Opportunities under FP7 Marie Curie Actions - Individual Actions Cecilie Hansen and Estelle Kane UK National Contact Point for MCAs mariecurie-uk@bbsrc.ac.uk http://www.ukro.ac.uk

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

UKRO’s Aim UK Research Office …promotes effective UK participation in EU-funded research programmes, higher education programmes, and other related activities… UK Research Office 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

UKRO Services include… Last year 1162 articles covering EU funding opps, news and insights into policy 105 visits to subscribers 738 visitors in Brussels 727 interactions with Commission officials, MEPs and other key contacts in Brussels 9 training events 18 events on mobility and fellowships UKRO Services include… Website with information on programmes, FAQs and Guidance http://www.ukro.ac.uk - Information services – email 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) UK Research Office

Marie Curie NCP - helpdesk Web, email, 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 UK Research Office – MC NCP

FP7 – Marie Curie – Introduction Overview of session Opportunities to support post-doctoral researchers: Marie Curie Individual Fellowships and the International Dimension How to apply and tips on writing your proposals Round-up and Close FP7 – Marie Curie – Introduction

Framework Programme 7 UK NCP for Marie Curie Estelle Kane Cecilie Hansen UK Research Office http://www.ukro.ac.uk

Policy Background FP7 – 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 €50 521 million Complementarity with other EC programmes: Competitiveness and Innovation Education and Training Structural Funds FP7 – Policy Background

EU Countries FP7 – Policy Background EU-27 Associated Countries (FP6) 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 FP7 – Policy Background

ICPCs FP7 – International cooperation

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

FP7 – Marie Curie Actions 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 FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

FP7 – Marie Curie Actions 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

Overview of Marie Curie Actions Host Actions Individual Actions Initial Training Networks Industry Academia Partnerships and Pathways Intra- European Fellowships Incoming International Fellowships Outgoing International Fellowships European Reintegration Grants International Reintegration Grants FP7 – Marie Curie Actions Specific Actions: Marie Curie Awards, Researcher’s Night

FP7 – Marie Curie Actions MCA – Budget breakdown FP7 – Marie Curie Actions € Million

FP7 – Marie Curie Actions 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 – Marie Curie Actions

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 – Marie Curie Actions

FP7 – Marie Curie Actions Key Changes from FP6 Individual Fellowships Must have PhD or 4 years experience at time of application (no 8 months rule) International Reintegration Grants Must not be employed in research in a Member State or Associated Country at time of application FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

FP7 – Marie Curie Actions Individual Actions Researcher applies jointly with host Length of stay depending on Action Reintegration Phase Mandatory for International Outgoing Fellowships Optional for International Incoming Fellows (if the fellow is from an international co-operation partner country (ICPC)) Fellow who withdraws cannot be replaced FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

Definition of researchers Early-Stage Researchers 0 - 4 years (FTE) from obtaining degree that qualified them to embark on a doctorate Experienced Researchers in possession of a PhD or 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 application deadline (for individual 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 – Marie Curie Actions

Individual Fellowships Aimed at ‘Experienced Researchers’ Skills diversification Three categories: Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) International Outgoing Fellowships (IOF) FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

Intra-European Fellowships EU Member or Associated State National or Third Country national if in EU for at least 4 of the last 5 years 12 – 24 months in a different EU Member State or Associated Country Resuming a career in research Individual applies with host Attaining or strengthening professional independence Skills diversification FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

International Outgoing Fellowships EU Member or Associated State Nationals only 24 – 36 months in total of which 12 -24 months in third country followed by mandatory reintegration phase in European host institutions Individual applies with host Acquiring new knowledge in the third country – bringing it back to the EU/AS Contract is between European host institution and Commission for duration of fellowship Mandatory return phase of 1 year FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

International Incoming Fellowships Third Country nationals only 12 – 24 months incoming phase in EU/AS Possible 1 year reintegration for nationals from ICPC Individual applies with host Contract between European host institution and EC for incoming phase, and between third country host and EC for reintegration / return Knowledge-sharing Mutually-beneficial research co-operation FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

FP7 – Marie Curie Actions European Re-integration Grants (Re)-integration into research career following a period of transnational mobility Applicants must have already benefited from a Marie Curie fellowship under FP6 or FP7 - 18 months minimum FTE The European Re-integration Grant: Supports a research project of 2- 3 years Contributes to the research costs Researcher applies with host institution Start within 12 months of your fellowship end FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

FP7 – Marie Curie Actions International Re-integration Grants Integration into research career in Europe following a period of transnational mobility outside Europe for at least 3 years Contribute to development of lasting co-operation with scientific community of the third country from which they have returned No requirement to have benefited from MCA previously The International Re-integration Grants Support a research project of 2- 4 years Contributes to the research costs Researcher applies with host institution Host commits to researcher for at least 3 years Must not be employed in research in EU at time of application FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

Overview of Marie Curie Actions Any questions? FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

Financial Issues UK NCP for Marie Curie Estelle Kane Cecilie Hansen UK Research Office http://www.ukro.ac.uk

