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Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Innovative Training Networks
H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019
Information Event
Wednesday, 16 October 2019University of Reading, London Road Campus, Reading, RG1 5AQ
Programme
• Maximise UK engagement in EU-funded research,
innovation and higher education activities
Mission
• Based in Brussels
• European office of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
• Delivers subscription-based advisory services for
around 150 research organisations in the UK and
beyond
• Provides ERC and MSCA National Contact Point
services on behalf of the UK Government
Our office
About UKRO
UKRO hosts the UK NCPs for:
UKRO National Contact Points
Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Actions
www.ukro.ac.uk/mariecurie
Phone: 0032 2 230 0318
European Research
Council
www.ukro.ac.uk/erc
Phone: 0032 2289 6121
Continued UK Engagement
in Horizon 2020
Brexit
• The referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU took
place on 23 June 2016
• Article 50 was invoked on 29 March 2017; negotiation
period of 2 years
• In April 2019, the UK government reached an agreement
with the EU on an flexible extension until 31 October 2019
• During this extension period the UK will remain a member
of the EU with all the relevant rights and obligations.
This means that the UK will continue to participate in
Horizon 2020 as a member state.
Key facts: UK’s Exit from the EU
• In this extension period, project activity should continue in line with
the existing terms and conditions set out in any EU grant
agreement.
– Beneficiaries should not terminate their agreement with the EU.
• A ratified deal based on the provisions set out in the Withdrawal
Agreement would ensure continued UK participation in Horizon
2020 until the end of the programme and for the lifetime of projects.
• If a Withdrawal Agreement is reached, projects approved during
this period will be able to continue with an uninterrupted flow of EU
funding.
• If the current Withdrawal Agreement is ratified before 31 October
2019, the UK would formally leave the EU on the first day of the
following month.
Horizon 2020 and a Withdrawal Agreement
Guarantee (August 2016)
• UK Government has
committed to underwrite
funding for all successful
competitive UK bids
submitted to EU funding
before exit, even if they are
notified of their success after
exit.
• This guarantee would apply
for the lifetime of projects.
• This will cover the funding for
UK participants in Horizon
2020 projects in no deal-
scenario.
Guarantee Extension (July
2018)
• The UK government post EU
exit Guarantee Extension
would cover funding for
successful competitive UK
bids to EU funding calls open
to third country participants
from the date of exit until end
of 2020.
• The guarantee would cover
the lifetime of their projects,
even if they run beyond 2020
• The government is seeking
discussions with the
European Commission to
agree the details of our
continued participation as a
third country.
Evaluation (August 2019)
• The government has also
committed to ensuring that
all UK applications to relevant
mono-beneficiary calls will
be assessed should the EC
cease to evaluate them.
Guarantee to ensure continuity of funding in a
no-deal scenario (Only in a no-deal scenario)
• The UK Government has issued arrange of technical
notices
– Provides information on the Guarantee, the extension to the
guarantee and where to go for further information.
• For UK participation in Horizon 2020
– ‘Horizon 2020 funding if there's no Brexit deal’ and a dedicated Q&A
document.
• Other notices include:
– EU funded programmes, Nuclear Research, Third Health Programme,
Erasmus+ (and the European Solidarity Corps), Connecting Europe
Facility, LIFE, European Regional Development Funding, and the Rural
Development Programmes
UK Government Official Information
• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has been appointed to
manage the UK government’s guarantee and post-EU exit
extension.
• Registration process is underway
• Check with your own Research Office
– This process is usually manged centrally within universities where there is an
option to upload all grants held via a multiple upload spreadsheet
• UK beneficiaries of Horizon 2020 funding should continue to log
details of their on-going grants on the UKRI Portal.
• UKRI will keep these details on file and would contact UK
beneficiaries in the event that the guarantee would need to come
into effect.
Registering EU Grants on the UKRI Portal
Horizon 2020
Evaluation
Commission Guidance:
“Experts should not
evaluate proposals with
UK participants any
differently than before.”
FAQ on Risk Management
“Speculation will not be
taken into account during
evaluation”
2020 Work
Programme –
Eligibility
“Until the UK leaves the EU, EU law
continues to apply to and within the
UK, when it comes to rights and
obligations; this includes the eligibility
of UK legal entities to fully participate
and receive funding in Horizon 2020
actions such as those called for in this
work programme.
Please be aware however that
the eligibility criteria must be
complied with for the entire
duration of the grant.”
No-deal
Contingency
Action Plan
The Commission
maintains a website with
details of its own no-deal
contingency planning,
which includes dedicated
Brexit preparedness
notices for specific
sectors, legislative
initiatives and other
relevant acts.
EC Guidance relating to Brexit and Horizon 2020
Links to official documents and further information
• UK governments technical notices
https://www.gov.uk/government/co
llections/how-to-prepare-if-the-uk-
leaves-the-eu-with-no-deal
• The Department for Business,
Energy and Industrial Strategy
(BEIS) is responsible for Horizon
2020. Dedicated inbox for specific
concerns
• UKRO factsheet with links to all
major publications available at
www.ukro.ac.uk
• UUK Brexit and Universities page
https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/p
olicy-and-analysis/brexit
What does this mean for the up
coming MSCA Innovative
Training Networks
call?H2020-MSCA-ITN-2020
UK Participation in 2020 ITN Call
Withdrawal agreement
is Ratified
If the UK government finalises a
withdraw agreement (deal) then the
UK will be able to continue to
participate in Horizon 2020, until the
end of Horizon 2020 with the same
rights and responsibilities as a
Member State.
