funding opportunities for research and collaboration tatiana panteli, coventry 29 september 2011
TRANSCRIPT
Funding Opportunities for Research and Collaboration
Tatiana Panteli,Coventry
29 September 2011
Programme• Introduction• Marie Curie programme: background, objectives, priorities• Initial Training Network (ITN)• Project Examples from Europe• Pitch your project idea!• International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES)• How to apply for the ITN &/or IRSES• Complete Project Outline Forms / Partner Searches• Final tips from the successful applicants
West Midlands European Service – Who are we?
West Midlands European Service
The Birmingham office • Support to the organisations
new to or with limited experience of European funding
• Advice on various funding programmes
• Project development grants
• Training in the bid writing and project management
• Free
The Brussels Office• Support to the experienced
in EU funding
• Advice on the FP7
• Lobbying
• Policy updates
• Meeting spaces (WM European Centre)
• Service Level Agreement
• Project Management
WMES Birmingham aims
• To increase the number and value of successful trans-national projects aligned to key regional priorities
• To draw together the jigsaw of European opportunities and networks across the region into a co-ordinated “offer” of real value to the regional organisations
Our success so far
•592 submitted projects worth €65M
•280 successful projects so far
•€18,8M investment to the WM
• 2000 people trained
• Exchange of best practice with partners> Knowledge transfer > Innovative approaches
> Improve services > Globally competitive
• Everyone is eligible> No maps / geographic or sectoral requirements
> First timers welcome > capacity building
• We do not take up our share of €> Not very competitive
Trans-national Funds
Which Funds do we support?
Life Long Learning
Vocational trainingskills
EmployabilityInnovative learningPolicy or delivery
INTERREG
Regional levelStrategy
PolicyExchange of best practice
Competitiveness & Innovation
SMEsICT
Innovative products,services
and processes
Marie CurieActions
SMEs/universitiesNetworks
Research/KnowledgeTransfer
Fellowships
LIFE+
EnvironmentProtecting naturalAssets / speciesStrategic / policy
Intelligent Energy EuropeEnergy efficiency
Renewable energysources
Energy in transportIntegrated initiatives
Erasmus for Y.Entrepreneurs
Work placements in the successful
enterprises
Daphne III
Justice, freedom and security
Our approach
1. Promote partnership building
2. Link project ideas to local problems
3. Improve performance
• 33 Local Authorities• Regional Development Agency• Universities• Chambers of Commerce• Businesses• Voluntary organisations
Connecting to Success
How are we doing this?
Linking Linking organisations to organisations to
the projectsthe projects
Enterprise Europe Network Europe• Part of international network funded under CIP• Providing support services for SMEs and
research organisations• Offered through a network of 600 organisations
working in regional consortia• Over 46 countries involved • CUE Ltd leads a Midlands consortium including
2 Chambers of Commerce
EEN services for Collaborative Research
• Information and training days- NMP Call information day, June 2011
- How to write a competitive FP7proposal, Sept 2011
• FP7 partner/project search- For Project Coordinators
- All Calls for Proposals – CIP and Framework
- Introductions made through Network partners
Your Turn!
• Who you are?
• Your organisation
• Your project idea
30 sec max
UK Research Office
• Based in Brussels, established in 1984,
• Staff of 12
• Sponsored by the seven UK Research Councils
• Receives subscriptions from over 140 research organisations
• Range of services for sponsors and subscribers
• Research Council policy work
• Brussels liaison
• For more information see www.ukro.ac.uk
UK
Res
earc
h O
ffic
eTo promote effective UK engagement in EU
research, innovation and higher education activities
UKRO’s ServicesU
K R
esea
rch
Off
ice
‘Core’ subscriber services Open to non-subscribers
Query service (Majority of) training courses and information events
Annual briefing visits
(for UK subscribers)
Annual Conference
News updates
ims.ukro.ac.uk
Marie Curie UK National Contact Point
Subscriber website
www.ukro.ac.uk/subs
European Research Council UK National Contact Point
Meeting room in Brussels British Council
European RTD Insight publication
Marie Curie NCP - helpdesk• Web, email, telephone, visits
• http://www.ukro.ac.uk/mariecurie/index.htm
• Tel: +32 2 230 0318
• Advice on applying for MC actions:• Eligibility
• Application help
• Results
• Contractual issues
• Advice to those with MC contracts:• Social security and tax
• Model agreements between host and fellow
• Contractual issuesUK
Res
earc
h O
ffic
e –
MC
NC
P
http://www.ukro.ac.uk/mariecurie
Framework Programme 7 and the ‘People’ specific programme
UK NCP for Marie Curie
Objectives and Policy Context: “The People Work Programme 2012 has been designed to support the implementation on the Europe 2020 Flagship Initiatives ‘Innovation Union’, ‘Youth on the Move’ and ‘An Agenda for new skills and jobs’” (2012 Work programme)
EU 2020: http://ec.europa.eu/eu2020/index_en.htmInnovation Union: http://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation-union/index_en.cfmYouth on the Move: http://ec.europa.eu/education/news/news2540_en.htm
Marie Curie Actions F
P7
– M
arie
Cu
rie
Act
ion
s
Policy Background
• FP7 is designed to achieve the EU2020 and Barcelona objectives and to complement activities in Member States.
• Support to the European Research Area • Budget of €50 521 million
• Complementarity with other EC programmes:
• Competitiveness and Innovation• Education and Training• Structural FundsF
P7
– P
olic
y B
ackg
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nd
Who is eligible for funding?
