1. FP7 Marie Curie Initial Training Network
Application workshop
Tatiana Panteli
3rd November 2011

2. What is ITN? Bottom up: The topic of the project is freely chosen
Duration: 4 years
Post-grads: aimed at researchers in their first five years of their career (3 to 36 months appointments)
Partnership: typically multi-host but single host or twining possible
Private sector involvement: participation is essential. Two level possible

3. Who do you need in your consortium?
Partners must match activities in proposal
Every partner mast add value: unique knowledge, expertise, etc
Appropriate balance of sectors – industry, academia, civil society, user groups, etc
The purpose of the scheme is RESEARCH TRAINING
NOTE – no more than 40% of funding should go to one country
EU dimension/ added-value!

4. Part A
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

5. The proposal – Part B headings
B.1 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
B.2 S&T QUALITY (30%, 3/5)
B.3 TRAINING (30%, 4/5) Quality supervision! (new)
B.4 IMPLEMENTATION (20%, 3/5)
B.5 IMPACT (20%, 4/5)
B.6 ETHICAL ASPECTS
B7. TABLE CAPACITIES OF THE HOST
The guidelines are strict for the writing of Part B.

6. P. 31
Guide for Applicants

7. S&T Quality Criteria
S&T objectives of the research programme, (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
Contribution of the private sector and possible other socio-economic actors

8. Examples
Aim: The overall goal of this network is to train a new generation of analytical scientists in the skills necessary for the use, development and adoption of ….
Objectives: This will be achieved through the following scientific objectives (SOs), which will result in a number of scientific deliverables (SDs):…
Work packages: This network will provide coherent interdisciplinary training across various research disciplines in an intersectoral network combining private, governmental, health and academic sectors to address a number of topical analytical issues. To realise the goals of this ITN and its S&T objectives, and to provide an interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach, research will be delivered and organised through the interlinking work packages (WPs).
The emphasis on a cross-thematic and intersectoral approach that directly addresses the needs of “end-users” is achieved by having the majority of partners within this ITN not academically based.

9. Evaluators feedback: points to consider
Interdisciplinary aspect
Clear references to state-of-the-art and scientific originality
The final research outputs and the practical results of the training programme should be clearly described
Role of the industrial partners must be well explained
A precise description of the research methodology

10. Training (1) 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)

11. The Training Programme (1)
The specific training programme objectives are:
TO1 To make a career in LPD research more attractive to early stage researchers by delivering a structured training programme taught by leading international scientists in the state-of-the art infrastructure which covers a portfolio of interdisciplinary techniques.
TO2 To provide academic, industrial and public sector employers with researchers skilled in a wide range of techniques and direct experience of interaction across disciplines and sectors.
TO3 To produce researchers with excellent transferrable skills, and able to transform abstract ideas into influential outcomes.
TO4 To create an active, life-long network of young researchers whose personal contacts, support and expertise will help Europe shape the future of LPD research.
TO5 To cascade expertise and spread good practice throughout Europe by personnel exchange, and delivering European researchers able to become leaders in the field in the near future.
ITN must provide a coherent and integrated research training programme.
ITN provide structured training in well-defined scientific and/or technological areas as well as providing complementary skills.

12. Training (2) 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

13. the Training Programme (2)
Training in a ITN involves activities to learn and improve the researcher’s
core skills
task specific skills
generic and transferable skills
ITN must provide a coherent and integrated research training programme.
ITN provide structured training in well-defined scientific and/or technological areas as well as providing complementary skills.

14. the Training Programme (3)
Be specific and emphasise AGAIN the complementary expertise and synergy …
ITN must provide a coherent and integrated research training programme.
ITN provide structured training in well-defined scientific and/or technological areas as well as providing complementary skills.

15. Training tips Training in research methods and techniques
Personal Development Plan
Complementary skills training – ethics, research management
Transferable skills training
Graduate School Provision
Conferences, seminars, public fora et
Supervision!

16. Intersectoral, international, interdisciplinary.... (1)
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

17. Intersectoral, international, interdisciplinary.... (1)
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

18. Implementation (1)
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?

19. Implementation (2)
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

21. Evaluators feedback: points to consider
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

22. Impact (1) Contribution of the proposed training programme to:
Structure training at doctoral level (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)

23. Impact (2)
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

24. Example
This network will deliver researchers who can add value to technological development and manufacturing through their expertise, helping to make Europe the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world. This project will make important contributions to European industrial development, especially through the involvement of 4 industrial Partners. Considering that broadly skilled experts are in short supply European industries will benefit from highly trained experts.