Withdraw Agreement is
not Ratified
(No Deal Brexit)
If the UK does not ratify a withdrawal
agreement before the date of exit and
the UK leaves the EU without a deal
then the understanding is that the UK
will become a third country
participant in Horizon 2020 for the
remainder of Horizon 2020.
• Provided that the minimum eligibility
criteria are met, legal entities
established in a third country may
participate in a ITN as a beneficiary
or as a partner organisation
• Beneficiaries located in a third country
eligible for EC funding, are able to
receives funding on the same terms as
for Member State or Associated
country
Third Country Participation in ITN
• Beneficiaries from a Third Country not eligible to receive EU funding must be endorsed
by the expert evaluators that one of the two conditions are fulfilled:
1. the participation is deemed essential for carrying out the action by the Commission or
the relevant funding body on the grounds that participation by the applicant has clear
benefits for the consortium, such as:
• outstanding competence/expertise
• access to research infrastructure
• access to particular geographical environments
• access to data
2. funding is provided for under a bilateral scientific and technological agreement or any
other arrangement between the Union and the international organisation or, for entities
established in third countries, the country in which the legal entity is established
• Third Country institutions which are unable to fulfil the conditions are encouraged to
participate as partner organisations
Third Country Participation in ITN
Horizon 2020
Marie Skłodowska-Curie ActionsPolicy Context
Horizon 2020 Structure
Excellent Science
European Research Council (ERC)
Future and Emerging Technologies (FET)
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Research Infrastructures
Industrial Leadership
Leadership in Enabling and
Industrial Technologies (LEIT) - ICT, NMBP, Space
Access to Risk Finance
Innovation in SMEs
Societal Challenges
Health and Wellbeing
Food security
Transport
Energy
Climate action
Societies
Security
Widening Participation; Science with and for Society, Mainstreaming of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) and ICT, Fast Track to Innovation
European Institute of Innovation and
Technology (EIT)EURATOM
Joint Research Centre (JRC)
“…contribute to excellent research, boosting jobs,
growth and investment by equipping researchers with
the new knowledge, skills and international and
intersectoral exposure to fill the top positions of
tomorrow and solve current and future societal
challenges...based on the principle of mobility…open
to researchers and innovation staff at all stages…
ensuring good working conditions and work/life
balance…”
2018-20 Work
Programme
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MSCA Policy Priorities
Encouraging people to become researchers and to carry out research in
Europe
Equip researchers with the necessary skills and international experience for a successful career either in the public or
the private sector
Ensure the optimum development and dynamic use of
Europe’s intellectual capital
Generate new skills, knowledge and
innovation
Develop attractive career opportunities
Contribute to excellent research, boosting jobs
Foster innovation, research-business
cooperation, including a strong international
component
Operates in a ‘bottom-up’ basis
Any Research and Innovation ideas (basic research; market uptake)
Mobility (cross-border and cross-sector) is a key requirement
Enhance skills of people behind research and innovation
Strong participation across sectors
Dissemination and public engagement - public outreach
Gender balance – equal opportunities in the research content
MSCA Key Features
Policy context
https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/useful-information/policy-library#document-
collapsible-universities-universities
• A joint declaration on sustainable researcher careers
• Published Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) and the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers (Eurodoc)
• Offers concrete recommendations to empower researchers and secure a globally competitive European Research Area and Higher Education sector
• Published 27 May 2019
Declaration on Sustainable Researcher Careers
• Is a set of general principles and requirements which specifies the roles, responsibilities and entitlements of researchers as well as of employers and/or funders of researchers
• It constitutes a framework for researchers, employers and funders
The European Charter for Researchers
• Set of general principles and requirements that should be followed by employers and/or funders when appointing or recruiting researchers.
The Code of Conduct for Recruitment
Promotion of attractive working and employment
conditions
‘All applicants to the MSCA calls are encouraged to adopt an Responsible
Research and Innovation (RRI) approach into their proposals.’’
What does this mean?
