JPI – Joint Programming Initiatives

As part of the drive to revitalize and deepen the European Research Area, and following the conclusions of the Competitiveness Council (CC) in December 2008 on the importance of joint research programming in Europe in response to major social challenges, the process of identifying topics for Joint Programming Initiatives (JPIs) was launched. The main objective of these initiatives is to develop and implement common strategic research agendas, with a view to strengthening cross-border cooperation, coordination, and integration of Member States' research programs in certain key societal areas for Europe.

The proposal of topics for IPC is a joint effort between the European Commission and the Council. The GPC – High Level Group for Joint Programming, whose Portuguese representation is ensured by FCT, accompanies and monitors the joint programming process.

Participation in IPCs is voluntary and may not involve all Member States in each specific IPC. However, it is intended that the partners involved will be able to provide the critical mass of resources necessary to carry them out.

First wave of IPCs (launched after the pilot IPC on degenerative diseases in 2009, followed by three more IPCs, adopted by the CC in October 2010):

• JPND – Neurodegenerative Disease Research (Alzheimer's)
• FACCE – Agriculture, Food Security, and Climate Change
• Cultural Heritage and Global Change: a new challenge for Europe
• A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life

Second wave of CPI:

• Antimicrobial Resistance – The microbial challenge
• Clik’EU – Connecting Climate Knowledge for Europe
• JPI Oceans – Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans
• More Years, Better Lives – The Potential and Challenges of Demographic Change
• Urban Europe
• Water Challenges for a Changing World