The instrument is aimed at providing for co-investment by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to support the participation of South African research and technology organisations in FP7 projects of strategic national importance.

Such co-investments will, thus, be made in addition to the financial assistance the South African participants receive from the European Commission and the South African participants' own investment in the projects.

The FP7 funding rules in only very rare instances provide for 100% funding of participants' project costs. Typically participants in collaborative R&D projects only receive funding for part (approximately 50%) of their project costs from the European Commission.

The DST co-investment instrument is therefore aimed at assisting South African participants to meet part of the shortfall on the funds required, with the understanding that an own investment by organisations is also required.

How to apply

The application should include the following:

• Applicant's contact details
• Introduction of the subject matter
• Overview of project (contract details, participant list, work packages, deliverables)
• Project budget (total requirement, amount approved by the EC, your institution's investment in the project, justification)
• Co-investment requirement
• Project's strategic significance from the national R&D perspective
• Conclusion

Lastly, attach the proposal that was approved by the EU with the application and forward to contact@esastap.org.za.

Contact the ESASTAP Team for further information.