Engaging society
Integrating the gender and ethical dimensions
Ensuring the access to research outcomes
Encouraging formal and informal science education
Responsible Research and Innovation
Report from the Expert Group on Policy Indicators
for Responsible Research and Innovation
Open Science
European Code od Conduct for Research Integrity
MSC Actions
MSCA calls – 2019/20 Call Timetable
Call identifier Publication date Deadline Call Budget
€M
MSCA-ITN-2019
MSCA-ITN-2020
13 September 2018
12 September 2019
10 January 2019
14 January 2020
470
530
MSCA-RISE-2019
MSCA-RISE-2020
4 December 2018
5 December 2019
3 April 2019
28 April 2020
80
80
MSCA-IF-2019
MSCA-IF-2020
11 April 2019
8 April 2020
11 September 2019
9 September 2020
300
328
MSCA-COFUND-2019
MSCA-COFUND-2020
4 April 2019
8 April 2020
26 September 2019
29 September 2020
90
100
MSCA-NIGHT-2020 8 October 2019 9 January 2020 8
Innovative Training Networks
(ITN)An Overview and Introduction to the different modes
Indicative budget €530M (€45M EJD, €40 EID)
Publication date 12 September 2019
Call deadline 14 January 2020
(17:00 Brussels time)
Evaluation of proposals Feb-April 2020
Evaluation Outcome June 2020
Signing of Grant Agreement September 2020
5 m
on
ths
1-stage
submission
Feedback Report
(ESR)
ITN 2020 Call Information
Key MSCA ITN Definitions
Early Stage Researcher (ESR)
• At the time of recruitment (ITN) by the host organisation, must be in
the first 4 years (full-time research experience) of their research
careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree
Academic sector
• Includes universities and higher education institutions (public and
private) awarding degrees, non-profit research institutions (public
and private), and international European interest organisations
Non-academic sector
• Includes any socio-economic actor not included in the academic
sector
• Recruited researchers can be of any nationality
• Must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of
the beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately
before the recruitment date
• Applies to the FIRST beneficiary where the researcher is recruited
• Is determined at the date of the researchers first recruitment
• Date of recruitment: the first day of the employment contract for the
researcher
• Short stays (holidays, conferences) are not taken into account
Mobility rule for Recruited Researchers
• Dedicated to early-stage researchers (ESR)
• Broad partnerships to include both the academic and non-academic sectors
Main Features
• To train a new generation of creative, entrepreneurial and innovative ESR
• Raise excellence and structure research and doctoral training in Europe
• Provide enhanced career perspectives
Aim
• Facilitate triple 'i' dimension of mobility
• international, interdisciplinary, intersectoral
• Create knowledge triangle
• research, education, innovation
• Exchange of best practice amongst participating organisations
Objective
MSCA Innovative Training Network
Researcher level:
• Increased skills; both research-
related and transferable
• Improved employability and
career prospects both in and
outside academia
• Increase in higher impact R&I
output;
• Greater contribution to the
knowledge-based economy
and society
Organisation level:
• Employment of talented, well-
funded researchers in any
research field
• Enhanced cooperation and
stronger networks
• Better transfer of knowledge
between sectors and
disciplines
• Improvement in the quality of
training programmes and
supervision arrangements
• Boosting of R&I capacity
among participating
organisations
• Create new networks and
enhance old ones
• Increased internationalisation
of participating organisations
At system level:
• Increase international,
interdisciplinary and
intersectoral mobility of
researchers in Europe
• Strengthen Europe's human
capital base in R&I
• Better communication of R&I
results to society
• Increase in Europe's
attractiveness as a R&I
destination.
• High quality R&I contributing
to Europe's competitiveness
and growth
Expected Impact
• Why is training the next generation of researchers in
this area important?
– To the research field? To Europe?
• Where will the researchers trained as part of the
project end up working?
– Think about where your past students have gone
• How can you design a programme to maximize the
employability of the researchers?
– What skills will then need when the finish the project?
• How will the project improve the working conditions
of researchers and impact the structure of research
training within Europe?
– Exchange of knowledge and sharing of best practice
Key Questions
• Training through individual research projects
• Network-wide training activities such as seminars, workshops, summer
schools etc. (think beyond the ITN itself)
• Training in key transferable skills such as entrepreneurship,
management, IPR, communication, ethics etc.
• Collaboration and exchange of knowledge within and outside of the the
ITN
• Communication & Dissemination
• Public engagement
Typical Activities
• Participants develop and implement a joint research-training programme
• Minimum: 3 different countries: MS or AC
ETN - European Train Networks
• Universities and non-academic organisations (preferably private sector companies) develop and implement a joint doctoral programme
• Minimum: 2 different countries: MS or AC
EID – European Industrial
Doctorates
• Establishing and implementing a joint doctoral curriculum with double/multiple/joint doctoral awards
• Minimum: 3 different countries: MS or AC
EJD – European Joint Doctorates
ITN Overview
• Additional beneficiaries can be established in MS, AC or TC included in the list of
countries eligible for funding provided in General Annex A to the Work Programme
(see TC exceptional cases below).
• Partner organisations can be established anywhere in the world.
• 40% budget rule
• Maximum 40% of the EU funding allocated to beneficiaries in the same country.
• Exception for EID with two legal entities.
• This is the total budget allocated to a country - not number of person-months.
European Joint
Doctorates (EJD)European Joint
Doctorates
Innovative Training Networks
Common features:
• Can only recruit Early Stage Researchers (no PhD/less than 4 years
experience)
• Maximum project length = 48 months
• Maximum individual ESR contract length = 36 months
• Third country participation optional
European Training
Networks (ETN)
Max:
540 Months of
Researcher Time
Early-Stage Researcher training through a multi-partner, multidisciplinary programme
across academic and non-academic partners.
Funds individual research projects, secondments and network events.
MS/AC
x3(min)
Doctoral
Programme
Optional
Eligibility Requirements:
European Training
Networks (ETN)European Industrial
Doctorates (EID)
Innovative Training Networks
Max:
540 Months of
Researcher Time
Early-Stage Researcher training through a multi-partner, multidisciplinary programme
across academic and non-academic partners.
Funds individual research projects, secondments and network events.