25. Presenting your proposal (1)
Use the key words given in Guide and highlight them in the application (but they must be justified)
Use the headings as requested in the guide – do not place important requirements in different sections – think of the referee; he/she will be looking for key phrases at particular points in the application and justification for them. (WMES can provide considerable help here as an impartial referee)
Use figures/graphs where possible; tables crossed referenced with each other

26. Presenting your proposal (2)
Use other partners whenever possible – but only on selected sections (full document sent for approval only at end); do not expect too much from partners (actually easier to be a partner rather than coordinator)
Use all guidance material from the WMES
Make sure proposal is concise and readable and covers all points in the Guide and that all aspects are addressed: science, socio-economic, management, integration, training, technology transfer, dissemination, impact etc

27. Financial Information
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 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)
Category 4: Management Activities
Maximum 10% of total EU contribution (real costs category)
Category 5: Overheads
10% of direct costs (flat rate)
Note – in EID, budget split if researcher is employed by both partners

28. Funding thresholds Scientific panels Chemistry (CHE)
2010 results
ITN
app nos.
funded
success rate
threshold
LIF
230 19
8.30% 94
ENG
199 14 7% 90
MAT 12 1 88
ENV 95 7
7.40% 91
ECO 18
5.60%
SOC 77 6
7.80%
PHY
126 8
6.30%
CHE
100
TOTAL
857 63
2011 results
285 27
9.50%
92.8
204
9.30%
91.2 15
6.70%
87.2
121 11
9.10%
91.4 92 72
9.70% 99 9
94.2
108
919 84
Scientific panels
Chemistry (CHE)
Social and Human Sciences (SOC)
Economic Sciences (ECO)
Information science and Engineering (ENG)
Environmental and Geo-Sciences(ENV)
Life Sciences (LIF)
Mathematics (MAT)
Physics (PHY).

29. Final tips for a good proposal (1)
ITN that build on existing collaborations will ‘look’ stronger
What is available in single country? Why EU level needed? Why need for trained researchers in the field?
Consider ESRs (and ER) as a group/cohort, not individual PhD students
Provide a clear link between the project aim and objectives and individual ESR projects
Important to review and make available through the ITN any relevant in-house training including those courses from industry partners

30. Final tips for a good proposal (2)
Consider the number of ESRs in line with partner organisations’ capacities
Avoid having one partner dominate research/training activities and budget
For multi-partner ITN: recruit mainly ESRs, not ERs.
Include networking activities and senior scientists only when adding value to the project activities
Consider the commercial aspects i.e. impact and exploitation of the research carried out

31. ITN call 2012 Increased budget! Deadline: 12 January 2012
EUR M
An extra EUR 75 M! This will allow for an extra 30 to 35 projects to be funded.
Deadline: 12 January 2012
Results: May – June 2012

32. Thank you!
Tatiana Panteli European Funding Adviser 32

33. Mandy Heard West Midlands European Service
International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES) Application Workshop
Mandy Heard
West Midlands European Service
3rd November 2011

34. Programme today Brief overview of WMES Brief overview of IRSES
Structure of your proposal:
Part B: What does the commission want (This session will provide some detailed information on what should be covered in part B of your proposal)
Part A: How to complete
Tips provided by successful applicants
Submitting your proposal (EPSS system and process)
Evaluation process
Q&A

35. West Midlands European Service – Who are we?
Birmingham Team (former EU Connects)
Brussels Team
(former WMiE)

36. West Midlands European Service
The Birmingham office
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
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
Feedback on the application and budget
Training Sessions (application workshops, project management etc)
Travel grants (meet project partners in Europe)
Project Development Workshops
Information sessions on Funding opportunities
One-to-one surgery sessions
Partner Searches
Working with National Contact Points
Linking you to the European projects

37. 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 approach is to:
To increase performance in the region to access a greater share of the funds
Link project ideas to local problems and align with regional problems
We promote partnership building
Transnational Funds enable:
Exchange of best practice with partners
> Knowledge transfer > Innovative approaches
> Improve services > Globally competitive
Everyone is eligible
> No maps / we currently support all types of organisations and sectors
> First timers welcome > capacity building

