Opportunities under FP7 Marie Curie Actions - Host Actions Estelle Kane and Cecilie Hansen UK National Contact Point for MCAs

Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Economic and Social Research Council Medical Research Council Natural Environment Research Council Arts and Humanities Research Council UK Research Office Central Laboratory of the Research Councils

UK Research Office …promotes effective UK participation in EU-funded research programmes, higher education programmes, and other related activities… UKROs Aim Based in Brussels, UKRO: Provides early insight and briefing; Disseminates EU funding opportunities; Provides high quality guidance and training; Exchanges information between the UK and EU

UK Research Office UKRO Services include… Website with information on programmes, FAQs and Guidance Information services – updates (& searchable database) Enquiry service Annual visit from an UKRO European Advisor Specialist training courses and information events Annual conference for European officers Meeting room in Brussels Monthly publication - British Council RTD Insight National Contact Point (Marie Curie and ERC)

Marie Curie NCP - helpdesk Web, , telephone, visits 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

Outline of the session FP7 – Outline of Session Introduction to the Framework 7 Programme Opportunities to support training of early stage researchers: Initial Training Networks Opportunities to support staff exchanges and recruitment of researchers between industry and academia: Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways How to apply and tips on writing your proposals

Introduction to FP7 and the Marie Curie Actions UK NCP for Marie Curie Estelle Kane Cecilie Hansen UK Research Office

Policy Background FP7 is designed to achieve the Lisbon and Barcelona objectives and to complement activities in Member States. Support to the European Research Area Budget of million Complementarity with other EC programmes: Competitiveness and Innovation Education and Training Structural Funds FP7 – Policy Background

EU-27 Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK Associated Countries (FP6) Croatia, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, Serbia EU Countries FP7 – Participation

A. Participation of international organisations and participants from third countries in addition to minimum requirements B. Specific International Cooperation Actions (SICA) require at least four participants: two in MS or AC, two in ICPC International Cooperation Partner Countries (ICPC) listed in Annex 1 of the Work Programme Western Balkans countries Mediterranean Partner countries Eastern European and Central Asian countries Africa Caribbean Pacific Latin America Asia International Co-operation FP7 Participation

ICPC countries FP7 – International cooperation

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

Objectives and Policy Context: Make Europe more attractive to researchers Structuring effect on the European Research Area through transnational and intersectoral mobility in order to create a European labour market for researchers Strengthen human potential by: Encouraging people to become researchers Encouraging researchers to carry out their research in Europe Trans-national and inter-sectoral mobility 4.7 Billion Marie Curie Actions FP7 – People – Marie Curie

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 – People – Marie Curie

Overview of Marie Curie Actions People Specific Programme Host ActionsIndividual Actions Initial Training Networks Industry Academia Partnerships and Pathways Intra- European Fellowships International Incoming Fellowships International Outgoing Fellowships European Reintegration Grants International Reintegration Grants Specific Actions : Marie Curie Awards, Researchers Night

How does this compare to FP6? FP7FP6 Directly transferable?Indirectly transferable? ITNResearch Training Networks, ESTs Series of Events Chairs Lifelong LearningIntra-European, European Re-integration Industry- Academia ToK – Industry-Academia Strategic Partnership Series of Events InternationalIncoming/Outgoing International, International Re-integration Specific ActionsERA-More, EXA, Code and Charter Follow-up FP7 – People – Marie Curie

MCA – Budget breakdown Million FP7 – Marie Curie

MCA - Deadlines Initial Training Networks (ITN)7 May 2007 Two stage application Intra- European Fellowships (IEF) International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) International Outgoing Fellowships (IOF) Call expected 28 February with a closing date of 14 August 2007 European Reintegration Grants (ERG) International Reintegration Grants (IRG) 25 April & 17 October 2007 Industry-Academia Partnerships & Pathways (IAPP) Call expected 28 February with a closing date of 31 May 2007 FP7 – People – Marie Curie

Central to all MC projects The RESEARCHER, their training and mobility In order to assess eligibility (for project or fellowship), it is essential that you consider the following: The minimum or maximum amount of research experience stipulated for the action The transnational mobility requirements for the action FP7 – People – Marie Curie

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

Transnational Mobility Requirements Must not have been resident in host country for more that 12 months in the last 3 years immediately before reference date [time of appointment for ITNs, and IAPP, application deadline for all other actions] Cannot be a national of host country unless European researcher working outside EU for 3 of the last 4 years Dual nationality and have not resided in a country of nationality for the last 5 years International organisation Return and reintegration grants FP7 – People – Marie Curie

Marie Curie Initial Training Networks UK NCP for Marie Curie Estelle Kane Cecilie Hansen UK Research Office

