Close-range imaging and research priorities in Europe

Abstract

Since 1984, the European Union's Framework Program for Research and Innovation has been the main instrument for funding research. Specific priorities, objectives and types of funded activities vary between funding periods. Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014-2020). H2020 is based on three pillars: (i) Excellent science, (ii) Industrial leadership, (iii) Societal challenges. The current economic crisis in Europe and elsewhere leads to extended shortage of research budgets in national levels, which in turn leads researchers to search funds in the highly competitive transnational research instruments, as H2020. This paper: • draws the overall picture of Horizon 2020 • investigates the position of close-range imaging technologies, applications and research areas • presents the research challenges in H2020 that offer funding opportunities in close-range imaging.