1. Funding Opportunities for Research and Collaboration Tatiana Panteli, Coventry 29 September 2011

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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 Competitiveness & Innovation SMEs ICT Innovative products, services and processes Marie Curie Actions SMEs/universities Networks Research/Knowledge Transfer Fellowships LIFE+ Environment Protecting natural Assets / species Strategic / policy Intelligent Energy Europe Energy efficiency Renewable energy sources Energy in transport Integrated initiatives Erasmus for Y. Entrepreneurs Work placements in the successful enterprises Daphne III Justice, freedom and security

9. Our approach 1. Promote partnership building 2. Link project ideas to local problems 3. Improve performance

10. 33 Local Authorities Regional Development Agency Universities Chambers of Commerce Businesses Voluntary organisations Connecting to Success

11. How are we doing this? Linking organisations to the projects

12. Thank you! Tatiana Panteli European Funding Adviser t.panteli@wmeuropeanservice.eu www.wmeuropeanservice.org

13. 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

14. 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

15. Contact details www.een-midlands.org.uk een-midlands@coventry.ac.uk 024 7623 6236

16. Your Turn! Who you are? Your organisation Your project idea 30 sec max

17. http://www.ukro.ac.uk Marie Curie Initial Training Networks UK National Contact Point mariecurie-uk@bbsrc.ac.uk mariecurie-uk@bbsrc.ac.uk

18. 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.ukwww.ukro.ac.uk UK Research Office To promote effective UK engagement in EU research, innovation and higher education activities

19. UKRO’s Services UK Research Office ‘Core’ subscriber servicesOpen 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 BrusselsBritish Council European RTD Insight publication

20. Marie Curie NCP - helpdesk Web, email, telephone, visits http://www.ukro.ac.uk/mariecurie/index.htm mariecurie-uk@bbsrc.ac.uk 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 issues UK Research Office – MC NCP

21. http://www.ukro.ac.uk/mariecurie Framework Programme 7 and the ‘People’ specific programme UK NCP for Marie Curie mariecurie-uk@bbsrc.ac.uk mariecurie-uk@bbsrc.ac.uk

22. 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.htmhttp://ec.europa.eu/eu2020/index_en.htm Innovation Union: http://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation- union/index_en.cfm http://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation- union/index_en.cfm Youth on the Move: http://ec.europa.eu/education/news/news2540_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/education/news/news2540_en.htm Marie Curie Actions FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

23. 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 Funds FP7 – Policy Background

24. Who is eligible for funding? EU-27 Austria, 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 FP7 Overview

25. Country eligibility FP7

26. FP7 Specific Programmes Co-operation – Collaborative Research European Research Council Marie Curie Actions Capacities – Research Capacity Framework Programme 7 JRC EURATOM

27. 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 FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

28. 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 FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

29. Marie Curie Actions Overview: Marie Curie Actions + Co-Fund, Researchers Night Host ActionsIndividual 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 FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

30. MCA – Deadlines & Budgets Industry Academia Partnerships and Pathways 19/04/2012€80 million Researchers’ Night10/01/2012€4 million Initial Training Networks (ITN)12/01/2012€423.23 m COFUND15/02/2012€110 million IRSES18/01/2012€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 FP7 – People – Marie Curie

31. Definition of researchers Early-Stage Researchers0 - 4 years (FTE) from obtaining degree that qualified them to embark on a doctorate Experienced Researchersi)in possession of a PhD or i)at least 4 years experience (FTE) FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

32. 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’ FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

33. http://www.ukro.ac.uk Marie Curie Initial Training Networks UK National Contact Point mariecurie-uk@bbsrc.ac.uk mariecurie-uk@bbsrc.ac.uk