Host Actions ITNs and IAPPs are Host Actions This means: Host institutions/network applies for a number of fellows/researchers Hosts proposal is evaluated Selected host/network advertises fellowship position and selects fellows/researchers Contract duration with host, usually 4 years Fellows stay depending on Action (up to 3 years) FP7 – Marie Curie – Host Actions

What is an ITN? FP7 – Marie Curie - ITN An ITN aims to : Strengthen Early Stage Training at EU level Attract people to scientific careers Improve career perspectives by development of broad skills (including needs of industry)

What is an ITN? FP7 – Marie Curie - ITN By: Offering a series of fellowships to ESR and EXR through a Joint Training Programme including complementary skills modules And, as an option, hold short training events open to researchers outside the network ITNs are in: Defined scientific fields as well as inter-disciplinary, new and emerging supra-disciplinary fields

Who can participate in an ITN? FP7 – Marie Curie - ITN At least 3 different research groups from Member or Associated States, of which 2 must be Member or Candidate Countries BUT ALSO it can be single or twin sites (in Member or Associated States) if the international context is strong Third country partners are eligible, in addition to the minimum requirements. International Co- operation Partner Countries (ICPC) may receive funding, whilst those in non-ICPCs may receive funding if absolutely essential for the project

Who participates in an ITN? FP7 – Marie Curie - ITN An ITN has both industrial and academic partners. Industry must be in involved at one of three levels: As a full partner Provider of specific training or secondment opportunities On the Advisory Board An ITN must have Coherent quality standards and mutual recognition of training/ diplomas

Who can you recruit to an ITN? FP7 – Marie Curie - ITN An ITN supports researchers: With up to 5 years FTE From all over the world For periods of months (ESRs) For periods of 2 – 24 months (EXRs) As well as visiting scientists (optional) To carry out teaching and supervisory work For a period of at least 1 month

Definition of Fellows Allowances These are all flat rates Living Basic salary Varies according to research experience Mobility Relocation costs including language courses Varies according to family situation Travel Every 12 months travel from location of origin to fellowship location Career exploratory Fellowships at least 1 year to spend on career development activities FP7 – Marie Curie - Allowances

Community Contribution - ITNs Includes: Salary costs (living, mobility, travel and career exploratory allowance) Contribution to research costs, networking and organisation of conferences Contribution to management costs An overhead FP7 – Marie Curie - Money

Researcher Salaries for ITNs ExperienceStipend (/yr) Employment contract (/yr) Early-Stage researchers 16,90033,800 Experienced researchers (< 5yrs) 26,00052,000 Visiting Scientist ( yrs experience) 33,80067,600 VS (> 10 yrs experience) 50,700101,400 FP7 – Marie Curie - Rates Salaries are inclusive of all compulsory deductions Correction factor applied for cost of living (UK Coefficient 110.2%)

Travel costs – depending on distance Mobility allowance Without family: 500 per month With family: 800 per month Correction factor applied for cost of living Career Exploratory allowance 2000 for stays of more than one year Training / research costs of eligible researchers (ITNs only) Lab-based research: 600 per month Non-lab-based research: 300 per month FP7 – Marie Curie - Rates Allowance rates

Benefits for the institution - ITN Research Training 600 (ITN) per month Organisation of international conferences etc 300 per researcher per day for those outside ITN Management Activities maximum 7% (ITN) of the total EC contribution Contribution to overheads 10% of direct costs except for subcontractors Other types of eligible expenses N/A FP7 – Marie Curie - Rates

Marie Curie Industry Academia Pathways and Partnerships UK NCP for Marie Curie Estelle Kane Cecilie Hansen UK Research Office

What is an Industry–Academia Pathways and Partnership? FP7 – Marie Curie - IAPP It is a two-way partnership with at least one commercial enterprise and one academic organisation in two different Member or Associated Countries An IAPP aims to increase industry-academia co-operation by: Supporting the creation, development, reinforcement and execution of strategic partnerships Creating diverse career possibilities and experience for researchers Knowledge sharing/cultural exchange, especially SMEs Aiming for longer term co-operation between both sectors

What can you do with an IAPP? FP7 – Marie Curie - IAPP Recruit experienced researchers for between 2 months and 2 years Staff exchange – early stage or experienced researchers (and possibly technical staff and research managers!) for between 2 months and 2 years Organise common workshops/conferences Inter-sectoral mobility possible, within framework of whole project, in same country up to a maximum of 30% of total researcher months For SMEs, a contribution towards small equipment costs (up to 10% of project total)

Activities - Industry–Academia Pathways and Partnerships NEW RECRUITS Host 1 Industry /Academia Host 2 Academia/ Industry Member/ Associated State 1 Member/ Associated State 2 FP7 – Marie Curie - IAPP

Community Contribution Includes: Salary costs (living, mobility, travel and career exploratory allowance) Contribution to research costs, networking and organisation of conferences Contribution to management costs Other eligible costs possible [for SMEs only in IAPPs] An overhead FP7 – Marie Curie - Money