Community Contribution Benefits for the researchers Living allowance Mobility allowance Travel allowance Career exploratory allowance Benefits for the institution Contribution to research costs Contribution to management costs Other eligible costs possible Indirect costs (overheads) FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

FP7 – Marie Curie Actions Researcher Salaries Experience Employment contract Early-Stage researchers €33,800 Experienced researchers €52,000 (more than 10 years experience) €78,000 FP7 – Marie Curie Actions Salaries are inclusive of all compulsory deductions Correction factor applied for cost of living (UK Coefficient 110.2%)

Individual fellow allowances Travel costs – depending on distance € 250 - €2500 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 Lab-based research: € 800 per month Non-lab-based research: €500 per month FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

Benefits for the institution Management Activities maximum 3% of the total EC contribution Contribution to overheads 10% of direct costs except for subcontractors Other types of eligible expenses ERG: Fixed amount € 15000 per researcher per year IRG: Fixed amount € 25000 per researcher per year FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

Contribution to the researcher – example Activities carried out by the researcher: Researcher with family, going from Lisbon to Paris for two years with an Intra-European Fellowships: Living Allowance: 52 000 * 2yrs = € 104 000 Mobility Allowance: 800 * 24 months = € 19 200 Correction factor = 91 % 123 200 * 91% = € 112 112 Career exploratory allowance: € 2000 Travel costs: 500 * 2 yrs = € 1000 Total contribution to the researcher = € 115 112 Research costs (Lab-based) 800 * 24 = € 19200 Total community contribution € 134 312 FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

Submission and Evaluation UK NCP for Marie Curie Estelle Kane Cecilie Hansen UK Research Office http://www.ukro.ac.uk

MCA – Submission & Evaluations Proposal Submission All submission done 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 from 17 March Meet the deadline! MCA – Submission & Evaluations

MCA – Submission & Evaluations Outline of the Process Call fiche Published Proposal submitted Evaluation Process Notification Of results Contract negotiation signature Project Start MCA – Submission & Evaluations

Individual Evaluation Evaluation Process Proposal Rejection Eligibility Individual Evaluation MCA – Submission & Evaluations Consensus Ethical Issues Rejection Thresholds Ranking by Commission Negotiation Rejection Negative Result Commission Funding Decision

MCA – Submission & Evaluations Proposal Submission All submission done 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 from 17 March Meet the deadline! MCA – Submission & Evaluations

Proposal Submission Forms Part A Set of forms on administrative information about the proposal and the proposers (pre-prepared form) 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 MCA – Submission & Evaluations

Evaluation of proposals Evaluation by competent experts in the field Need to address all of the issues to maximise scores Total score is 100% Overall threshold (70%) Some criteria have a threshold Each area is weighted Science counts for 25% You must focus on the objectives of the activity to be successful MCA – Submission & Evaluations

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

European Charter and Code The RCUK/UUK provided a UK HE sector analysis of the European Charter and Code against current UK guidelines and employment law The analysis indicates there are no major barriers to UK HEIs wishing to adopt the Charter and Code in a more formal way, Advise acknowledging adherence to the Charter and Code in all applications MCA – Submission & Evaluations

Maximising Your Chances of Success - Individual Fellowships UK NCP for Marie Curie Estelle Kane Cecilie Hansen UK Research Office http://www.ukro.ac.uk

What does the Commission want? A project that matches “their” objectives Marie Curie – What’s required

Individual Fellowships – Part B Other issues FP7 – People – Marie Curie 3/5 S & T Quality 25% 3/5 No thresholds for IIF Training & knowledge transfer 15% Researcher 25% 3/5 Implementation 15% No threshold Impact 20% No threshold Overall threshold 70%

FP7 – People – Marie Curie MCA – S&T Quality Sub-criteria 3/5 25% Scientific/technological quality, incl any interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary aspects of the proposal Research methodology Originality & innovative nature of project, and relationship to ‘state of the art’ Timeliness and relevance of project Host scientific expertise in the field Quality of the group / supervisors FP7 – People – Marie Curie

FP7 – People – Marie Curie MCA – Training Sub-criteria 3/5 15% No threshold for IIFs Clarity and quality of the research training objectives for the researcher Relevance & quality of the additional scientific training & complementary skills offered Host expertise in training experienced researchers in the field & capacity to provide mentoring / tutoring FP7 – People – Marie Curie

IEF/IIF/IOF Tips– Training (1) Positive feedback: Clear assignment of scientists responsible for the training Contemplates training courses specifically designed for postdoctoral fellows. Research training objectives are clearly identified and described Both participants will benefit from their mutual collaboration, not only through direct joint work, but also through the interaction with the whole research group Marie Curie – Evaluation Criteria

IEF/IIF/IOF Tips – Training (2) Negative Feedback A research project with no training element The host asserts skills without presenting convincing evidence of competence The range of techniques described would clearly be valuable to the researcher, but the lack of detailed description does not inspire confidence in the quality of training available. Marie Curie – Evaluation Criteria

FP7 – People – Marie Curie MCA – Researcher Sub-criteria 3/5 25% Research experience Results including patents/publications/teaching Independent thinking & leadership qualities Match between the fellow’s profile and research Potential to acquire new knowledge EIFs: Potential for reaching a position of professional maturity FP7 – People – Marie Curie