Joint
governance and
joint degree
award
Common features:
• Can only recruit Early Stage Researchers (no PhD/less than 4 years
experience)
• Maximum project length = 48 months
• Maximum individual ESR contract length = 36 months
• Third country participation optional
Eligibility Requirements:
MS/AC(min)
Doctoral
Programme
Mandatory
x3
European Joint
Doctorates (EJD)
European Training
Networks (ETN)
European Joint
Doctorates
Innovative Training Networks
Max:
180 Months of
Researcher Time
Early-Stage Researcher training through a multi-partner, multidisciplinary programme
across academic and non-academic partners.
Funds individual research projects, secondments and network events.
Joint
governance
and
supervision
Eligibility Requirements:
Doctoral
Programme
MandatoryMS/AC
(min)
x2x1
(min)
x1(min)
Academic
Non-Academic
European Industrial
Doctorates (EID)
Common features:
• Can only recruit Early Stage Researchers (no PhD/less than 4 years
experience)
• Maximum project length = 48 months
• Maximum individual ESR contract length = 36 months
• Third country participation optional
European Training Networks
(ETN)
• Max. 540 researcher months (15 ESRs on 36 month contracts)
• Average size: 6-10 beneficiaries (+as many partners as required)
• Expectation of beneficiaries from both academic and non-academic sectors
• Each beneficiary recruits and hosts at least one ESR
• ESR contract length: 3-36 months (project length up to 48 months)
• Enrolment on doctoral programme not mandatory, but if planned PhD awarding bodies
must be at least Partner organisations
• Joint supervision encouraged
• Subject to the 40% budget rule
• Total secondment duration for an ESR no more than 30% of their recruitment
period
European Training Networks (ETN)
ETN – minimum set-up
Max. 540 researcher months
(15 ESRs on 36 month contracts)
40% budget rule applicable
ETN – minimum set-up
Max. 540 researcher months
(15 ESRs on 36 month contracts)
40% budget rule applicable
European Joint Doctorate (EJD)
• Coherent joint doctoral programmes that deliver joint, double or
multiple degrees
• Recommended size: 4-8 beneficiaries
• Max. 540 researcher months (15 ESRs on 36 month contracts)
• Sustainable, lasting doctoral-level cooperation
• Mandatory doctoral enrolment
• Joint selection, supervision, monitoring and assessment of ESRs
through a joint governance structure
• ESRs split stays between beneficiaries to meet requirements of
degree
European Joint Doctorates (EJD)
• Single diploma issued by at least two HEIs offering an integrated programme and recognised officially in the countries where the degree-awarding institutions are located
Joint degree
• Two or more separate national diplomas issued by two or more HEIs and recognised officially in the countries where the degree awarding institutions are located
Double / multiple degrees
EJD - degree options
• The final degree must be awarded by institutions from at least two
different countries
• At least two-thirds of the supported ESRs must be enrolled in a joint,
double or multiple degree within EU MS/AC
EJD – minimum set-up
Max. 540 researcher months
(15 ESRs on 36 month contracts)
Minimum two-thirds must be enrolled in a joint, double or multiple degree within EU MS/AC
Ability to award Joint, Double or
Multiple Doctoral Degrees.
Participation of Non-Academic sector is essential
EJD – minimum set-up
Max. 540 researcher months
(15 ESRs on 36 month contracts)
Minimum two-thirds must be enrolled in a joint, double or multiple degree within EU MS/AC
Ability to award Joint, Double or
Multiple Doctoral Degrees.
Participation of Non-Academic sector is essential
European Industrial Doctorate
(EID)
• Mandatory non-academic beneficiary
• ESRs must be enrolled on a doctoral programme
• Mandatory joint selection, training and supervision by both sectors
• ESR contract length: 36 months expected, can be split between beneficiaries (check
mobility rules and salary implications)
• Max. 180 researcher months (5 ESRs on 36 month contracts)
• ESRs to have minimum 50% time in the non-academic sector:
- at least 20% inter-sectoral mobility must be international
- Total secondment duration for an ESR no more than 30% of their recruitment period
• EID specific table in Section 4 of Part B2 of the proposal to check compliance with EID
requirements (New from 2018)
European Industrial Doctorates (EID)
EID – Minimum Set-up (2 Beneficiaries)
Max. 180 researcher months
(5 ESRs on 36 month contracts)
40% budget rule not applicable
EID – Minimum Set-up (2 Beneficiaries)
Max. 180 researcher months
(5 ESRs on 36 month contracts)
40% budget rule not applicable
EID – Minimum Set-up (3+ Beneficiaries)
Max. 540 researcher months
(15 ESRs on 36 month contracts)
40% budget rule applicable
EID – Minimum Set-up (3+ Beneficiaries)
Max. 540 researcher months
(15 ESRs on 36 month contracts)
40% budget rule applicable
Innovative Training Networks Overview
40% budget rule
• Maximum 40.0% of the EU funding allocated to beneficiaries in the same country.
• Exception for EID with two legal entities.
• This is the total budget allocated to a country - not number of person-months.
Added ValueThe Importance of the Training in an Innovative Training Network
• Multidisciplinary, international, intersectoral consortia
• Joint research and training programme
• Recruit researchers across the consortium – each researcher has
an Individual Research Project
– All projects publish vacancies on EURAXESS.