EU-27Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria , Cyprus, Czech Republic,Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg,Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania,Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK
Associated Countries (FP7)Albania*, Croatia*, Faroe Islands*, FYR Macedonia*,Iceland*, Israel*, Liechtenstein*, Montenegro*, Norway*,Serbia*, Switzerland, Turkey*, Bosnia Herzegovina*
*except Euratom
FP
7 O
verv
iew
Country eligibility F
P7
FP7 Specific Programmes
Co-operation – Collaborative Research
European Research Council
Marie Curie Actions
Capacities – Research Capacity
Fra
mew
ork
Pro
gra
mm
e 7
JRC EURATOM
Objectives and Policy Context:
• Make Europe more attractive to researchers• Structuring effect on the European Research Area
through transnational and intersectoral mobility in order to create a European labour market for researchers
• Strengthen human potential by:• Encouraging people to become researchers• Encouraging researchers to carry out their
research in Europe
• Trans-national and inter-sectoral mobility• €4.7 Billion
Marie Curie Actions F
P7
– M
arie
Cu
rie
Act
ion
s
Principles
• Skills and competence development at all stages of researchers career
• Open to all research areas addressed under the Treaty plus possibility of targeted calls
• Strong participation from enterprises• Reinforce international dimension• Appropriate gender and work/life balance• Good working environment, transparent
recruitment and career development
FP
7 –
Mar
ie C
uri
e A
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ns
Marie Curie ActionsOverview: Marie Curie Actions
+ Co-Fund, Researchers Night
Host Actions Individual Actions
Initial Training Networks (ITN)Including:Innovative Doctoral Programmes (new)European Industrial Doctorates (new)
Industry Academia Partnerships and Pathways (IAPP)
International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES)
Intra-European Fellowships
Incoming International Fellowships
Outgoing International Fellowships
Career Integration Grants
FP
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urie
Act
ions
MCA – Deadlines & Budgets
Industry Academia Partnerships and Pathways
19/04/2012 €80 million
Researchers’ Night 10/01/2012 €4 million
Initial Training Networks (ITN) 12/01/2012 €423.23 m
COFUND 15/02/2012 €110 million
IRSES 18/01/2012 €30 million
Career Integration Grants (CIG) 06/03/2012 €40 million
Intra- European Fellowships (IEF)
International Incoming Fellowships (IIF)
International Outgoing Fellowships (IOF)
16/08/2012 €120 m
€40 m
€440 m
FP
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ple
– M
arie
Cur
ie
Definition of researchers
Early-Stage Researchers 0 - 4 years (FTE)
from obtaining degree that qualified them to embark on a doctorate
Experienced Researchers i) in possession of a PhD
or
i) at least 4 years experience (FTE)
FP
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Act
ions
Transnational Mobility Requirements• Must not have been resident in host country for more
than 12 months in the last 3 years immediately before application deadline / date of recruitment or secondment
• Mobility rule now applies to all individual fellowships – no ERG option to remain in same country under CIG schemes
• New rule for Career Restart Panel – must not have been in host country for more than 3 of 5 years prior to deadline
• Nationality criteria remains only in IOF scheme, in which applicants must either be nationals of a MS/AC or have been residing/carrying out main activity in MS/AC for 5 years before deadline
• ‘Impact’ sub-criterion for individual fellowships:‘benefit of the mobility to the ERA’F
P7
– M
arie
Cur
ie A
ctio
ns
ITN – new in 2012F
P7
– M
arie
Cur
ie -
ITN
• Three strands• ‘Classic’ multi-partner ITNs – maximum 500
researcher months, max 40% budget to one country
• Innovative Doctoral Programmes (IDP) – maximum 500 researcher months
• European Industrial Doctorates – maximum 180 researcher months
• Budget:• €400 million for ITN/IDP (€318m in 2011) • Ring-fenced extra €20 million for EID
What is an ITN?F
P7
– M
arie
Cur
ie –
Cla
ssic
ITN
• Aims:• Offering a series of fellowships to ESR and EXR
through a Joint Training Programme including complementary skills modules – focus on development of early-stage researchers
• Covers networking costs & the organisation of short training events
• As an option, can recruit ‘visiting scientists’
• ITNs are in:• Defined scientific fields as well as inter-disciplinary,
new and emerging supra-disciplinary fields
Who can participate in an ITN?F
P7
– M
arie
Cur
ie –
Cla
ssic
IT
N
• At least 3 different research groups from Member or Associated States
• Third country partners are eligible, in addition to the minimum requirements. International Co-operation Partner Countries (ICPC) may receive funding, whilst those in non-ICPCs may receive funding if absolutely essential for the project
Who participates in an ITN?F
P7
– M
arie
Cur
ie –
Cla
ssic
IT
N
• An ITN has both industrial and academic partners. Industry involvement essential at one of two levels:• As a full partner (‘participants’)• Provider of specific training or secondment
opportunities (‘associated partner’)• Guide recommends consortium of 6-10
participants & maximum 500 researcher months
Note: the third-level option of involvement through membership of an advisory board is no longer available
Who participates in an ITN?F
P7
– M
arie
Cur
ie –
Cla
ssic
ITN
Private sector partners:• must be organisations gaining the majority of
their revenue through competitive means with exposure to commercial markets.
• Industry representatives can participate but do not satisfy this criterion
• Think broadly about potential private sector partners – end users?
ITN must have agreed quality standards and mutual recognition of training/ diplomas
Who participates in an ITN?F
P7
– M
arie
Cur
ie –
Cla
ssic
ITN
Private sector partners:
• Active involvement in research training programme considered essential;
• Think about involving them in site visit to academic partners, seminars, workshops as well as secondments;
• As many fellows as possible should benefit;• Level of involvement appropriate to nature
of training and subject area
Who can you recruit to an ITN?F
P7
– M
arie
Cur
ie –
Cla
ssic
ITN
• An ITN supports researchers: • With up to 5 years experience (inc. doctoral
study) • From all over the world• For periods of 3 - 36 months (ESRs)• For periods of up to 24 months (EXRs)• Researchers can be seconded to other
partners for up to 30% of recruitment
Researchers can be of any nationality but must comply with the mobility rule
ITNs – key issues
• Ratio ESR/ER:- ‘The total amount of ESRs and ERs should be
reasonable and in line with what is recommended in the Guide for Applicants’ (80/20)
• Visiting Scientists:- Exceptional and duly justified in the context of
the training programme
• Conferences:- ‘should be proportionate to the proposed research
training programme’ - ‘is an opportunity for the recruiter researchers to
exchange knowledge with more experienced researchers from outside the network’.
FP
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lass
ic IT
N
ITNs – Innovative Doctoral Programmes (IDP)• 1 Participant (from MS/AC)• Associated Partners from any country, sector,
discipline• Should be: intersectoral, international,
interdisciplinary• Should equip doctoral candidates with
innovative skills (both subject-specific and generic)
• Quality and quantity of supervision of doctoral candidates key
• No option to recruit experienced researchers: ESRs only!
FP
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– IT
N (
IDP
)
ITNs – Innovative Doctoral Programmes (IDP)Intersectoral dimension might be addressed by:
• Inviting researchers working in other sectors to deliver courses on entrepreneurship, exploitation, etc.