38. Our success so far 592 submitted projects worth €65M
280 successful projects so far
€18,8M investment to the WM
2000 people trained

39. Which Funds do we support?
Life Long
Learning
Vocational training
skills
Employability
Innovative learning
Policy or delivery
INTERREG
Regional level
Strategy
Policy
Exchange of
best practice
LIFE+
Environment
Protecting natural
Assets / species
Strategic / policy
Erasmus for Y.
Entrepreneurs
Work placements
in the successful
enterprises
Marie Curie
Actions
SMEs/universities
Networks
Research/Knowledge
Transfer
Fellowships
Competitiveness
& Innovation
SMEs
ICT
Innovative products,
services
and processes
Intelligent
Energy Europe
Energy efficiency
Renewable energy
sources
Energy in transport
Integrated initiatives
Daphne III
Justice, freedom
and security
Which Funds do we support?

40. Your Project Tell us….. Who you are Your organisation
Your IRSES project

41. Marie Curie Objectives
Structuring 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 cooperation and prestige
People - part of a broad and integrated strategy to strengthen, qualitatively and quantitatively, human resources in R&D in Europe.
Support the advancement of the European Research Area???
Making Europe more attractive to researchers and make research more attractive as a profession.
Encouraging European Researchers to stay or international Researchers to come to Europe
To develop Europe’s competitive edge in science and technology
MC support mobility to enhance international cooperation
To enable the transfer of knowledge between research organisations and enterprises, public and private from different countries
Appropriate gender and work/life balance
Good working environment, transparent recruitment and career development

42. 'International dimension',
to contribute to the life-long training and career development of EU-researchers, to attract research talent from outside Europe and to foster mutually beneficial research collaboration with research actors from outside Europe.
To increase the quality of European research by attracting research talent from outside Europe and fostering mutually beneficial research collaboration with researchers from outside Europe.

43. Purpose of the IRSES programme
Strengthen research partnerships between EU and non EU research organisations.
Staff exchange and networking activities.
Establish or reinforce long-term collaboration.
Strengthen research partnerships through staff exchanges and networking activities between European Research organisations and research organisations from countries with which the European union has Science and Technology agreements or in the process of negotiating one. And countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy
This action provides support to research organisations rather than to individuals to establish or reinforce long-term research cooperation

44. Size of the consortium Min 3 partners, but no maximum size Duration Project: months Partners Public or private non-profit research organisations Lead partner Must be from EU or AC
The size of the joint programme and partnerships depends on the expected numbers of staff to be exchanged
Independent public or private non-profit organisations carying our research
Can apply for support for a period of 2-4 years
The grant agreement is with a lead partner located in Member state or Associated Country

45. 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: months
- Any research topic is eligible (except EURATOM)

46. max. 12 months (can be split)
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.
Maximum duration of individual staff exchanges is 12 months which can be split into several exchange periods over the duration of the programme but anything less than 1 month should have strong justification.
Applicants submit a joint multi-annual programme of exchange of staff between project participants.
Staff to be exchanged should be granted full reintegration and recognition of the mobility experience

47. Complementarity and synergies between partners are critical
Typical Activities
Joint research
Training
Joint workshops
Seminars
Networking
Transfer of Knowledge
Complementarity and synergies between partners are critical
Propose a multi-annual joint programme and may include joint research and training activities or joint workshops and seminars and other networking activities.
The activities are designed to exploit complementary expertise of partners and create synergies between them.
Strong research and science is essential but IRSES expects to create additional benefits for all aprticiapnats in terms of knowledge transfer and to generate a basis for sustainable cooperation.

48. 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 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-administrated areas*, Syrian Arab Rep.*, Tunisia*
* International Cooperation Partner Countries (ICPC) than can receive funding

49. 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 €
Range: €
All partners are expected to second their staff and continue to pay their salary whilst they are abroad
EU contribution is based on a flat rate per person per month of secondment of 1900 Euros paid to the coordinator of the project?
Contributes to travel and subsistence, networking activities, management costs and overheads of activity related to the project.
Long distance covers higher travel costs
Countries eligible for long distance are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, India, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Rep. Of Korea, South Africa, US.