– Recruitment to employment contracts with full social security.
– Recruited as an employee to institution – student status is secondary
(visa implications).
– Cannot be expected to pay Tuition Fees from Salary
Typical Innovative Training Networks
• Transferable skills training;
– Communication
– Research management
– Societal outreach
– Entrepreneurship
– IPR, Open Science
– Gender
• Exposure to non-academic sector
• Networking events
• Dissemination activities
– Social media
– Conferences
– Initiating/Closing Events
– Public engagement
A typical Innovative Training Network
ESR Career Development
Research and Innovation
Project
Secondments
Dissemination and
Communication
Seminars and Workshops
Visiting Researchers
Summer Schools
• Highly recommended to complement training of ESRs
Secondments in ITN
ETN
Up to 30% of ESR recruitment period
can be on secondment
EJD
No limit on secondment period
EID
Up to 30% of ESR recruitment period
can be on secondment
ESR must spend at least 50% of their
time in non-academic sector
Anywhere in the world – Host must be Beneficiary or
Partner in consortia.
Costs for 6 months or less covered by RTN Unit Cost.
Funding Rules
Researcher unit cost
[person/month] Euros
Institutional unit cost
[person/month] Euros
Living
allowance*
Mobility
allowance
Family
allowance
Research, training
and networking
costs
Management
and overheads
ITN 3270 600 500 1800 1200
ITN Funding
Funding based on unit costs
Multiplied by requested ESR person months
Country-specific correction co-efficient applied to living allowance (UK = 139.83%)
Researcher unit cost
[person/month] Euros
Institutional unit cost
[person/month] Euros
Living
allowance*
Mobility
allowance
Family
allowance
Research, training
and networking
costs
Management
and overheads
ITN 3270 600 500 1800 1200
ITN Funding
Funding based on unit costs
Multiplied by requested ESR person months
Country-specific correction co-efficient applied to living allowance (UK = 139.83%)
Researcher unit cost
[person/month] Euros
Institutional unit cost
[person/month] Euros
Living
allowance*
Mobility
allowance
Family
allowance
Research, training
and networking
costs
Management
and overheads
ITN 3270 600 500 1800 1200
ITN Funding
Automated calculation of budget when ESR months filled into application;
ITN Funding - EU contribution
Researcher Unit Costs (ESR allowances)
• Cover employer + employee contributions;
• National Insurance, statutory pension and tax
• Good practice to explain the final amount paid to the fellows
• Explanation of Exchange Rate
• Required to demonstrate Researcher Unit costs are paid in full to the fellow for the period employed on the project.
Institutional Unit Costs
• Can be moved between beneficiaries or redistributed to partners (as per CA);
• Coordinator usually retains a proportion of management costs
• Should be discussed at proposal stage
• Discuss Budget Early when preparing CA
• Managed by beneficiaries according to usual policies.
• No detailed financial reporting
Institutional Unit Costs
Research Training and Networking
Costs
Cover the cost of research and
training activities on the project
Purchasing of consumables or laboratory costs
Conferences Workshops Networking
Coordination and review meetings
Secondments
Management and Indirect
costs
All general costs connected with the organisation
and implementation of the project
Administrative or financial
management
Logistics, ethics, HR, legal advice, documentation
Institutional Cost Categories
Institutional Unit Costs
Research Training and Networking
Costs
Cover the cost of research and
training activities on the project
Purchasing of consumables or laboratory costs
Conferences Workshops Networking
Coordination and review meetings
Secondments
Management and Indirect
costs
All general costs connected with the organisation
and implementation of the project
Administrative or financial
management
Logistics, ethics, HR, legal advice, documentation
PhD Tuition
fees
ESRs cannot be
expected to pay
fee from salary
Eligible cost
under institutional
costs budget;
Practice varies
(waived/reduced
fees; claimed
fees)
Institutional Cost Categories
• Support for participation of individuals with disabilities whose long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory disabilities inhibit participation in MSCA projects.
Aim
• Open to beneficiaries involved in ITN, RISE, IF or COFUNDEligibility
• A lump sum of maximum value €60,000 per researcher
• Cannot cover costs covered by another source, (social security/health insurance)
Funding
• MSCA Beneficiaries sent a letter with link to the application
• Application includes request details and estimated budget How to Apply
• The 2019 call two cut off periods (April and November)
• Similar timetable and procedure expected for the 2020 call Call Deadline
• Evaluated by expertise in the area of disabilities
• Excellence, Impact and Implementation Evaluation
MSCA Special Needs Lump Sum (SNLS)
Building a Consortium
• FTOP Partner search
• “Projects and Results” on CORDIS
• European Enterprise Network - brings together almost 600
business in over 50 countries
• Domain specific search platforms;
– ICT (Ideal-Ist): http://www.ideal-ist.eu/
– Nanotechnologies: https://www.nmp-partnersearch.eu/index.php
– Pharmaceuticals: https://cloud.imi.europa.eu/web/eimi-pst
– Environment: http://www.irc.ee/envncp/?page=search
– Social Science & Humanities: http://net4society.eu/public/pss.php
• Events, info days, conferences – Existing Networks
How to find partners?
