Part of the Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (1987-1991) under subactivity 4.1.: 'Biotechnology'.
Through collaboration with Member States, other Community programmes and a range of concertation activities, including impact assessments, the Commission is encouraging the effective application of biotechnology to the social and economic objectives of the Community and its Member States.
The first and second Community programmes in this field (BEP, 1982-1986, and BAP, 1985-1989) promoted the development of a network for training and transnational collaborative research in the form of 'European Laboratories without Walls' (ELWW).