50. 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
Countries covered by European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and countries with EU international agreements on Science and Technology are eligible for funding for incoming and outgoing staff members.
However, only outgoing staff are funded going from EU/MS to partner organisations from Industrialised countries with S&T agreements.
Incoming staff are expected to paid for by the partner orgs

51. IRSES – Part B
Start and End pages with Project Acronym (20 characters max)
Max length 30 pages (excl. Table of contents, ethics issues, start and end pages)
Minimum font size is 11 points. All margins should be
Project Acronym is a short title for your project. No symbols etc.
This also is requested on A1 – Information on the Proposal
Can add further headings if required for an adequate description of the project.

52. B1: Quality of Exchange Programme (complementarities/synergies)
Part B
B1: Quality of Exchange Programme (complementarities/synergies)
B2: Transfer of Knowledge (mutual benefits)
B3: Implementation (management)
B4: Impact (collaboration, ERA)
Can include additional sub-sections if required.
There is a B5 Ethics section to complete but is not scored.
It is possible to add further headings if felt necessary
B1 will be prioritised if evaluators need to chose between equal scoring proposals

53. IRSES Evaluated criteria and thresholds
Impact: Added to 2012, In particular in view of setting up joint research projects
Threshold of 3 is good. The proposal addresses the criterion well, although improvements would be necessary.

54. ? What’s in a Proposal? Why? What? When? Who? How?
Put yourself in an evaluators shoes
What is the reason for the project: What is the science and the project
Why – the need, why these partners?

55. B1: QUALITY OF THE EXCHANGE PROGRAMME Weighting = 25%
B1.1: Objective and relevance of the joint exchange programme
B 1.2: Research quality of the partners
B 1.3: Complementarities/synergies between the partners
No threshold but priority will be given to this section when there are proposals scoring the same and choices to be made

56. B1: QUALITY OF THE EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
Objectives:
Strengthen/establish international research partnerships between EU and OTC
Bringing together complementary expertise and knowledge through mobility to address an issue and create new knowledge to strengthen ERA
Deliver a joint multi-annual research programme and knowledge exchange
Link to the objectives of IRSES
Breakdown to detail the objectives of the exchange programme remembering the objectives of IRSES and Marie Curie
Addressing; Sustainability is key – how will this exchange be built upon and what are the plans for continued projects and work. E.g. Creating a centre of excellence

57. Quality of the Exchange Evaluation Strengths:
The proposal addresses the science well and is a vital area for development
The general exchange programme plan is very well identified: the context and goals of the project are well presented
All the partners are renowned institutions with very good scientific quality
The roles of partners are well described. There is a good level of complementarity amongst partners based on previous collaborations

58. Quality of the Exchange Evaluation Weaknesses:
The joint exchange programme presents very limited innovation: the claimed innovative features are not substantiated
International collaborations are not suitably identified for all partners
The one month secondments of ESRs are too short to both learn new knowledge and pursue the planned research tasks
The deliverables are mostly comprised of reports and papers

59. Describe the science and exchange scheme
B1: Key Areas
Describe the science and exchange scheme
What is the current State of the Art?
What is the gap or problem?
Why is this Science and project needed at this time?
Why are these partners the right people to answer the problem/question?
How will this create excellence in ERA?
MAKE AN IMPACT
Demonstrate how that numbers of staff exchanged and the duration are sufficient for achieving the objectives
When detailing the current state of the art ensure that any assertions are backed up with evidence – facts / figures
When establishing the need – demonstrate what the drivers are for this new knowledge – reference to EU directives and policies?
Demonstrate and state in this section why the consortium is needed and exchange to take place to address the science. Why can this not be done by individual partner or 1 country?
ERA:
Establish the context of the project and be clear about the goals remembering IRSES aims and objectives

60. B1: Key Areas Ensure exchanges are balanced
Demonstrate excellence of individuals and partners
Track record in international collaboration, publications and related research
Demonstrate complementarities and synergies
Detail Scientific and Knowledge Transfer activities in the Work Packages
You may wish to disseminate knowledge through conferences, workshops etc

61. EXAMPLE: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The exchange scheme aims, through theoretical models and computer simulations, at a basic general understanding and solution of several important problems related to dynamics and cooperative behaviour in complex physical and biological systems. In order to accomplish our programme, we build a team of researchers specializing in difference aspects of X, Y, Z. The project will be carried out by several groups in 6 countries, 3 from the EU, with a broad range of expertise A, B, C. The project will link together groups with either previous well developed connections, or weak or itinerant connections to form a well co-ordinated multidisciplinary network through an active exchange of researchers stimulating a close collaboration and dissemination of knowledge between partners