IEF/IIF/IOF Tips - Researcher Work experience (in research) Industrial experience and expertise Transferable skills Prizes, Awards, Lectures etc Research potential Independent thinking and leadership qualities Match between fellow’s profile and project Cross and multi-disciplinary experience Give evidence of statements Referee assessment Marie Curie – Evaluation Criteria

IEF/IIF/IOF Tips - Researcher Positive Feedback: Clear evidence of research experience and potential Clear evidence of leadership qualities Potential to acquire new knowledge is high Good references Clear list of Prizes, Awards, Lectures, etc Negative Feedback: CV lacks data on record Limited experience as has only been at one University Limited experience or technical skills related to project References were similar and from one institution Marie Curie – Evaluation Criteria

FP7 – People – Marie Curie MCA – Implementation Sub-criteria No threshold 15% Quality of infrastructure / facilities & international collaborations of host Practical arrangements for implementation & management of scientific projects Feasibility & credibility of project, including work plan Practical & administrative arrangements & support for hosting fellow FP7 – People – Marie Curie

IEF/IIF/IOF Tips - Implementation (1) Does the host institution have the infrastructure required for the project – and will the researcher have access to it? Have you thought about how the project will be implemented in practice? What support is the host providing for the fellow? (e.g. resources for helping the fellow settle in; access to language courses) Marie Curie – Evaluation Criteria

FP7 – People – Marie Curie MCA – Impact Sub-criteria No threshold 20% Potential of acquiring competences during fellowships to improve prospects of reaching and / or reinforcing a position of professional maturity, diversity & independence, in particular through exposure to complementary skills training Contribution to the career development, or re-establishment where relevant FP7 – People – Marie Curie

IEF/IIF/IOF – Impact (1) For international fellowships : potential for creating long term collaborations and mutually beneficial co-operation between Europe and the third country For incoming fellowships : contribution to the socio-economic development of the Developing Countries or emerging and transition economies by transfer of knowledge and human capacity building (where appropriate) Contribution to European excellence and European Competitiveness Marie Curie – Evaluation Criteria

Maximising Your Chances of Success - Reintegration Grants UK NCP for Marie Curie Estelle Kane Cecilie Hansen UK Research Office http://www.ukro.ac.uk

Reintegration Grants – Part B Other issues FP7 – Marie Curie Actions 3/5 S & T Quality 30% 3/5 No thresholds for ERG Researcher 30% Implementation 20% No threshold Impact 20% No threshold Overall threshold 70%

FP7 – Marie Curie Actions MCA – S&T Quality Sub-criteria 3/5 30% Scientific/technological quality, incl any interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary aspects of the proposal Research methodology Originality & innovative nature of project, and relationship to ‘state of the art’ Timeliness and relevance of project FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

FP7 – Marie Curie Actions MCA – Researcher Sub-criteria 3/5 30% Research experience Scientific and technological quality of previous research Independent thinking & leadership qualities Match between the fellow’s profile and research FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

FP7 – Marie Curie Actions MCA – Implementation Sub-criteria No threshold 20% Quality of host organisation, including adequacy of infrastructures / facilities Practical arrangements for implementation & management of scientific projects Feasibility & credibility of project, including work plan Practical & administrative arrangements & support for hosting fellow FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

FP7 – Marie Curie Actions MCA – Impact Sub-criteria No threshold 20% Potential of transferring knowledge to host Capacity to develop lasting cooperation (with previous country / third country) Potential & quality of lasting professional integration (Expected length of work contract, expected career development) ERG: benefit to the career of the researcher from the period of reintegration IRG: contribution to scientific excellence by attracting a first class researcher FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

Hints & Tips UK NCP for Marie Curie Estelle Kane Cecilie Hansen UK Research Office http://www.ukro.ac.uk

Approaching your project proposal writing Work with your supervisor Keep the Guide for Applicants in front of you Treat the criteria as examination questions Think about the way your write Brainstorm each section Then focus on a section at a time Plan your proposal writing FP7 –Marie Curie – Hints & Tips

Approaching your project proposal writing It will feel repetitive – addressing issues from different angles Stick to the page limit Think about your evaluators Clearly address the main objectives Use clear and concise language Explain country specific jargon Provide them with the evidence they need Find colleagues to read it through FP7 –Marie Curie – Hints & Tips

General points on a good proposal – FP6 experience Meet the deadline Characteristics of success / failure 90%+ well detailed, excellent and clear training programme and great science of clear EU wide benefit and potential in a new area 80-90% good project, lacking some detail on training, evaluating output and perhaps clashes with existing programmes 70-80% Some obvious omissions, consortium design needs adjusting, some science issues not addressed, concerns over transfer of knowledge 60 - 70% Serious omissions, lack of detail, poor management plans, no milestones, consortium partners too similar FP7 –Marie Curie – Hints & Tips

Overview of Marie Curie Actions Any questions? FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

FP7 – Marie Curie Actions Further Information UKRO NCP website: http://www.ukro.ac.uk/mariecurie/index.htm Queries on the schemes: 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