34. ITN – new in 2012 FP7 – Marie Curie - 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

35. What is an ITN? FP7 – Marie Curie – Classic 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

36. Who can participate in an ITN? FP7 – Marie Curie – Classic ITN 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

37. Who participates in an ITN? FP7 – Marie Curie – Classic ITN 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

38. Who participates in an ITN? FP7 – Marie Curie – Classic 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

39. Who participates in an ITN? FP7 – Marie Curie – Classic 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

40. Who can you recruit to an ITN? FP7 – Marie Curie – Classic 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

41. 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’. FP7 – Marie Curie – Classic ITN

42. 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! FP7 – Marie Curie – ITN (IDP)

43. 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 FP7 – Marie Curie – ITN (IDP)

44. 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 FP7 – Marie Curie – ITN (IDP)

45. 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 recruitment FP7 – Marie Curie – ITN (EID)

46. ITNs – European Industrial Doctorates Should: 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 FP7 – Marie Curie – ITN (EID)

47. ITNs – overview of 3 modes FP7 – Marie Curie - ITN

48. 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 FP7 – Marie Curie - ITN

49. http://www.ukro.ac.uk Results

50. ITNs – results of 2010 call Evaluated proposals Funded proposals Success Rate LIF230198.2% ENG199147.0% PHY12686.3% CHE10077.0% ENV9577.4% SOC7767.8% MAT1815.6% ECO2114.8% TOTAL863637.4% FP7 – Marie Curie - ITN

51. ITNs – results of 2011 call Evaluated proposals Main list Success Rate LIF285279.5% ENG204199.3% PHY9999.1% CHE10898.3% ENV121119.1% SOC7279.7% MAT1516.7% ECO1516.7% TOTAL919849.1% FP7 – Marie Curie - ITN

52. ITNs – 2010 results overview 63 projects on main list FP7 – Marie Curie - ITN OverallUK Total number of coordinators 857182 Funded coordinators 63 (7.4%) 13 (7.1%) Total applicants77251104 Funded applicants 574 (7.4%) 87 (7.9%)

53. http://www.ukro.ac.uk Examples of a funded ITN proposal

54. 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 http://sites.google.com/a/palaeome.org/leche FP7 – Marie Curie – ITN Example

55. 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 http://www.optimaldecisions.org FP7 – Marie Curie – ITN Example

56. 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 http://www.desirenetwork.eu FP7 – Marie Curie – ITN Example

57. 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 http://www.eldel.eu/welcome FP7 – Marie Curie – ITN Example

58. http://www.ukro.ac.uk Financial information

59. 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 FP7 – Marie Curie - Rates

60. http://www.ukro.ac.uk Tips on writing your ITN proposal UK National Contact Point mariecurie-uk@bbsrc.ac.uk mariecurie-uk@bbsrc.ac.uk

61. Process Overview FP7 Submission and Evaluation Call opens One/two stage e-submission Eligibility Check Individual Evaluation Panel Review/ Consensus Feedback (ESR) Post-evaluation Ranking Report to PC Negotiation of Proposals

62. Publication of call20-07-2011 Deadline for submission of proposals 12-01-2012 at 17:00:00, Brussels local time Evaluation of proposalsApril-2012 Evaluation Summary Reports sent to proposal coordinators ("initial information letter") May-2012 Invitation letter to successful coordinators to launch grant agreement negotiations with REA services June 2012 Letter to unsuccessful applicantsFrom August-2012 Signature of first grant agreements From September-2012 Process timetable MCA – Submission & Evaluations

63. Who do I need in my consortium? Building your consortium 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!

64. What is EU added-value? Building your consortium 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

65. 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 FP7 – Marie Curie – Your Proposal

66. 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 FP7 – Marie Curie – Your Proposal

67. Weightings and thresholds for ITNs WeightingThreshold Scientific quality of the project 30%3 Training30%4 Implementation20%3 Impact20%4 Overall threshold of 70% applies FP7 – Marie Curie – ITNs

68. 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 FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

69. 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 FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

70. 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 FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

71. 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) FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

72. 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 FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

73. 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 FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

74. 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 FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

75. 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! FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