62. Example: The Scheme will thus:
Significantly advance our understanding and knowledge of cooperative behaviour and dynamics in complex systems
Involve important scientific partners from non-EU countries XYZ
Lead to long-term and large-scale cooperation between partners in an international hub
Disseminate the results via several international workshops and conferences

63. B2: TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE Weighting = 30% Threshold = 3 B 2
B2: TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE Weighting = 30% Threshold = 3 B 2.1: Quality and mutual benefit of the transfer of knowledge B 2:2: Adequacy and role of staff exchanged with respect to the transfer of knowledge
Provide detail on the knowledge of the exchange programme broken down to numbers of workshops

64. Transfer of Knowledge Evaluation Strengths:
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
Objectives and implementation of TOK are well described with a clear identification of goals per research task

65. Transfer of Knowledge Evaluation Weaknesses:
The plans for transfer of knowledge toward the scientific community through publication or international conferences and its sustainability are not sufficiently described
The numbers and roles of the staff to be exchanged are not fully justified in light of the work-plan proposed and only generally described
The durations of the secondments are quite short to be useful and benefits for researchers are presented generally

66. Detail the sustainability of the KT and through what measures.
B2 Knowledge Transfer
Describe and detail the activities and how knowledge will be transferred and managed
Detail the sustainability of the KT and through what measures.
What is the added value to partners. How will all benefit?
Consider dissemination to wider audiences.
Give numbers of Seminars, workshops, training, conferences
ADDED VALUE of gained knowledge for partners: E.g. multi-disciplinary knowledge, access to world-class laboratories, access to international networks and contacts

67. EXAMPLE:
“Alongside the exchanges at the level of individual researchers and students involved in WP1 and WP2, we plan to organize four workshops which most of researchers and Phd students will attend, and two international conferences. The latter will be open to researchers outside the IRSES project, to allow for maximum visibility of our network”

68. EXAMPLE:
“An essential aspect of the project is the training and preparation of researchers. We expect that the most productive and creative PhD students from OTCs will subsequently continue their research as post-doc students at EU partners. Another highlight of the present project is a variety of intermediate and advanced courses for early stage researchers planned by all participating teams”

69. EXAMPLE:
A key measure to define the success of the proposed collaboration is its continuation beyond To continue and expand the collaboration we will apply for funding within the EU actions, as well as to national funding agencies. This proposal is the first step towards a lasting collaboration to be pursued through face to face contact and discussions; promoting movements of ESRs leading to stronger connection within the network; creating routine collaboration and communication between the groups
Talk about ambitions beyond the end of the project for international research collaboration

70. 2.2: Adequacy and role of staff exchanged
B2 Knowledge Transfer
2.2: Adequacy and role of staff exchanged
Describe roles and goals of ESRs and ERs e.g. ERs: provide training and supervision to ESRs, manage a WP.
Goals for ERs: e.g. Gaining new skills and knowledge, developing their career; exposure to international exchanges and cultures, mobility
Demonstrate specific expertise of individuals and what them the right people for the roles.
This should relate to your Work Packages – ensure there is consistency

71. B3: IMPLEMENTATION Weighting = 15% Threshold = N/A B 3
B3: IMPLEMENTATION Weighting = 15% Threshold = N/A B 3.1: Capacities (expertise/human resources/facilities/infrastructure) to achieve the objectives B 3:2: Appropriateness of the plans for the overall management of the exchange programme

72. Implementation Evaluation Strengths:
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
The partners have good capacities and the human resources to carry out the proposed activities
The issues resulting from the European Charter for Researchers are clearly described

73. Implementation Evaluation Weaknesses:
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

74. EXAMPLE:
“The overall project will be coordinated by (EU partner) with local co-ordinators at each other site. They will be assisted by group leaders who are experienced in management of large-scale international projects. This arrangement ensures both the efficient use of the experience of senior scientists and the furthering of the project management expertise of coordinators”

75. B 3.1 Capacities to achieve objectives
Describe the size and expertise within partner/host research groups and departments
Facilities available that are relevant
Other relevant support?
Other aspects: e.g. Networks available through partners to disseminate to the wider international community
Duplication from B1 is not an issue, as appropriate
Include academic staff, support/technical staff and students.
e.g. equipment; laboratories; computers; library; software;
Infrastructure support available – international office and programmes and business development/project and financial management

