Abstract: This paper reviews the major research and user support activities performed in Europe in the fields of microgravity Materials, Fluids and Life Sciences. Starting from a brief historical introduction, the major European missions are analysed, the future developments depicted with a special emphasis on the European long term scientific goals. The concept of ground based research is introduced and the ground facilities (i.e. drop towers, parabolic flights, sounding rockets) used are analysed. Furthermore, a sp...