• Mentoring of doctoral candidates by researchers/experts from industry/other socio-economic actors
• Exposing researchers to various socio-economic actors gathered in a single campus or hub
• Offering placement opportunities to young researchers to develop their research projects at the premises of future employers
FP
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– IT
N (
IDP
)
ITNs – Innovative Doctoral Programmes (IDP)International dimension might be addressed by:
• Offering possibilities to take courses abroad• Developing partnerships and/or joint degrees with
other research institutions or companies in different countries
Interdisciplinary dimension might be addressed by:• Proposing common courses or projects to doctoral
candidates from different disciplines• Bringing together doctoral candidates in multi-
disciplinary projects involving different teams from the same/different institutions
• Offering possibilities of laboratory rotations or visits
FP
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N (
IDP
)
ITNs – European Industrial Doctorates• 2 participants: 1 academic, 1 private sector
(MS/AC only)• Possible associated partners from any
country and any sector• Each researcher must:
• Be enrolled in a doctoral programme• Be employed by at least one of the participants• Spend at least 50% of the time in the private
sector• Be jointly supervised by both participants
• 1 to 5 researchers/project • Mandatory consortium agreement• No experienced researcher recruitmentF
P7
– M
arie
Cur
ie –
ITN
(E
ID)
ITNs – European Industrial DoctoratesShould:• Involve companies in doctoral training• Develop innovative aptitudes and
entrepreneurial mindsets• Improve the employability and career
perspectives of doctorate holders• Strengthen co-operation between universities
and companies• Enhance the research potential and
competitiveness of European companies and SMEs
FP
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– IT
N (
EID
)
ITNs – overview of 3 modesF
P7
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arie
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ITN
ITNs – 2011 call info
• Publication date: 20 July 2011• Call deadline: 12 January 2012
• Indicative budget: €423.23 million
• Indicative timetable:• Results expected 4 months after deadline• Grants agreement signature from 9 months after
deadline
FP
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- IT
N
http://www.ukro.ac.uk
Results
ITNs – results of 2010 call
Evaluated proposals
Funded proposals
Success Rate
LIF 230 19 8.2%
ENG 199 14 7.0%
PHY 126 8 6.3%
CHE 100 7 7.0%
ENV 95 7 7.4%
SOC 77 6 7.8%
MAT 18 1 5.6%
ECO 21 1 4.8%
TOTAL 863 63 7.4%
FP
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N
ITNs – results of 2011 call
Evaluated proposals
Main listSuccess Rate
LIF 285 27 9.5%
ENG 204 19 9.3%
PHY 99 9 9.1%
CHE 108 9 8.3%
ENV 121 11 9.1%
SOC 72 7 9.7%
MAT 15 1 6.7%
ECO 15 1 6.7%
TOTAL 919 84 9.1%
FP
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N
ITNs – 2010 results overview
• 63 projects on main list
FP
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- IT
N Overall UK
Total number of coordinators
857 182
Funded coordinators
63 (7.4%)
13 (7.1%)
Total applicants 7725 1104
Funded applicants
574(7.4%)
87(7.9%)
http://www.ukro.ac.uk
Examples of a funded ITN proposal
LECHE: Lactase persistence and the early Cultural History of Europe
• This large (15 researcher, 24 participants) European training network explores the origin and impact of dairying Europe. The participating researchers will draw on the latest genetic studies of modern humans and domestic animals to identify markers of specific traits, but will also travel back in time and search for these in ancient remains.
• For more information visit: http://sites.google.com/a/palaeome.org/leche
FP
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xam
ple
CODDE: Coordination for Optimal Decisions in Dynamic Environments
• Studies the links between sensory input, brain activity and motor output by combining behavioural techniques, brain imaging, movement recording and computational modelling. Provides young scientists with a structured programme to help develop their professional skills and careers. Interdisciplinary techniques include: behavioural method; virtual reality; computational methods; brain imaging; movement recording.
• For more information visit: http://www.optimaldecisions.org
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xam
ple
DESIRE: Creative Design for Innovation in Science and Technology
• Brings together expertise in human computer interaction, psychology, arts and design. Aims to advance understanding of creative design processes applied in the scientific and technological problem solving. This will lead to the elaboration of: theories and models of creative processes; and methods, techniques and systems to support both creative design processes and creativity training.
• For more information visit: http://www.desirenetwork.eu
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xam
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ELDEL: Enhancing Literacy Development in European Languages
• Overlapping cross-linguistic studies (known as Workpackages 1-6) to reveal the language-specific and language-general factors affecting literacy development. Partners with expertise in developmental, educational and clinical psychology, experimental psycholinguistics, speech and language therapy, and an industrial partner specialising in the creation of software for the assessment and training of literacy skills. There are a total of 7 Partners.
• For more information visit: http://www.eldel.eu/welcome
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http://www.ukro.ac.uk
Financial information
Financial Information– ITNs
Category 1: Monthly Living Allowance• €38,000 per ESR/year x country co-efficient (134.4% for UK!)• €58,500 per ER/year x country co-efficient
Category 2: Mobility Allowance• €1000/€700 (family/not) per researcher month x country co-
efficient (flat rate)
Category 3: Contribution to Training and Research Costs• €1,800 per researcher month (multi ITN)• €1,200 per researcher month (EID and IDP)• Flat rate category
Category 4: Management Activities• Maximum 10% of total EU contribution (real costs category)
Category 5: Overheads• 10% of direct costs• Flat-rate cost category
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ates
Process OverviewF
P7
Sub
mis
sion
and
Eva
luat
ion
Call opens One/two stagee-submission
EligibilityCheck Individual
Evaluation
Panel Review/ ConsensusFeedback
(ESR)
Post-evaluationRanking
Report to PC
Negotiation of Proposals
Publication of call 20-07-2011
Deadline for submission of proposals
12-01-2012 at 17:00:00, Brusselslocal time
Evaluation of proposals April-2012
Evaluation Summary Reports sent toproposal coordinators ("initialinformation letter")
May-2012
Invitation letter to successfulcoordinators to launch grant agreementnegotiations with REA services
June 2012
Letter to unsuccessful applicants From August-2012
Signature of first grant agreements
From September-2012
Process timetableM
CA
– S
ub
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Eva
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Who do I need in my consortium?
Bui
ldin
g yo
ur c
onso
rtiu
m
• Depends on topic…• Partners must match activities in proposal• Appropriate balance of sectors – industry,
academia, civil society, user groups, etc• Industry considered essential but others
could also be important for the topic
• Consideration of what the purpose of the scheme is RESEARCH TRAINING
• NOTE – no more than 40% of funding should go to one country
• EU dimension/ added-value!