76. EXAMPLE B 3.2:
An effective project management system is crucial for the successful implementation of the project. The project management and administration will be provided by the following roles and bodies:
Project Manager; Scientific Manager; Dissemination Manager; Work Package Leaders; Partner Representative
You may wish to put in place a management committee
Describe all roles and responsibilities

77. B 3.2: Appropriate of Management Plans
European Charter for Researchers
How will your actions and institutions support this?
Supportive research environment
Working and training conditions
Proposal is evaluated with this in mind
The Charter and the Code should serve as a quality certificate for research institutions
The European Charter for Researchers is a recommendation of good practice for researchers and employers and/or funders of researchers issued by the European Commission (DG Research). It sketches rights and duties of researchers and their funding institutions. It was published together with the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers which outlines principles for hiring and appointing researchers.
How will staff be supported? = orientation week, supported by international office?; team integration

78. Weighting = 30% Threshold = 3
B4: IMPACT
Weighting = 30% Threshold = 3
B 4.1: Relevance of the proposed partnership to the area of collaboration and for the ERA
B 4.2: Potential to develop lasting collaboration with eligible third country partners, in particular in view of setting-up joint research projects

79. Impact Evaluation Strengths:
The proposal identified several possible impacts and provided good analysis showing the contributions
The partners are eager to develop lasting collaborations beyond the limit of the proposed programme and many credible opportunities are mentioned
The addressed topic is relevant within the objectives of ERA
The global scientific and technological benefits of the proposal are very relevant to the field

80. Impact Evaluation Weaknesses:
The contribution to wider dissemination and exploitation of the research outcomes to extended communities, and in particular industrial communities is not full exploited in the proposal
It is not clear how the project will be linked with mainstream manufacturers and/or policy makers relevant to the field. Exploitation plans are not fully developed
The specific contributions of each partner to the area of collaboration are not sufficiently detailed

81. EXAMPLE:
“The project will bring together researchers across the globe to create a best practice model for XY to be used on a global scale. The partner network will bring together expertise across the consortium and provide a direct benefit to researchers engaged with the project through hosting and exchanging activities. The training and peer support provided through the project will provide a growth in expertise in this limited areas on a global scale, and provide a means by which to further enhance this research area in the future”

82. EXAMPLE: Relevance to ERA
The final outcome of the project will be recognised published comparison on XY as a profession and it’s policies on a global scale. The publication can be utilised by all and will support the Framework 7 ERA Action Area to enhance knowledge sharing to grow Europe as a knowledge based economy.

83. EXAMPLE: IMPACT ON RESEARCHERS
“Experience abroad is, more and more, and important criterion in career development. Any excellent science career today has to be international. The project will allow researchers to regularly update and expand their skills and competencies building on networks. Activities will encourage European researchers to stay in Europe and avoid the “brain drain” and at the same time will forge tighter ties between OTC participants, especially a young generation of ESRs, and Europe”

84. KEY AREAS: Demonstrate wide aspects of impact area of research
Individuals/partners
ERA
Lasting international cooperation
Remember: MARIE CURIE and IRSES objectives
Link to key documents: Policies for Research areas, e.g. Country strategies/S&T

85. A1: Snapshot of your project (complete by the lead partner)
Part A
A1: Snapshot of your project (complete by the lead partner)
A2: Partner Organisations (completed by each participant)
A4: Funding request
Integral part of your proposal
Support unit help complete
Contains different sections
A1: general information on the proposal and abstract summarising the project
A2: 1 to be completed by each participant requiring administrative information on the organisation i.e. Legal status etc
A4: table breaking down the secondments for each participant

86. Acronym: 20 characters max.
PART A: A1
Acronym: 20 characters max.
Proposal title: no longer than 200 characters
Choose a Scientific panel
Abstract: clear – objectives, how, relevance. Used in evaluation: limit 2000 characters
Similar proposals? – proposal numbers
Flag ethics issues
Understandable to a non-specialist

87. PART A: A2 Participant details Insert PIC: may already have one
Legal, admin and financial
Status of organisation
Person in charge
Authorised legal rep
Participant 1 = coordinator = invited to hearings, sending evaluation results, additional information
Legal rep: Person responsible to sign grant agreements

