1. Introduction to the Mid-Term Review Meeting
STRONGnet MTR meeting 3 October 2011, Trento, Italy
Giuliana Donini
Research Executive Agency (REA)
Unit P4, Marie Curie Host-Driven Actions

2. Outline What is the REA? What is a MTR? Why a MTR? Grant Agreement
Obligations of the Network
Marie Curie allowances
Success Story?
Resources

3. MTR Meeting Introduction
1. What is the REA?
Research Executive Agency (REA)
Funding body created by the European Commission to foster excellence in research and innovation
Set up in 2007, gained autonomy in June 2009
Manages large parts of the FP7, including the Marie Curie Actions
Manages almost 5,000 research projects. Over the FP7 lifetime, the REA is to manage projects for a value of €6.4 billion (12% of FP7 budget)
Located in Brussels, Belgium (Covent Garden building, Place Rogier)

4. ITN MTR = Fellows Fellows REA Consortium Consortium the structure
MTR Meeting Introduction
2. What is a Mid-Term Review ?
Fellows
Fellows
ITN
REA
Consortium
Consortium
MTR =
the structure
the work
the thought 4

5. MTR Meeting Introduction
2. Why a Mid-Term Review (MTR)?
Mid-Term Review:
A contractual obligation
Objectives
Meet with the project team
Update on the project progress
Discuss any questions, concerns, difficulties
Find solutions
Not just a scientific evaluation, but a unique opportunity to exchange views
Useful ?
Consortium and fellows on spot help in case of problems
REA future planning of MCA

6. MTR Meeting Introduction
2. Why a Mid-Term Review (MTR)?
Mid-Term Review - conclusions:
The REA project officer will send a letter to conclude the Mid-Term Review process:
Everything is proceeding as planned. No specific recommendations
Some corrective measures should be taken. Specific recommendations are given
Serious problems. Eventually suspend the contract after an audit

7. MTR Meeting Introduction
3. Grant Agreement
Grant Agreement Structure
Core Grant Agreement
Annexes
Technical Annex - Description of work
General conditions applicable to MC Actions
Specific provisions for ITN (funding scheme)
Form A: accession to the grant
Form B: accession request for a new beneficiary
Form C: Financial statement
Form D and E: Terms of Reference for the CFS and CoM
Additional useful docs (reporting guidelines…)

8. MTR Meeting Introduction
4. Obligations of the Network
Some consortium obligations
Carry out the work as identified in Annex I (efficiently and timely)
Select fellows according to eligibility criteria, conclude employment contracts, and establish a Career Development Plan
Execute, by due dates, all payments to the researcher (respecting Marie Curie rates)
Provide all needed infrastructures & conditions for the successful completion of the project
Provide reasonable assistance to the fellows in all administrative procedures
Provide information to REA and Court of Auditors (up to 5 years after the project completion)

9. MTR Meeting Introduction
5. Marie Curie Allowances
ECO budget A B C D E F G H
Paid to the fellows
managed
by the
institutions
for the fellows
For the activities carried out
by the institutions
Paid to the fellows

10. MTR Meeting Introduction
5. Marie Curie Allowances
Category A: Living & Mobility Allowance
- €34,500 gross salary per ESR /year x country coefficient
- €53,000 gross salary per ER /year x country coefficient
- Plus €500 or €800 /month, depending on family status x country coefficient
Category B: Travel Allowance
- Fixed-amount multiple of €250/year (depending on the distance)
Category C: Contribution to Training & Research Costs
- Fixed-amount of €2,000 for each recruitment of more than 1 year

11. MTR Meeting Introduction
6. Success Story
Success Story?
Positive impact on the citizen or society
Interest to the public at large
Very high scientific quality
Product being developed or brought to market
Generated lasting collaborations
Developed an entrepreneurial culture
Significant outreach activities
Positive impact on a researcher’s career
Fellow’s award or publication in a very high quality journal
Promoted rights of researchers (e.g. gender balance, equal opportunities, family friendly)

12. MTR Meeting Introduction
7. Resources

13. MTR Meeting Introduction
7. Resources

14. Thank you for your attention
Questions?