What is EU added-value?
Bui
ldin
g yo
ur c
onso
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m
How does the EU benefit from funding your project and why is it required at the EU level?
S&T
• Expertise from other EU countries
• Access to data from other countries
• Different cultural and social perspectives
• Research/training too costly for one country
Implementation
• Avoid having one partner dominate research/training activities and budget
• Appropriate geographic spread for that project
Impact
• Improve competitiveness, health and environment of EU
• Feed into EU-wide policy objectives and their development
• Decrease fragmentation and duplication
Admin information in……
• PART A provides participant details and the information for the budget estimation • A1 – Proposal information (abstract, acronym,
evaluation panel etc)• A2 – Information on host organisation. Coordinator
is Participant 1 (not for associated partners)• A3 – Not for ITNs • A4 – Number of fellows. Includes details for
seconded and recruited researchers• A5 – details on associated partners including their
role in the project
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our
Pro
posa
l
Your project is mainly defined in ….
• PART B addresses the evaluation criteria• …which vary according to MCA• …and have different weightings and thresholds
• General structure of Part B for ITNs and IAPPs is:• Cover Page, Table of Contents• S & T Quality • Training/Transfer of Knowledge • Implementation • Impact
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Pro
posa
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Weightings and thresholds for ITNs
Weighting Threshold
Scientific quality of the project
30% 3
Training 30% 4
Implementation 20% 3
Impact 20% 4
Overall threshold of 70% applies
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Ns
S & T Quality criteria • S&T objectives of the research programme,
including in terms of inter/multi-disciplinary, intersectoral and/ or newly emerging supra-disciplinary fields
• Scientific quality of the research programme • Appropriateness of research methodology• Originality and innovative aspect of the
research programme - Knowledge of the state-of-the-art
• Contribution of the private sector and possible other socio-economic actors
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riter
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S&T Quality – positive feedback
• Excellent overview of state-of-the-art in this research area
• Precise and detailed research work plan• Scientific quality and originality of the
proposal are excellent• Research method is appropriate and well
described• The project is timely and novel• A series of well defined and relevant
project objectives• The multidisciplinary is well demonstrated
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S&T Quality : negative feedback
• Interdisciplinary aspect of the project is not very strong
• Clear references to state-of-the-art and scientific originality are missing
• The final research outputs and the practical results of the training programme should be more clearly described
• Role of the industrial partners is not well explained
• A precise description of the research methodology is missing
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Training criteria
• Quality of the training programme; • Contribution and relevance of private sector training • Transferable skills offered: Management,
Communication, IPR, Ethics, Grant writing, Commercial exploitation of results, Research Policy, entrepreneurship, etc. .
• Qulaity of Supervision (new sub-criteria!)
• Importance and timeliness of the training needs (e.g. multidisciplinary, intersectoral, and newly emerging supra-disciplinary fields)
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Training criteria
• For ITN / IDP• Meaningful exposure of each researcher to
another sector – particularly secondments• Adequate combination of local specialist
training with network-wide activities• For EID
• Appropriate time spent by the ESR in each sector
• Adequate supervision arrangements and combination of local specialist training with wide training activities
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Training : positive feedback
• The training programme is very well structured and is fully consistent with the research programme
• Local and network wide training will be provided
• Complementary skills training is well thought of
• The training topics are well identified and defined
• The role of the participants are well described and exploitation of the network potential is adequately considered and discussed
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Training: negative feedback
• The role of the Supervisory Board should be better defined
• Reason for the need for Visiting Scientist should be given
• Description of the training project for each researcher is too vague
• Average number of ESRs per partner seems exaggerated
• The role of the associate partners and their participation in the training events should be more clearly defined
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Quality of training - tips
• Training in research methods and techniques• Personal Development Plan• Complementary skills training – ethics, research management• Transferable skills training – cf Roberts • Graduate School Provision – including RC courses• Conferences, seminars, public fora et• Supervision!
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Implementation criteria
• Capacities (expertise / human resources / facilities /infrastructure) to achieve the research and adequate task distribution and schedule
• Adequate exploitation of complementarities and synergies among partners in terms of research and training
• Private sector involvement at the highest possible level appropriate to the research topic & sufficient evidence of commitment
• Non-ICPC participation – essential to the objectives of the research training programme?
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Implementation criteria
• Networking and dissemination of best practice among partners. Clarity of the plan for organising training events (workshops, conferences, training courses)
• Appropriateness of the overall management of the training programme (responsibilities, rules for decision-making)
• Clarity of recruitment strategy (incl timetable)• Competitive international recruitment• Equal opportunities• In light of Charter and Code principles
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European Charter and Code
• European Charter for Researchers addresses:• Roles and responsibilities• Entitlements • of researchers and their employers or funding
organisations.
• Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers aims to:• improve recruitment and make selection procedures
fairer and more transparent• proposes different means of judging merit
MC
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& E
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• If principles of the revised Concordat are adopted by an institution then they have also adopted the principles of the Charter and Code
• However, it is an institutional decision to become a signatory to the Charter and Code
“In endorsing the principles, we, the signatories, hereby adopt the principles of the European Charter for Researchers And Code of Practice for the Recruitment of Researchers”UK Concordat - http://www.researchconcordat.ac.uk
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Implementation: positive feedback
• The type and frequency of meetings seem appropriate
• The industrial partners play an essential and active role both in the training and research aspects of the proposal
• The recruitment strategy is clearly defined• The management structure is clear and
appropriate to the proposed project• The plan for dissemination of project
results is well done
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Implementation: negative feedback
• The industry involvement is poor in comparison to the industrial importance of the project theme and potential results
• Description of a research PhD theme for each ESR is not provided
• More details should be provided on the milestones and deliverables within the workplan
• Limited rules for decision making
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– Im
plem
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Impact criteria • Contribution of the proposed training
programme to:• Structure training at doctoral level with the
acquisition of skills needed in both the public and private sectors
• Improvement of career prospects• Stimulation of creativity and entrepreneurial thinking
• Contribution of the training programme to the policy objective of structuring the initial research training capacity at European level (through establishing longer-term collaborations and/or lasting structured training programmes between the partners’ organisations)
FP
7 -
Mar
ie C
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– IT
N c
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Impact criteria
• The contribution of the training programme towards the policy objective of enhancing public-private sector collaborations in terms of research training
• Where appropriate, mutual recognition by all partners of the training acquired, including training periods in the private sector
• Where appropriate, plans for exploitation of results
• Impact of the proposed outreach activities
FP
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Impact: positive feedback
• Clear impact of the involvement of visiting scientists
• Good prospects for potential long term collaborations
• The involvement of industrial partners will be mutually beneficial for the companies and for the ESRs/ERs
• The project can offer great career opportunities to both ESR and ER involved
• The training proposed by the network is such that probably no single institution in Europe would be capable of providing it on its own.