76. 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? FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

77. 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 FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

78. 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 MCA – Submission & Evaluations

79. 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.ukhttp://www.researchconcordat.ac.uk MCA – Submission & Evaluations

80. 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 FP7 – ITN – Implementation

81. 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 FP7 – ITN – Implementation

82. 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) FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

83. 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 FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

84. 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. FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

85. 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 FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

86. 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? FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

87. 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! FP7 – Marie Curie - ITN

88. Key documents FP7 Submission and Evaluation Call FicheFocus Work Programme Guide for ApplicantsPreparation 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

89. Top tips – preparation 1.Clarify your own goals for participation 2.Read all Call documentation (ie, GfA and WP) - Also consider relevant EU policy documents 3.Fully appreciate the evaluation criteria 4.Discuss with and meet potential partners 5.Use appropriate partnership (including balance of budget and activities) 6.Set aside enough time 7.Research previous and current projects 8.Work with your institution FP7 - Essentials

90. Top tips - application 1.Register in EPSS (Coordinator) 2.Put yourself in the shoes of the evaluator 3.Write clearly and concisely 4.Stick to formatting rules (page limits, font, etc) 5.Include well worked out plans 6.Outline any ‘Plan B’ (risk analysis) 7.Use tables and diagrams where appropriate 8.Ask someone to read through your proposal 9.Make sure final version is submitted! FP7 - Essentials

91. F urther Information UKRO NCP website: http://www.ukro.ac.uk/mariecurie/index.h tm Queries on the schemes: mariecurie-uk@bbsrc.ac.uk mariecurie-uk@bbsrc.ac.uk Tel: +32 2 230 0318; Fax +32 2 230 4803 Other useful websites: http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/people/home_ en.html FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

92. Links UK National Contact Point for Marie Curie http://www.ukro.ac.uk/mariecurie CORDIS http://cordis.europa.eu/mariecurie-actions The Charter and the Code http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/index.cfm/rights/index UK HE Sector analysis: http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/news/gapanalysis.htm http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/news/gapanalysis.htm Euraxess Mobility Portal http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess Queries mariecurie-uk@bbsrc.ac.uk FP7 – People – Marie Curie

93. WMES Workshop, Coventry29 September 2011 How to become a successful ITN applicant - a West Midlands perspective Maria A Heckl Department of Mathematics Keele University Staffordshire ST5 5BG U.K. m.a.heckl@keele.ac.uk

94. 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.

95. WMES Workshop, Coventry29 September 2011 2. The topic of my network (LIMOUSINE) Combustion instabilities generic combustor industrial combustor (Siemens SGT 100 gas turbine)

96. 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 mathematics mechanical engineering thermodynamics control theory etc. Concern for industry, in particular power generation with gas turbines. Touches on environmental issues. Has received EC funding in the past.

97. 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.

98. WMES Workshop, Coventry29 September 2011 Partners in the LIMOUSINE network Partner (academic)countryexpertise Keele University Applied Mathematics UK Analytical modelling of thermo- acoustics University of Twente Thermal Engineering NL Modelling and experiments on acoustics and combustion Imperial College Mechanical Engineering UK Laser 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 Spain Combustion dynamics of diffusion flames

99. WMES Workshop, Coventry29 September 2011 Partner (research org.)countryexpertise CERFACS CFD Team France Large Eddy Simulation and fluid- structure interaction DLR Combustion Germany Numerical simulation of oscillating flames and transient heat flux Partner (industrial)countryexpertise Ingenieurbüro für Thermo-Akustik Germany Active control of combustion instabilities Siemens Power Generation Germany Gas turbine design, manufacture and operation ANSYSUK Numerical simulation of fluid and structure mechanics Electrabel NL and Belgium Operation and maintenance of gas turbine power plants Sulzer ElbarNL Repair and manufacture of gas turbine parts

100. 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.

101. 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.

