civil security research will of course continue to exist after 2009. However, it is necessary that ESRIF delivers its recommendations at a time where some changes in the European set-up can be expected: The entry in force of the Lisbon Treaty, a new Commission and elections at the European Parliament.

Does ESRIF have direct influence on the work programmes and calls for proposals of FP7 Security research?
ESRIF's role is to develop a joint strategy for security research and innovation with a mid and long term perspective, aligning the planning in security research with the planning in the various security policy areas. Implementing such a strategy should of course start in the near future to achieve results in time. Later years of FP7 Security research (2007-2013) could thus already take up recommendations of ESRIF, and so could security research programmes on the national level. To advise the Commission on FP7 Security research is the task of the compulsory and thus formal FP7 Security Research Advisory Group (Sec AG). It comprises stakeholder groups which are relevant for security research, and comments on the Commission's draft texts for the annual work programmes. It also provides ideas concerning the selection and prioritisation of topics, the timing of calls, the allocation of budgets etc. The Sec AG has 20 members, of which 5 are also members of ESRIF, to ensure consistency. The second body dealing with the FP7 Security research work programmes and calls for proposals is the FP7 Programme Committee, the formal representation of the Member States and FP7 Associated Countries which needs to give its opinion on the work programme before it can be adopted by the Commission.