FP
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Mar
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– IT
N c
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Impact: negative feedback
• The proposed impact, as described [in the field of science] is not convincing
• The number of visiting scientists is too high and not appropriate for the proposed programme
• The lack of training in an industrial context is a major drawback
• The description of the impact on the scientific community outside the network should be elaborated upon
FP
7 -
Mar
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N c
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Impact: tips
Think about impact on different levels, e.g.
• Personal – what will researcher gain beyond that available at single institution?
• European – address fragmentation, common courses, sustainability of collaboration, including that with private sector
• Discipline – what is available in single country? Why EU level needed? Why need for trained researchers in area?
• Others? FP
7 -
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ITNs – final tips• Industrial participation is key
• Addressed under all four criteria: and has been strengthened with respect to training. Aspects that are assessed under more than one evaluation criteria will count under each of these criteria
• Evaluation criteria • Address thoroughly: make sure you cover each one; do
not bury in text• Clarity of presentation
• Present case clearly: use tables, diagrams and summaries where appropriate
• Different schemes• Make sure you have addressed the requirements of the
relevant strand!
FP
7 –
Mar
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- IT
N
Key documentsF
P7
Sub
mis
sion
and
Eva
luat
ion
Call Fiche Focus
Work Programme
Guide for Applicants Preparation and submission
EPSS Guide
Rules on Submission and Evaluation, Guide for Evaluators
Background
Model Grant Agreement
Financial, negotiation, reporting and IPR guidelines
FP7, Specific Programme Text
Other policy documents
Top tips – preparation
1. Clarify your own goals for participation2. Read all Call documentation (ie, GfA and
WP) - Also consider relevant EU policy documents
3. Fully appreciate the evaluation criteria4. Discuss with and meet potential partners5. Use appropriate partnership (including
balance of budget and activities)6. Set aside enough time7. Research previous and current projects8. Work with your institution
F
P7
- E
ssen
tials
Top tips - application
1. Register in EPSS (Coordinator)2. Put yourself in the shoes of the evaluator3. Write clearly and concisely4. Stick to formatting rules (page limits, font, etc)5. Include well worked out plans6. Outline any ‘Plan B’ (risk analysis) 7. Use tables and diagrams where appropriate 8. Ask someone to read through your proposal9. Make sure final version is submitted!
F
P7
- E
ssen
tials
Further Information
UKRO NCP website:
http://www.ukro.ac.uk/mariecurie/index.htm
Queries on the schemes:[email protected]
Tel: +32 2 230 0318; Fax +32 2 230 4803
Other useful websites:
http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/people/home_en.html
FP
7 –
Mar
ie C
uri
e A
ctio
ns
Links
• UK National Contact Point for Marie Curiehttp://www.ukro.ac.uk/mariecurie
• CORDIShttp://cordis.europa.eu/mariecurie-actions
• The Charter and the Codehttp://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/index.cfm/rights/index
• UK HE Sector analysis: http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/news/gapanalysis.htm
• Euraxess Mobility Portal http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess
FP
7 –
Peo
ple
– M
arie
Cur
ie
WMES Workshop, Coventry29 September 2011
How to become a successful ITN applicant -
a West Midlands perspective
Maria A HecklDepartment of Mathematics
Keele UniversityStaffordshire ST5 5BG
U.K.
WMES Workshop, Coventry29 September 2011
1. Rationale of “Initial Training Networks” (ITN)
ITN: Multi-disciplinary network across Europe collaborating on a specified research project.
Involves partners from universities, research organisations, industry.
The focus is on research training of young people.
The young researchers have to be mobile and cannot work in their native country.
They are typically employed for 3 years and finish with a PhD.
Post-docs can also be involved.
Training is provided through hands-on research, workshops, modules for complementary skills.
WMES Workshop, Coventry29 September 2011
2. The topic of my network (LIMOUSINE)
Combustion instabilities
fuel injector
flam e
generic combustorindustrial combustor (Siemens SGT 100 gas turbine)
WMES Workshop, Coventry29 September 2011
Features of this topic
Past and present research area of mine (applied mathematics).
Combines analytical, numerical and experimental aspects.
Combines several disciplines: applied mathematicsmechanical engineeringthermodynamicscontrol theoryetc.
Concern for industry, in particular power generation with gas turbines.
Touches on environmental issues.
Has received EC funding in the past.
WMES Workshop, Coventry29 September 2011
3. Steps to build a network
Choice of research project
Identify core topic by brainstorming with one or two colleagues from a complementary discipline and a different EU country.
Look at earlier EC projects, and focus on some new key elements to make the new project distinctly different.
Identify issues for industry.
Choice of partners (they need to be responsive and efficient)
Select existing colleagues/contacts.
Seek personal recommendations from trusted colleagues.
Face-to-face meetings with new contacts (no risks with unfamiliar partners).
Additional requirements for industrial partners:
Interest in the project.
Staff and facilities to supervise a PhD student.
Broad base of knowledge.
WMES Workshop, Coventry29 September 2011
Partners in the LIMOUSINE network
Partner (academic) country expertise
Keele University Applied Mathematics
UKAnalytical modelling of thermo-acoustics
University of Twente Thermal Engineering
NLModelling and experiments on acoustics and combustion
Imperial College Mechanical Engineering
UKLaser diagnostics: PIV, flame front tracking
Brno Univ. of Technology Thermodyn.& Environm. Eng.
Czech Republic
Dynamics of liquid fuel combustion
University of Zaragoza Fluid Mechanics / LITEC
SpainCombustion dynamics of diffusion flames
WMES Workshop, Coventry29 September 2011
Partner (research org.) country expertise
CERFACS CFD Team
FranceLarge Eddy Simulation and fluid-structure interaction
DLRCombustion
GermanyNumerical simulation of oscillating flames and transient heat flux
Partner (industrial) country expertise
Ingenieurbüro für Thermo-Akustik
GermanyActive control of combustion instabilities
Siemens Power Generation
GermanyGas turbine design, manufacture and operation
ANSYS UKNumerical simulation of fluid and structure mechanics
ElectrabelNL and Belgium
Operation and maintenance of gas turbine power plants
Sulzer Elbar NLRepair and manufacture of gas turbine parts
WMES Workshop, Coventry29 September 2011
4. How I got involved
In 2006, I organised a structured session (on theoretical aspects of combustion instabilities) for an international congress on sound and vibration.
