The 2008 People Work Programme will contain a new scheme on international staff exchange (IRSES). The scheme is aimed at staff exchange between institutions based in the EU and Associated Countries, and staff based in countries that have an agreement on scientific co-operation with the EU, and countries covered by the EU's Neighbourhood policy.

The scheme is aimed at strengthening researcher partnerships through staff exchanges and networking activities. It will provide support to research organisations looking to establish or reinforce long-term research co-operation through a coordinated joint programme of exchange of researchers. Technical and management staff may also participate in the exchanges.

The minimum number of partners is two partners from two different MS/AC, and at least one or more organisations located in countries that the EU has an S&T Agreement with, or countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy.

Projects are expected to be 24 - 48 months, with secondments of staff lasting between 0 months - 12 months.

Financial support will be based on the number of secondment months, with a flat-rate of EUR 1800 per staff exchange month, for outgoing European researchers.

Third countries will be expected to fund their own participation in the network, though in exceptional cases funding may be available for participants in the International Co-operation Partner Countries (ICPC) or countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy.

The following countries will be eligible for participation in the scheme:

Countries with EC International agreements on Science and Technology
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Egypt, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, Tunisia, Ukraine, United States

Countries of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP):

• Eastern Europe & Central Asia (EECA)
  Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine
• Mediterranean Partner Countries (MCP)
  Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian-administered areas, Syrian Arab Rep., Tunisia

The call date for the first IRSES call is likely to be in November 2007, with a likely closing date in April 2008. More information can be found at CORDIS.