Net4Mobility+ - Expressions of Interesthttps://www.net4mobilityplus.eu/eoi/
Innovative Training Networks - Consortium Roles
Beneficiaries
• Signatory to the Grant Agreement
• Full partner of the network
• Claim costs directly
• Responsible for recruiting, supervising, hosting and training ESRs
• Can also provide secondment opportunities
• Participate in Supervisory Board
Partner organisations
• Do not sign the Grant Agreement
• Do not recruit ESRs
• Do not claim costs directly (through the beneficiary)
• Provide training and host ESRs during secondments
• Participate in Supervisory Board
• Need to provide a letter of commitment!
Mind differences
with other MSCA
schemes, such as
RISE!
• Headed paper
• Signed by a legal representative
• Should be scanned and included in Part B2 (Section 7)
• Evaluators disregard the contribution of partner organisations if no
letter provided
For all ITNs: letters from Partner Organisations only
- Template now provided in Annex 6.a
- Include specifics about role, participation and commitment to the project
For EJD only: letters from Beneficiaries
• From the academic beneficiaries that will award the doctoral degrees
• Signed by a legal representative – a person authorised to commit the
beneficiary to the joint degree programme
ITN Partners – Letter of Commitment
Template provided (Annex 6)
• Mandatory for all ITNs! Concluded in principle before Grant
Agreement signed – deliverable within 2 months of project start
• No official templates, normally prepared by coordinator
• Unofficial templates, based on DESCA 2020 Model Consortium
Agreement:
– LERU template for European Training Networks:
– BAK template for European Training Networks:
• IPR Helpdesk – IP in MSCA Factsheet
ITN Consortium Agreements
REA is not party to
this agreement and
does not verify its
content.
Questions?
Application ProcessSubmitting the Proposal
Indicative budget €530M (€45M EJD, €40 EID)
Publication date 12 September 2019
Call deadline 14 January 2020
(17:00 Brussels time)
Evaluation of proposals Feb-April 2020
Evaluation Outcome June 2020
Signing of Grant Agreement September 2020
5 m
on
ths
1-stage
submission
Feedback Report
(ESR)
ITN 2020 Call Information
Evaluation Panels for ETN
• Chemistry (CHE)
• Social Sciences and Humanities (SOC)
• Economic Sciences (ECO)
• Information Science and Engineering (ENG)
• Environment and Geosciences (ENV)
• Life Sciences (LIF)
• Mathematics (MAT)
• Physics (PHY)
Multidisciplinary Panels
• European Joint Doctorates (EJD)
• European Industrial Doctorates (EID)
Application Process
• Abstract and Descriptors are important!
• No predefined budget allocation among the panels.
• Budget distributed based on number of eligible proposals in each panel
BUT multidisciplinarity
encouraged!
Funding and Tenders Portal
All individuals involved will required
an ‘EU Log-in’ (formally ECAS)
Search Funding Opportunities
Find the ITN
call in 5 clicks!
1
2
4
3
5
All the information you
need, including the guide
for applicants.
Select your ITN Mode
to begin your
application
Proposal Submission
Coordinatorregisters the draft
proposal
• PIC code.
• Acronym and Summary
• Choice of panel.
Coordinatoradds beneficiary
organisations onto the proposal
• PIC codes (at least draft PIC).
• Contacts
Proposal completed
• Part A- Administrative forms
• Part B1/B2 - Upload as pdf.)
Proposal submitted
• Submission system checks
Submit early and often!
Submission System
Adding Participants
• Only Beneficiaries
• Not Partner
Organisations
• This was changed in
2018 but changed back
for the 2019 call
Submission System
Download Part B
template in Word
format.
Upload Part B1
and B2 in .pdf
format.
Edit and update
information in
Part A.
Proposal – Part A (Administrative forms)
Many fields will be pre-populated using
information from both PIC and EU Log-ins.
All other fields to be completed and saved
in the online form.
Only one call specific question – Open
Data Pilot
• Funding based fully on unit costs, multiplied by requested person months
• Automated calculation of budget when secondment months filled into application
• Automatically assumes 50% of family allowance when calculating budget
ITN Budget
30 pages
No Gantt Chart!