Through this, I got to know a colleague who organised a session on a similar topic (engineering aspects of combustion instabilities).
We applied to the Royal Society for an “International Joint Project”, which gave us funding over two years for regular exchange visits.
In the first year, we designed a generic combustor, which became the core of the LIMOUSINE project.
In the second year, we collaborated on our application to the EC, mainly by face-to-face meetings funded by the Royal Society.
WMES Workshop, Coventry29 September 2011
Challenges
Misunderstandings can occur because different disciplines and different countries have different “cultures”.
Face-to-face discussions are vital for the proposal preparation.
Visiting potential partners requires time, mobility and funds.
Describing the project in only 30 pages is not easy.
Copy/paste from earlier proposals does not work.
Benefits
ITNs are a good opportunity to set up and run exciting research projects.
The funding is attractive (~ £60 000 over 3 years to cover training expenses of a PhD student).
ITNs are multidisciplinary and give insights into other areas.
The international aspect is very stimulating.
International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES)
Mandy Heard
West Midlands European Service
29th September 2011
Programme today
• IRSES: what this is all about;
• IRSES: application process;
• How to prepare a successful proposal;
• You and your priorities.
WEST MIDLANDS EUROPEAN SERVICE
West Midlands European Service – Who are we?
West Midlands European Service
The Birmingham office
• Support to the organisations new to or with limited experience of European funding
• Advice on various funding programmes
• Project development grants
• Training in the bid writing and project management
• Free
The Brussels Office
• Support to the experienced in EU funding
• Advice on the FP7
• Lobbying
• Policy updates
• Meeting spaces (WM European Centre)
• Service Level Agreement
• Project Management
• Dissemination Partner
WMES Birmingham aims
• To increase the number and value of successful trans-national projects aligned to key regional priorities
• To draw together the jigsaw of European opportunities and networks across the region into a co-ordinated “offer” of real value to the regional organisations
•592 submitted projects worth €65M
•280 successful projects so far
•€18,8M investment to the WM
2000 people trained
Our success so far
Which Funds do we support?
Life Long Learning
Vocational trainingskills
EmployabilityInnovative learningPolicy or delivery
INTERREG
Regional levelStrategy
PolicyExchange of best practice
Competitiveness & Innovation
SMEsICT
Innovative products,services
and processes
Marie CurieActions
SMEs/universitiesNetworks
Research/KnowledgeTransfer
Fellowships
LIFE+
EnvironmentProtecting naturalAssets / speciesStrategic / policy
Intelligent Energy EuropeEnergy efficiency
Renewable energysources
Energy in transportIntegrated initiatives
Erasmus for Y.Entrepreneurs
Work placements in the successful
enterprises
Daphne III
Justice, freedom and security
MARIE CURIE PEOPLE ACTIONS
General Overview
FP7 Programme
4 Programmes: Cooperation, Ideas, People, Capacities(+ Joint Research Centre + Euratom)
Marie Curie ObjectivesStructuring training, mobility and career development for
researchers
• Develop European human resources potential in R&D• Stimulate people to enter researcher profession• Attracting & retain researchers from around the world• Employment contracts with full social rights• Addressed to researchers at all stages of their careers• International prestige
1. Initial training:• Networks for early stage researchers*
1. Initial training:• Networks for early stage researchers*
3. Industry dimension:• Industry-academia partnership and pathways*
3. Industry dimension:• Industry-academia partnership and pathways*
2. Life long training and career development: • Intra European Fellowships*• Career Integration Grants• Co-funding of national programmes*
2. Life long training and career development: • Intra European Fellowships*• Career Integration Grants• Co-funding of national programmes*
4. World Fellowships: • Outgoing fellowships• Incoming fellowships*•International Research Staff Exchange Scheme*
4. World Fellowships: • Outgoing fellowships• Incoming fellowships*•International Research Staff Exchange Scheme*
5. Specific actionsSuch as: ‘Researchers’ Night’
* Open to third-country nationals
IRSES
International Research Staff Exchange Scheme
Purpose of the programme Strengthen research
partnerships between EU and non EU research organisations.
Staff exchange and networking activities.
Establishment or reinforcing of long-term collaboration.
Size of the consortium
Min 3 partners, but no maximum size
Duration
Project: 24-48 months
Partners
Public or private non-profit research organisations
Lead partner
Must be from EU or AC
Who can participate?
• Early stage researchers
• Experienced researchers
• Technical and managerial staff
How long is the secondment?
max. 12 months (can be split)Less than 1 month stay should be well justified.
Typical Activities• Joint research• Training• Joint workshops• Seminars• Networking• Transfer of Knowledge
Complementarity and synergies between partners are critical
IRSES: Eligible Countries
Countries with EU agreements on S&T: Algeria*, Argentina*, Australia, Brazil*, Canada, China*, Chile*, Egypt*, India*, Japan, Jordan*, Rep. of Korea, Mexico*, Morocco*, New Zealand, Russia*, South Africa*, Tunisia*, Ukraine*, United StatesCountries 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-administrated areas*, Syrian Arab Rep.*, Tunisia*
* International Cooperation Partner Countries (ICPC) than can receive fundinghttp://ec.europa.eu/research/iscp/index.cfm?lg=en&pg=countries
IRSES: Participation rules
- Partnership: min. 2 independent EU/AC non-profit research organisations of at least 2 different countries and one or more organisations in a eligible third country (S&T agreement and Neighbourhood policy)
- Coordinator from EU MS/AC
- Duration of the Exchange Programme: 24- 48 months
- Any research topic is eligible (except EURATOM)
Scientific Panels
Chemistry (CHE) Social Science and Humanities (SOC) Economic Science (ECO) Engineering & Information Science (ENG) Environment & Geosciences (ENV) Life Sciences (LIF) Mathematics (MAT) Physics (PHY)
IRSES: Financial rules– Staff are seconded (maintain their employment and
salary)– Community contribution for EU MS/AC partners:
fixed 1900€/person/month (incl. travel, subsistence)– Extra 200€ for long distance countries ICPC and
Neighbourhood policy countries: Community contribution is envisaged
– Exchanges MS/AC<->MS/AC, non-ICPC>MS/AC, ICPC<->ICPC are not eligible for Community funding (own resources)
– Average requested budget: ca. 160.000 €– Range: 13.000 - 1.044.000 €
Financing (Industrialised Countries*)
Secondment of outgoing staff members (from
EU/AC towards these countries) are eligible for
funding.
