EU call for proposals:
6^th IST Call: 2001 - III.1.3 - Next generation digital collections - includes possible US co-operation

US - NSF call for proposals
International Digital Libraries Research
 Division of Information and Intelligent Systems
National Science Foundation
Announcement Number NSF 99-6 - Includes possible EU cooperation

EU 6^th IST Call for proposals:

OPEN 27 January - CLOSE 25 April 2001

On co-operative projects: making 1 +1 =3

To avoid uncoordinated efforts in many countries, co-operative research can combat duplication of effort, prevent the development of fragmented digital systems, and encourage productive interchange of scientific knowledge and scholarly data around the world. 

Where '1+1=3' applies to joint initiatives, the key issues concerned are not only with mutual problems but also with highly distributed, complex, dynamic and large volume information resources.  In addition, long term availability and sustained interoperability are intrinsic guiding principles for all R&D.

¨International projects on advanced digital libraries research and development

¨Avoiding duplication of effort and fragmented digital systems

¨A NEED FOR CLOSE (INTERNATIONAL) COOPERATION

¨Advancing interchange around the world

¨Building lasting and sustainable resources and structures

¨An important focus is on DIGITAL PRESERVATION issues.

Under the 6^th IST Call for Proposals, Action Line III.1.3 has a specific focus on advanced digital library applications and includes possibilities of international co-operation.

Proposals which include European  partners can be eligible for funding under the IST programme (follow the guidelines for potential participants). US partners for their part can turn to the NSF for funding of their share in the project proposed.  Each partner should follow and apply the appropriate programme's rules and funding schemes.

To facilitate this close co-operation, the Cultural Heritage Applications Unit of the EC Directorate General Information Society has an understanding on co-operation with the National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Division of Information and Intelligent Systems (USA).   For more information see the Digital Libraries Initiative.

For the specific 'call text'  with details on submission conditions and funding possibilities see http://www.cordis.lu/ist/calls/200101.htm or follow the links from the Digicult website's dedicated pages. 

To gain a better understanding of the global aims and the nature of co-operative projects you are highly recommended to have a look at the background information.

¨ multi-national digital libraries

¨  scientific AND cultural content…

¨ sound, data, image, multimedia, software…

¨ visualisation and VR as new tools/methods for representation and navigation

¨ interoperability and scalability technology to permit extremely large world-wide collections

¨ metadata techniques and tools

¨ preservation and archiving of digital resources

¨ authentication, payment, , trust and fair use

¨ collaboratories, online repositories

¨ new methods of organising the distribution of cultural and scientific knowledge

Submitting proposals

If you are preparing a proposal with partners from the EU and USA and are intending to seek funding under the respective programmes, particular attention should be paid to the following points:

¨         Prepare a proposal integrating the roles of proposed European and US partners, but respecting the submission formats and proposal requirements for each programme.

¨         The role of different partners on the different continents should be clearly specified.

¨         The deadline for submission of proposals to the European Commission is 25 APRIL 2001 at 17.00.  Please note this is the deadline for RECEIPT of proposals at the required delivery address in Brussels. US partners are advised to address the NSF directly; see contact below)

¨         Proposals are submitted to both programmes at once.

¨         EU partners request funding from the EC.

¨         US partners request funding from the NSF.

¨         Criteria for funding are applied compliant with the respective programmes.

¨     Evaluation of proposals is planned for the end of May/early June.

For details on the EU Information Society Technologies programme contact:

European Commission
DG Information Society D-2
Cultural Heritage Applications
Contact person: C. Fernandez de la Puente
Electronic mail: digicult@cec.eu.int
Telephone: +352 4301 34071

For details on the Digital Libraries Initiative contact:

Stephen M. Griffin
National Science Foundation
Division of Information and Intelligent Systems
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Electronic mail: sgriffin@nsf.gov
Telephone: 703-292-8930

For country specific or regional information, please contact:

Division of International Programs
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Electronic mail: intpubs@nsf.gov
Telephone: 703-292-8702

EU call for proposals: The Information Society Technologies Programme (IST) of the European Commission is iniviting submissions of research proposals.

6^th IST Call: 2001 - III.1.3 - Next generation digital collections
The IST workprogramme 2001 includes Action Line III.1.3 "Next generation digital collections". Objectives: To improve substantially, both qualitatively and quantitatively, access for citizens and professionals to Europe's expanding repositories of cultural and scientific knowledge.