The Czech Days for European Research (CZEDER) is the largest conference dedicated to the European Framework Programmes for research, technological development and innovation (FPs) in Czechia. It has been yearly organized by the Technology Centre Prague (formerly Technology Centre CAS) in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports since 2002.
The primary objective of the first CZEDER was to familiarize the Czech research community with the opportunities for participation in European research collaborations through the Framework Programmes (FPs), the EU’s key financial and strategic instrument for supporting and implementing research and innovation policies since the 1980s. Although Czechia was already eligible to participate fully in the 5th Framework Programme as an EU candidate country, overall awareness of the programme remained relatively low.
The first conference was organized to mark the launch of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) and aimed to familiarize participants with its structure, as well as the rules and conditions of participation. The speakers highlighted the wide range of new opportunities for Czech research institutions to engage in international research cooperation and strengthen their involvement in European collaborative projects.
In the years that followed, CZEDER reflected on developments within the Framework Programmes and provided regular updates on the participation of Czech research teams in project proposals and funded consortia. As the conference gained importance, its thematic focus became increasingly specialized, addressing not only specific aspects of the Framework Programmes but also broader issues related to the development of the European Research Area (ERA).