88. 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)

89. Example: 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: €

90. SUBMISSION AND EVALUATION
IRSES
SUBMISSION AND EVALUATION

91. EPSS: Electronic Proposal Submission Service
Coordinator registers/edits and uploads forms and submits the proposal
Registration is required for one proposal for the call chosen.
Register some time in advance of the deadline
PIC: Personal Identification Code
If your organisation has signed an FP7 contract with the Commission then you should have a PIC
With a PIC you do not need to submit legal and financial information
Find out in the organisation
The contact for FP7 grant agreements should know the PIC – the bidding support team should know this. (legal administrator)
The coordinator is ed the login and password

92. Accessing EPS
Access EPS:
Register via the call:

93. Final Checks
Ensure you check all eligibility
Correct font size and page limits
Complete Gantt chart
Ensure all forms are completed correctly
Cross check ensure the proposal flows and all criteria are answered

94. Individual Assessment report
Proposal
Eligibility
3 experts
Individual Evaluation
ineligible
Individual Assessment report
Consensus report
Consensus meeting
Withdrawn
Scientific disciplines
Panel Review
Eligibility criteria are checked for each proposal before evaluation begins
Minimum number of participants
It is complete – all forms submitted
The content of the proposal relates to the topic including any special conditions
Excess pages beyond the limit of 30 will be disregarded
Each proposal is assessed by at least 3 independent experts
Scores will be given for the 4 criteria and not for sub-criteria
Each criterion is scored out of 5. Scores are given to a resolution of 1 decimal place.
Transfer of Knowledge and Impact have thresholds of 3, and the others do not hvae a threshold
Experts are acting individually. They do not discuss with each other not third parties.
Experts give scores and comments against the evaluation criteria – as presented
Consensus meeting may be moderated by REA
3 additional experts if a consensus cannot be reached
Panel involving independent experts. Panel establishes a ranked list of proposals which passed all thresholds.
Panels organised organised according to scientific discipline
Evaluation summary reports

95. Evaluation Assessed by three independent experts
Overall threshold is 70%
Evaluators do not make any assumptions or interpretations

96. Be explicit and not ‘loose’ Be sure that a generalist can understand
OTHER TIPS
Be clear and concise
Be explicit and not ‘loose’
Be sure that a generalist can understand
Do not assume the evaluator will remember form previous sections
Highlight important information
Clear paragraphs and bullets for each section and addressing specific parts

97. Key Success factors Clarity and quality of the research objectives
Must relate to FP7 and Marie Curie objectives
Demonstrate good rationale and substantiate assertions
Read carefully the 2011 People Work Programme and the IRSES Guide for Applicants
European Added Value
Balanced exchanged programme
Timeliness and relevance of the project
Contribution to ERA and European excellence
Ensure the research experience is appropriate for the activities and programme suggested.
Demonstrate the skills
Eligibility rules are met for participating countries and mobilities and the researchers are eligible
Educate the evaluator to the facts and figures.
Convince them - why bother? (what new knowledge are you generating or what are you trying to solve?)
Several websites. Report the facts and figures
Is it a European priority and will it establish Europe as an international leader?
Is the solution or knowledge already available? (state of the art).
Why is this important now – timeliness?
Remember the objective of establishing long term partnerships. Sustainability is key and long term impact.

98. Timetable Deadline for submission of proposals
18 January 17:00 Brussels local time
Evaluation of Proposals
February 2012
Evaluation Summary reports sent to coordinators (initial information letters
March 2012
Invitation letter to successful coordinators to launch contract negotiations with REA services
April 2012
Letter to unsuccessful applicants
From April 2012
Signature of first contracts
From July 2012

99. Useful links EPSS https://www.epss-fp7.org/epss/welcome.jsp
IRSES call documents:
Successful projects:
Euraxess:
WMES:
UKRO: National contact point
(model grant agreements, reporting guidelines)
Publications and reports that may help with for the rationale
Charter for researchers and code of conduct provides recommendations. It provides a reference framework for the roles, rights and responsibilites for researchers, employers and funders.
Sets out attractive employment conditions for researchers and is taken into account during evaluation

100. European Funding Adviser
Mandy Heard
European Funding Adviser /
GOOD LUCK
Thank you!
100