*Australia, Canada, Japan, Rep. of Korea, New Zealand, USA
Financial Reporting
X No reporting on actual costs, no evidence required
√ Results only (scientific and number of person-months exchanged)
Proposals received
Available Budget Proposals Funded
2008 73 €25M 56
2009 178 €30M 107
2010 172 €31,350M 89
2011 189 €30M 85*
Statistics
* Number of proposals recommended for funding
Example 1• A French and a Swiss research institute propose an
exchange programme with a university in Tunisia, coordinated by a Tunisian partner.
• Eligible but the coordinator must be an EU MS/AC research organisation
Example 2:• A Dutch research centre and Estonian University propose an
exchange programme with the USA. Staff from the US partner will be seconded to Estonia and the US and Estonian Staff will be seconded to the Netherlands and the US.
• Eligible. Estonian staff going to Netherlands and vice-versa are ineligible for funding. US costs to the EU must be covered from own resources
Example 3: EASTWESTFOODThe joint activities in this project will take place within four
areas of collaboration, organized in four work packages: 1) Healthy Diets in East and West, 2) Dairy Technology, 3) Metabolic Engineering and 4) Business Economics and Entrepreneurship
Partners: Denmark; Netherlands; India
Duration: 48 months
Funding: € 127.800
Example 4: Laser Nanoscale Manufacturing
Staff exchange on researching and developing new
maskless laser nanoscale manufacturing technologies for
low cost, simple and high speed manufacturing of nano
structured surfaces and components including periodic
structures.
Partners: Finland, UK, China
Duration: 36 months
Funding: €347.400
Example 5: Novel medical adsorbents for extracorporeal treatment of life threatening conditions
This program gives the opportunity to cultivate a high scientific quality consortium consisting of 2 European and 1 third country academic institute, with the aim to sustain and create new collaborative partnerships between EU partners and Ukraine, and transfer knowledge and technologies in one of the most exciting fields of modern biomaterial science. Focusing on the development of extracorporeal methods for toxin removal, for the treatment of many life threatening conditions and chronic conditions, that result in a low quality of patient life.
Partners: UK, France and Ukraine
Duration: 48 months
Funding: €113.400
IRSES success rate (2011)
46%
APPLICATION PROCESS
IRSES
IRSES new call for proposal http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal
Presenting your proposal
Part A
Administrative information
(description of work, contact
details, partner
Characteristics etc).
Part B
Your Proposal
Including Science and Technical content
Uploaded by the lead
partner to EPSS
Online forms on EPSS
Part A
A1: Snapshot of your project (complete by the lead partner)
A2: Partner Organisations (completed by each participant)
A4: Funding request
Part B
B1: Quality of Exchange Programme (complementarities/synergies)
B2: Transfer of Knowledge (mutual benefits)
B3: Implementation (management)
B4: Impact (collaboration, ERA)
IRSES Evaluated criteria and thresholds
EVALUATION FEEDBACK
IRSES
PARTNERSHIP IS HOMOGENEOUS AND OF GOOD QUALITY IN THE ADDRESSED TOPIC.
THERE ARE GOOD COMPLIMENTARITIES/SYNERGIES BETWEEN THE PARTNERS. EACH PARTNER CONTRIBUTES TO ONE OR MORE
THE SCIENTIFIC QUALITY OF THE PARTNERS AND THEIR EXPERIENCE IN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ARE VERY GOOD.
RESEARCH AND TRAINING OBJECTIVES ARE CLEARLY STATED AND MOTIVATED.
STRENGTHS: QUALITY OF THE EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
THE ONE MONTH SECONDMENTS OF ESRS ARE TOO SHORT TO BOTH LEARN NEW KNOWLEDGE AND PURSUE THE PLANNED RESEARCH TASKS
PROJECT COORDINATORS ARE NOT CLEARLY IDENTIFIED FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS
SCIENTIFIC QUALITY OF THE EXCHANGE PROGRAMME IS NOT FULLY DEMONSTRATED, AS THE WORK IS MORE A TECHNICAL NATURE
THE DELIVERABLES ARE MOSTLY COMPRISED OF REPORTS AND PAPERS
WEAKNESSES: QUALITY OF THE EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
THE PROJECT CLEARLY HAS THE POTENTIAL FOR A TOK WITHIN THE ADDRESSED TOPIC, WITH BENEFITS FOR BOTH REGIONS INVOLVED.
THE KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER IS STRONGLY SUPPORTED BY SEVERAL TRAINING ACTIVITIES (WORKSHOPS AND SCHOOLS) WITH SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THEIR ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT.
THERE IS A GOOD DEGREE OF INTEGRATION AND SHARING IN THE EXECUTION OF THE WORK PACKAGES.
THE PLANNED EXCHANGES CAN BRING SIGNIFICANT ADDED VALUE. ALL THE PARTNERS ARE EXPECTED TO LEARN NEW EXPERTISE
STRENGTHS: TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE
THE PLANS FOR TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE TOWARD THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY THROUGH PUBLICATION OR INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES AND ITS SUSTAINABILITY ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY DESCRIBED
THE ROLES AND BENEFITS OF THE ESRS ARE ONLY GENERALLY DESCRIBED
THE NUMBER AND ROLE OF THE STAFF TO BE EXCHANGED IS NOT FULLY JUSTIFIED IN LIGHT OF THE WORK-PLAN PROPOSED.
THE DURATIONS OF THE SECONDMENTS ARE QUITE SHORT TO BE USEFUL
WEAKNESSES: TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE
THE PARTNERS HAVE GOOD CAPACITIES AND THE HUMAN RESOURCES TO CARRY OUT THE PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
THE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE IS VERY CLEAR AND WELL-SUITED FOR THE EXCHANGE PROGRAMME.
STATE OF THE ART FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURES ARE MOST APPROPRIATE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PLANNED COOPERATION.