Proposal – Part B (Research proposal)
B1
B2
• Two mandatory milestones added during Grant Agreement preparation:
• For EID and EJD projects other specific milestones may be added
Implementation Section - Milestones
Recruitment Process
Complete• Due Month 12
Mid Term Check
• Meeting with REA
• Participation of all Beneficiaries and Partners Required
• Month 13-15
Submit Final Version
- Submit Early
- Submit Often
Register in FTOP
Give Proposal Access
Stick to Formatting
Rules
Present Case
Clearly
Discuss Budget
Proposal Tips
Evaluation and Award
CriteriaA few Statstics
Submission Rates by Panel
Evaluated
proposalsThreshold
Success
Rate
LIF 95.2 7.2%
ENG 94.4 7.8%
PHY 95.2 6.6%
CHE 93.4 6.9%
ENV 92.8 7.3%
SOC 95.2 7.4%
MAT 88.4 6.7%
ECO 92.4 12.5%
EID 92 9.6%
EJD 92.6 9.2%
ITN Call Results
ThresholdSuccess
Rate
93.8 7.3%
93 7.2%
93.6 6%
94 6.3%
95.4 6.4%
97.4 7.4%
85.4 7.7%
98 10%
92 16.5%
94 9.5%
ThresholdSuccess
Rate
94.8 7.8%
91.4 5.5%
94.4 8.1%
95.6 7.1%
95.2 8%
94.2 5.9%
96.2 7.4%
97.4 7.5%
91.4 10.6%
92.8 12.7%
2015 2016 2017
Evaluated
proposalsThreshold
Success
Rate
LIF 96.0 6.6%
ENG 97.2 5.0%
PHY 94.0 6.7%
CHE 96.4 6.9%
ENV 95.0 6.8%
SOC 93.0 9.1%
MAT 94.2 6.1%
ECO 95.8 5.9%
EID 90.8 13.1%
EJD 94.2 11.3%
ITN Call Results
ThresholdSuccess
Rate
95.2 7.6%
94.8 8.0%
93.4 7.4%
96.0 7.5%
97.2 7.4%
95.6 8.1%
96.6 6.3%
91.6 6.3%
92.6 11.8%
93.6 11.7%
2018 2019
MSCA Statistics – On-line Tool
http://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/funded
-projects/horizon-2020-statistics_en
Evaluation ProcessWhat happens after you submit?
Receipt of
proposals
Individual
evaluation
Consensus
group
Panel
ReviewFinalisation
Evaluators
Individual
Evaluation
Reports
(done
remotely)
Consensus
Report
(done
remotely)
Panel
ranked list
Eligibility check
Allocation of
proposals to
evaluators
Cleaned
Evaluation
Summary
Reports
Chairs & Vice-Chairs
Evaluation Process
Individual Evaluation
Report
IndividualEvaluation
Report Individual Evaluation
Report
Consensus group
Consensus Report
Expert Expert ExpertMinimum 3 experts
Individual evaluation
Consensus
Proposal Eligible proposal
Evaluation Process
• Annex 2 to the Guide for Applicants (page 34)
• Grants Manual: Section on submission and evaluation
• MSCA ITN evaluation form – do self-evaluation
Understand Evaluation Process
Part B of your proposal
Evaluation grid
Evaluation and scoring
Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Excellence Impact Implementation
Scored on a scale of 0-5
50% 30% 20%
Weighting
1 2 3
Priority in case of ex aequo
Overall threshold of 70% applies to total score
• Proposals funded in ranking order
• Highly competitive - need to score of 90-95+ depending on the scheme/panel
• Same scores: prioritisation decided by panel, based on scores for award criteria
(weighting above). Further prioritisation based on criteria in line with the WP
(e.g. intersectoral mobility, international co-operation, gender).
• No restrictions on re-application
0 Proposal fails to address the criterion or cannot be assessed due to missing or
incomplete information.
1 Poor. The criterion is inadequately addressed, or there are serious inherent
weaknesses.
2 Fair. Proposal broadly addresses the criterion, but there are significant weaknesses.
3 Good. Proposal addresses the criterion well, but a number of shortcomings are
present.
4 Very Good. Proposal addresses the criterion very well, but a small number of
shortcomings are present.
5 Excellent. Proposal successfully addresses all relevant aspects of the criterion. Any
shortcomings are minor.
Score Descriptors
• Each evaluation is an independent exercise.
• Declare Resubmissions from 2018 or 2019 Call
• Should not make reference to the previous outcome in new proposal
• The evaluators receive a copy of the previous Evaluation Summary
Report at consensus phase
• In case the evaluation markedly differs from the previous evaluation(s),
the evaluators will be instructed to verify that their comments and scores
for the current proposal are duly justified.
• There will be no comparison between proposals.
ITN Resubmissions
ITN Resubmission Data
ITN Call 2014 2015 2016
Total number of eligible ITN proposals 1161 1563 1565
Total number of resubmissions among eligible
proposals316 694 817
Number of funded projects (Main list) 121 106 109
Number of resubmissions among funded projects
(Main list)54 60 66
Resubmissions among funded projects (Main list) - % 44.6% 55.6% 60.6%
Overall ITN success rate (Main list/eligible proposals) 10.4% 6.8% 7.0%
ITN resubmissions success rate (Resubmissions in
Main List/Resubmissions)17.1% 8.6% 8.1%
Total % of resubmissions among submitted proposals 27.2% 44.4% 52.2%
• Resubmission allowed, but no reference to the outcome of previous evaluations in new proposal
• Evaluators' feedback received can be helpful. However, each evaluation is conducted independently
from the previous one
• Look to update your proposals not only with regard to feedback received, but try to improve the quality
of the project as a whole
At least 25% of
newcomers per call
Private –Public
balance
Nationality Balance
GenderExpertise
The Research Executive Agency considers;
Pre-selection of bigger pool, final selection after call closure
Evaluator Guidance Video:
https://ec.europa.eu/info/animated-briefing-independent-experts_en
Expert Selection
Research Domain
Multidisciplinary
PhD Programme
Management
>40% Female 26% Non-academic
Become an Evaluator!