Researcher Salaries for IAPPs ExperienceStipend (/yr) Employment contract (/yr) Early-Stage researchers 16,90033,800 Experienced researchers (4 – 10 yrs) 26,00052,000 ER (> 10 yrs experience) 38,00078,000 FP7 – Marie Curie - Rates Salaries are inclusive of all compulsory deductions Correction factor applied for cost of living (UK Coefficient 110.2%)

Travel costs – depending on distance Mobility allowance Without family: 500 per month With family: 800 per month Correction factor applied for cost of living Career Exploratory allowance 2000 for stays of more than one year Training / research costs of eligible researchers (ITNs only) N/A FP7 – Marie Curie - Rates Allowance rates - IAPP

Benefits for the institution - IAPP Research Training 800 (IAPP) per month Organisation of international conferences etc 300 per researcher per day for those outside IAPP Management Activities maximum 3% (IAPP) of the total EC contribution Contribution to overheads 10% of direct costs except for subcontractors Other types of eligible expenses For SMEs only, up to 10% of total community contribution (IAPP only) FP7 – Marie Curie - Rates

How to apply for a Marie Curie Action UK NCP for Marie Curie Estelle Kane Cecilie Hansen UK Research Office

Proposal Submission All submission is online Contact the EC if there are compelling reasons for why you are unable to submit online Electronic Proposal Submission Service (EPPS) should be available at least a month before the deadline In the meantime, use the templates in the Guide for Applicants Two-stage submission for ITNs Stage 1: 7 May [address 2 criteria] Stage 2: 25 September [full proposal] One-stage submission for IAPPs Deadline likely to be 31 May !! MEET THE DEADLINE !! FP7 – Marie Curie – How to apply

Process Overview FP7 – Marie Curie – How to apply Call One/two stage e-submission Eligibility Check Individual Evaluation Consensus Panel Review Feedback (ESR) Commission Ranking Negotiation of Proposals

Who evaluates? Selected from a wide pool from a database Minimum 3 evaluators per project Selected per call Replace about ¼ in any given area annually Sign confidentiality and conflict of interest declarations Names published after evaluation (though not a call or proposal level) Target at least 40% female Mix of geographical location and background To register: FP7 – Marie Curie – How to apply

Key documents FP7 – Marie Curie – How to apply Call FicheFocus People Work Programme Guide for ApplicantsPreparation & submission EPSS Guide Rules on Submission and Evaluation, Guide for Evaluators Background Model grant agreement Financial, negotiation, reporting and IPR guidelines FP7, People Specific Programme Text Other policy documents e.g. Mobility Strategy, Charter and Code

Proposal Submission Forms Part A Set of forms on administrative information about the proposal and the proposers (pre- prepared form), and general budget information (e.g. number of researchers) Part B Free-text description of the research project; Series of headings and explanatory notes based on the evaluations criteria; Limits on font size, size of PDF file FP7 – Marie Curie – How to apply

Who submits? Technically co-ordinator manages the proposal application by Obtaining a user-name and password Co-ordinating completion of A Forms for each participant Co-ordinating drafting of Part B Pressing the SUBMIT button! Prepare application on-line before deadline date FP7 – Marie Curie – How to apply

Tips on writing your MCA proposals UK NCP for Marie Curie Estelle Kane Cecilie Hansen UK Research Office

Your project is mainly defined in …. …PART B of the proposal forms 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

What does the Commission want to see? A project that matches their objectives Marie Curie – Whats required

ITNs Remember ITNs is two-stage submission Stage 1: S & T Quality Training/Transfer of Knowledge Stage 2: S & T Quality Training/Transfer of Knowledge Implementation Impact FP7 – Marie Curie – Your Proposal

Planning your proposal writing In planning, have an understanding of: 1.Overall objective of an ITN 2.All 4 criterion: science, training, implementation and impact 3.Financial issues 4.Role of participants FP7 – Marie Curie – Your Proposal

Weightings and thresholds for ITNs WeightingThreshold Scientific quality of the project Stage 1: 50% Stage 2: 30% 3 Training and/or TOK activities Stage 1: 50% Stage 2: 30% 4 ImplementationStage 2: 20%3 ImpactStage 2: 20%n/a Overall threshold of 70% applies FP7 – Marie Curie – ITNs

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 FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

S & T Quality tips Science is well specified and relevant Cutting edge research – setting it apart from the competition and clear Each specific aim is well supported Innovative element is clear Clear potential of the research Size of network References Unclear research methodologies FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

Training criteria Quality of the training programme; Consistency with the research programme Complementary skills offered: Management, Communication, IPR, Ethics, Grant writing, Commercial exploitation of results, Research Policy, entrepreneurship, etc.. Importance and timeliness of the training needs (e.g. multidisciplinary, intersectoral, and newly emerging supra-disciplinary fields) FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

