About €7bn is available for this round of grants, part of the €53bn available through the current research funding programme for 2007 to 2013.

Research teams from the EU and beyond can apply for the funds, which are helping Europe to develop world-class research and close the innovation gap between the EU and its main competitors, the US and Japan.

To build up science and innovation, the EU wants to increase spending on research to 3% of gross domestic product by 2020 (from 2% in 2009). Achieving that target could create 3.7 million jobs and boost annual growth by about €800bn.

The call for research proposals also addresses the aims of the EU's "innovation union" policy. This flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 growth and job strategy will stimulate and speed up innovation in Europe, while removing bottlenecks that prevent good ideas from reaching the market.

Research grants will target a SPA related area such as active and healthy ageing: helping older people lead active and independent lives is the first European innovation partnership, combining public and private research

About 16 000 recipients will receive grants for research projects this year. About €1bn will be used to help small and medium-sized businesses innovate.

There will also be a new prize for female innovators whose work has been funded through the research funding programme.

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