102. International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES) Mandy Heard West Midlands European Service 29 th September 2011

103. Programme today IRSES: what this is all about; IRSES: application process; How to prepare a successful proposal; You and your priorities.

104. WEST MIDLANDS EUROPEAN SERVICE

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

106. 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

107. 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

108. 592 submitted projects worth €65M 280 successful projects so far €18,8M investment to the WM 2000 people trained Our success so far

109. 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 Competitiveness & Innovation SMEs ICT Innovative products, services and processes Marie Curie Actions SMEs/universities Networks Research/Knowledge Transfer Fellowships LIFE+ Environment Protecting natural Assets / species Strategic / policy Intelligent Energy Europe Energy efficiency Renewable energy sources Energy in transport Integrated initiatives Erasmus for Y. Entrepreneurs Work placements in the successful enterprises Daphne III Justice, freedom and security

110. MARIE CURIE PEOPLE ACTIONS General Overview

111. FP7 Programme 4 Programmes: Cooperation, Ideas, People, Capacities (+ Joint Research Centre + Euratom)

112. 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 prestige

113. 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 actions Such as: ‘Researchers’ Night’ * Open to third-country nationals

114. Applicant Recruited Researcher profile Individual Fellowships Industry & Research Organisations Research Institutions Post- graduates < 4 years ITN Post-doc > 4 years IOF IEF IAPPIRSES Senior post- doc > 10 years IIF CIG

115. IRSES International Research Staff Exchange Scheme

116. 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.

117. 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

118. 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.

119. Typical Activities Joint research Training Joint workshops Seminars Networking Transfer of Knowledge Complementarity and synergies between partners are critical

120. 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 http://ec.europa.eu/research/iscp/index.cfm?lg=en&pg=countries

121. 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)

122. 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)

123. 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 €

124. 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

125. Financial Reporting X No reporting on actual costs, no evidence required √ Results only (scientific and number of person- months exchanged)

126. Proposals received Available BudgetProposals Funded 200873€25M56 2009178€30M107 2010172€31,350M89 2011189€30M85* Statistics * Number of proposals recommended for funding

127. 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

128. Example 3: EASTWESTFOOD The 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

129. 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

130. 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

131. IRSES success rate (2011) 46%

132. APPLICATION PROCESS IRSES

133. IRSES new call for proposal http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal

134. 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

135. Part A A1: Snapshot of your project (complete by the lead partner) A2: Partner Organisations (completed by each participant) A4: Funding request

136. Part B B1: Quality of Exchange Programme (complementarities/synergies) B2: Transfer of Knowledge (mutual benefits) B3: Implementation (management) B4: Impact (collaboration, ERA)

137. IRSES Evaluated criteria and thresholds

138. EVALUATION FEEDBACK IRSES

139. 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

140. 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

141. 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

142. 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

143. 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

144. 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

145. 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

146. 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

147. 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!

148. 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)

149. Useful links EPSS https://www.epss-fp7.org/epss/welcome.jsphttps://www.epss-fp7.org/epss/welcome.jsp IRSES call documents: http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/page/people?c allIdentifier=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 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=allpublication s http://ec.europa.eu/research/iscp/index.cfm?pg=allpublication s WMES: http://www.wmcouncils.gov.uk/west-midlands- european-servicehttp://www.wmcouncils.gov.uk/west-midlands- european-service

150. ITN AND IRSES APPLICATION WORKSHOPS 3 RD NOVEMBER

151. Thank you! Mandy Heard European Funding Adviser m.heard@wmeuropeanservice.eu 0121 245 0185 / 0 7827 894749 www.wmeuropeanservice.org

152. How to become a successful IRSES applicant – a West Midlands perspective Dr Weidong Li Coventry University aa3719@coventry.ac.uk

153. 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

154. 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

155. 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

156. 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.)

157. 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)

158. Example – Complementarities/synergies between the partners

159. Example – Exchange program arrangement

160. 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!

161. 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

162. Thank you