Training criteria a) For multi-site proposals: Adequate combination of local specialist training with network-wide training activities b) For mono-site proposals: Adequate exploitation of the international network of the participants for the training programme Appropriateness of the size of the requested training programme with respect to the capacity of the host FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

Quality of training - tips Impact of training is clear, including for both short and long term fellowships Training programme is clear and well described Profile of researchers well described Several methods of training Detailed and exhaustive (credible activities) Detail on collaborations between ESR and ER Flexible, adaptable and well monitored Balance of training across partners Conferences and training courses part of training package FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

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 etc Any other suggestions? FP7 - Marie Curie – ITN criteria

Weightings and thresholds for IAPPs WeightingThreshold Scientific quality of the project 25%3 Training and/or TOK activities 20%3 Implementation25%3 Impact30%n/a Overall threshold of 70% applies FP7 – Marie Curie – IAPP

S & T Quality S&T objectives of the research programme, including in terms of intersectoral issues Scientific quality of the research programme Scientific quality of the joint collaborative research programme Appropriateness of the research methodology Originality and innovative aspect of the research programme. Knowledge of the state- of-the-art FP7 - Marie Curie – IAPP criteria

Training Quality of the transfer of knowledge programme Consistency with the research programme. Importance of the transfer of knowledge in terms of intersectorality Adequacy of the role of researchers exchanged and recruited from outside the partnership with respect to the transfer of knowledge programme. FP7 - Marie Curie – IAPP criteria

Implementation Capacities (expertise / human resources/ facilities /infrastructures) to achieve the research and exchange of know-how and experience Complementarities between the partners and its relevance in the research project Appropriateness of the plans for the overall management of the training programme (demarcation of responsibilities, rules for decision making, etc.) Clarity of the recruitment strategy (including time table), based on competitive international recruitment and incorporating an equal opportunity policy. Coherence of the conditions of recruitment and employment with the principles of the "Code of Conduct for the recruitment of researchers" FP7 - Marie Curie – IAPP criteria

Implementation Clarity in the lay out of IPR issues linked to this collaboration Adequate exploitation of complementarities and synergies among partners in terms of transfer of knowledge Appropriateness of the size of the requested training programme with respect to the capacity of the host How essential is non-ICPC Third Country participation, if any, to the objectives of the research training programme Relevance of the proposed partnership to the area of collaboration FP7 - Marie Curie – IAPP criteria

Implementation - tips The match of the targeted researchers profile to the knowledge transfer is clear Recruitment processes and coordination between partners are well specified Mention adherence to principles of Code of Conduct of the Recruitment of Researchers Detailed management processes and plan Clear that an experienced team is in place for managing project FP7 - Marie Curie – IAPP criteria

Implementation - tips High level commitment from the host institutes and its collaborating partners. The practical arrangements for the implementation of the joint research programme and the management structure are described, including the sharing of intellectual property rights. The host provides accommodation, and visiting positions will be properly advertised FP7 - Marie Curie – IAPP criteria

Impact Provision to develop new intersectoral and lasting collaboration Strategy for the dissemination and facilitation of sharing of knowledge and culture between the participants and external researchers (including international conferences, workshops, training events). Extent to which SMEs contribute to the project. In case of SMEs participation: Adequacy of the available infrastructures for the performance of the project. In case extra equipment is requested, necessity and justification in the context of the partnership. FP7 - Marie Curie – IAPP criteria

Impact - tips Long term and stable integration of the partnership beyond the IAPP contract Mutual balance in expertise Well balanced between different R & D activities FP7 - Marie Curie – IAPP criteria

MCA - Deadlines Initial Training Networks (ITN)7 May 2007 two stage application Intra- European Fellowships (IEF) Incoming International Fellowships (IIF) Outgoing International Fellowships (OIF) Call expected 28 February with a closing date of 14 August 2007 European Reintegration Grants (ERG) International Reintegration Grants (IRG) 25 April & 17 October 2007 Industry-Academia Partnerships & Pathways (IAPP) Call expected 28 February with a closing date of 31 May 2007 FP7 – People – Marie Curie

Other Opportunities through MCAs Support your recruitment strategy; research training strategy; knowledge transfer strategy; career development strategy; European or International collaboration strategy By Supporting applications for short or medium term secondments on FP6 (and FP7) host actions such as Research Training Networks, Host Fellowships for Early Stage Researcher Training and Transfer of Knowledge Actions Supporting applications for post-doctoral individual fellowships (more later this afternoon) FP7 – Marie Curie

Links UK National Contact Point for Marie Curie CORDIS The Charter and the Code UK HE Sector analysis: European Researchers Mobility Portal Marie Curie Vacancies Queries FP7 – People – Marie Curie