GOOD PLANNED MEASURES FOR SUPPORTING RESEARCHERS
STRENGTHS: IMPLEMENTATION
THE PLANNED SUPPORT TO THE INCOMING AND OUTGOING PERSONNEL IS NOT SUFFICIENTLY DETAILED
A RISK MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE COULD HAVE BEEN PROVIDED DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF MILESTONES
THE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN IS NOT FULLY JUSTIFIED, AS NO EXCHANGES TAKE PLACE AT THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR
WEAKNESSES: IMPLEMENTATION
THE ADDRESSED TOPIC IS RELEVANT WITHIN THE OBJECTIVES OF ERA
THERE IS POTENTIAL TO DEVELOP LONG LASTING COLLABORATION WITH THIRD COUNTRY PARTNERS WITHIN THE FIELD OF THE PROJECT.
THE GLOBAL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF THE PROPOSAL ARE VERY RELEVANT TO THE FIELD
THE PROPOSAL IDENTIFIED SEVERAL POSSIBLE IMPACTS AND PROVIDED GOOD ANALYSIS SHOWING THE CONTRIBUTIONS
STRENGTHS: IMPACT
THE COMMITMENT TO MAXIMISE THE BENEFITS OF THE PROPOSAL BY FUTURE INDUSTRIAL OR COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION COULD HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED
EXPLOITATION PLANS ARE NOT FULLY DEVELOPED
WEAKNESSES: IMPACT
Key Success factors
• Researcher experience• Read carefully the 2011 People Work Programme and
the IRSES Guide for Applicants• Check if you comply with the eligibility rules• Balanced exchanged programme
• Clarity and quality of the research objectives• Timeliness and relevance of the project• Contribution to European excellence• Have the application read by a third person• Work with WMES!
2012 Deadlines
International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES)
18 January 2012
Intitial Training Networks (ITN) 12 January 2012
Industry Academia Partnerships and Pathways (IAPP)
19 April 2012
Intra- European Fellowships (IEF)
International Incoming Fellowships (IIF)
International Outgoing Fellowships (IOF)
11 August 2011
(opens 16/03/2011)
Useful links• EPSS https://www.epss-fp7.org/epss/welcome.jsp
• IRSES call documents:
http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/page/people?callIdentifier=FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IRSES
• Find a partner:
• http://cordis.europa.eu/partners-service/home_en.html
• Euraxess: http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/index_en.cfm?l=0&12=1
• Publications (for rationale and impact sections) http://ec.europa.eu/research/iscp/index.cfm?pg=allpublications
• WMES: http://www.wmcouncils.gov.uk/west-midlands-european-service
ITN AND IRSES
APPLICATION WORKSHOPS
3RD NOVEMBER
Thank you!
Mandy HeardEuropean Funding Adviser
[email protected] 0121 245 0185 / 07827 894749
www.wmeuropeanservice.org
How to become a successful IRSES applicant – a West Midlands perspective
Dr Weidong LiCoventry University
Motivation to apply for IRSES
• We have developed and are developing strategic and research cooperation with some good research organisations/universities in third countries, in particular China and Ukraine
• One of our primary research areas is sustainable manufacturing. China is one of the primary manufacturing hubs. Neighbour countries are the potential new members of the EU
• To cooperate with China and neighbour countries such as Ukraine should be considered in an urgent agenda to eliminate political/legislative/operational barriers to fulfil the global mission
• IRSES is a good research funding theme to support our cooperative research
Why IRSES • The scheme is for research organisation cooperation. Therefore there are a
number of researchers involved – means you have more opportunities to work with a number of researchers from different organisations seconded to your organisation for a short period (less than 12 man-months per researcher during the project); You will also have opportunities to visit organisations in third countries
• The scheme can support third countries financially – means research organisations from third countries are more willing to participate
• The scheme is flexible in supporting worldwide research cooperation – means you can cooperate with organisations not only from the EU
• The success rate of IRSES is generally higher than other PEOPLE schemes
• The funding scheme is straightforward and easier to manage
Choosing research topic for IRSES application
• IRSES theme uses a bottom-up approach, i.e. all fields of research of interest to the EU are eligible for funding, except areas of research covered by the EURATOM Treaty
• On the other hand, the EU is supporting research projects more in the areas of renewable energy, environmental protection (including climate change), green building, sustainable transport, etc.
• It will be good if you could link your research topic with the research priority areas defined by the EU, which will enhance the impact of your research proposal
• In our case, we proposed to use Information Communication Technologies (ICT) to develop services and architecture for sustainable manufacturing management in SMEs
Setting-up project consortium
• Public or private non-profit bodies carrying out research can participate in this action. A partnership in this action shall be composed of at least two independent partners established in at least two different EU MS or AC, and one or more organisation(s) either located in countries with which the EU has an S&T Agreement, or in other third countries covered by the ENP (European Neighbour Partnership)
• We felt that it could be easier to carry out an IRSES project if there is a balanced number from the EU and third countries in the consortium, e.g., easier to arrange the secondment plan
• A consortium with multi-disciplinary skills from partners is encouraged by the funding agency
• In our case, we have 4 partners from the EU and 4 from the third countries. The project partners are from multi-disciplinary areas (ICT, manufacturing management, etc.)
Developing the bid – our experiences
• Developed two IRSES bids in the past years, and both got awarded
• IRSES is about the secondment and exchange of senior and junior researchers. It is important to explain why it is necessary to develop this cooperation and research exchange (e.g., necessity and motivation of worldwide cooperation, benefits to the EU, timing of project)
• It also needs to emphasise research innovation and originality, not only about the research exchange plan/arrangement
• It is better if both of experienced and junior researchers are included in the secondment plan, and explain their roles
• Dissemination and exploitation plans are important
• A balanced secondment plan for all partners will be good (e.g., each EU partner organisation should have opportunities to visit every third country organisation, and vice versa)
Example –
Complementarities/synergies between the partners
Example –
Exchange program arrangement
Proposal structure
• Need to address all the points of the bid template
• Need to plan the bid structure carefully – there are some similar items in different sections
• Can emphasise important points in different sections wisely – reviewers are easy to forget your major points when they read a long document
• Need to make the main body of your bid within 30 pages!
Project coordinator’s role
• Project coordintor is crucial to the success of the project – in the phases of the bid development and execution later on
• During the bid development, it will be more efficient if the coordinator can detail the tasks for partners to follow, such as providing a document template and examples for partner to follow easily
• Teleconference is always cheap and useful to collect and explain ideas (can consider to use Skype, etc.)
• It will be good to update the status of the bid development frequently to motivate partners during the bid development
• Finally, getting invitation from the EU for project negotiation is a very GOOD news! However, it is just one of many steps to run a successful project – as a project coordinator you will have a lot of works to be done before a project starts
Thank you