Award CriteriaExcellence, Impact and Implementation
ITN Evaluation Criteria
Excellence
• Quality, innovative aspects and credibility of the research programme
• Quality and innovative aspects of the training programme
• Quality of the supervision
• Quality of the proposed interaction between the participating organisations
Impact
• Enhancing the career perspectives and employability of researchers
• Contribution to structuring doctoral / early-stage research training at the European Level
• Quality of the proposed measures to exploit and disseminate the project results
• Quality of the proposed measures to communicate the project activities
Implementation
• Coherence and effectiveness of the programme of work
• Appropriateness of the management structures and procedures
• Appropriateness of the infrastructure of the participating organisations
• Competences, experience and complementarity of participating organisations and their commitment to the programme
1.1 Quality, innovative aspects and credibility of the research programme (including inter/multidisciplinary and
intersectoral aspects and, where appropriate, gender aspects)
• Be Kind to the evaluator!
• Use diagrams, tables, figures as appropriate to clarify any point
• Ensure the Research Programme and its objectives, metholodogy, approach, originality and innovativeness are clear
• Explain how individual projects integrate into the research programme
• Think about the benefit to Europe of having an ITN in this area
• Use Work Packages that reflect the research objectives
1.2 Quality and innovative aspects of the training programme (including
transferable skills, inter/multidisciplinary and
intersectoral aspects)
• Detailed summary of the training objectives stressing the innovative aspects.
• Training opportunities unique and tailored to particular areas
• Offered on a network-wide scale (or broader where appropairate)
• Emphasise the role of any non-academic organisations in the training and their impact
• Including secondments is highly recommended to increase impact
Excellence
ITN Evaluation Criteria - Excellence
1.3 Quality of the supervision (including mandatory joint
supervision for EID and EJD)
• Qualifications of supervisor(s)
• Numbers of previously supervised fellows
• Numbers of post-docs mentored
• Reference European Charter for Researchers
• Include details of joint supervision - mandatory for EID/EJD;
• How will they complement each other
• Who will be responsible for what aspects
1.4 Quality of the proposed interaction between the
participating organisations
• Contributions of participating organisations with justification, (expertise, geographical location, existing links collaborations)
• Synergies between partners:
• How they complement and enhance each others activities
• Opporunity for researchers to be involved in of linked activities
• Exposure to different sectors orworking outside ‘comfort zones’:
• Learning new techniques
• Developing transferable skills (of benefit to industry)
• Is an explicit evaluation criteria under Excellence
• Equal Opportunities among staff and decision-makers/supervisors
• Gender dimension in research
• Gender dimension in training, project management and networking activities
• Guidance on Promoting Gender Equality
Cross Cutting Issue
• Understanding gender dimension for MSCA projects – video
• H2020 Online Manual – Gender Equality
• GENDER-NET - Promotion Video
• Gender Innovations – Case studies
• Toolkit and Training – How to make research gender sensitive
• European Institute for Gender Equality - Gender Equality in Academia and Research
• Gender Action –webinars on inclusion of gender in H2020 proposals
• H2020 Gender Advisory Group paper – better integration of gender in work programme development
Resources
Gender
Impact
2.1 Enhancing the career perspectives and employability of researchers - contribution to their
skills development
• Explain the impact of the research and training on the Fellows’ careers
• Link research training, transferable skill development and exposure to different sectors
• Think about how the research programme fits into higher level EU policies:
• European Charter for Researchers
• Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers
• European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity
2.2 Contribution to structuring doctoral / early-stage research
training at the European level and to strengthening European
innovation capacity, including the potential for:
• A)Meaningful contribution of the non-academic sector to the doctoral/research training, as appropriate to the implementation mode and research field
• What is their role in the programme and how does it enhance it to be world leading?
• What can the programme offer that other programmes don’t or can’t?
• Make sure the innovative aspects that the non-academic partners bring are emphasised
ITN Evaluation Criteria - Impact
2.1 Enhancing the career perspectives and employability of researchers - contribution to their
skills development
• Explain the impact of the research and training on the Fellows’ careers
• Link research training, transferable skill development and exposure to different sectors
• Think about how the research programme fits into higher level EU policies:
• European Charter for Researchers
• Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers
• European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity
2.2 Contribution to structuring doctoral / early-stage research
training at the European level and to strengthening European innovation capacity, including the potential for:
• B) Developing sustainable joint doctoral degree structures (for EJD projects only)
• How might the programme contribute to developing sustainable collaborative degree structures delivering joint degrees
• Demonstrate further, cross-border integration of EU institutions through the programme
Impact
2.3 Quality of the proposed measures to exploit and
disseminate the project results
• Horizon 2020 obligations to make publications and research data open access
• How will the results be disseminated, which repositories, etc.?
• Data Management Plan
• Plans for Exploitation of results and intellectual property
• Think how, what form of protection, when?
• IPR Helpdesk for MSCA Fact Sheet
2.4 Quality of the proposed measures to communicate the
activities to different target audiences
• Detail the project’s plans for communication of research findings
• Does the project have communication and public engagement strategy? – hint, they probably should!
• Who are the appropriate audiences for these activities?
• What are the appropriate means for these activities?
• Communicating EU R&I Guidance for Project Participants
Implementation
Remember –
No Gantt Chart!
3.1 Overall coherence and effectiveness of the work plan, including appropriateness of the allocation of tasks and resources
• Clear, Concise, Achievable Work Packages
• Research, Management, Training, Dissemination and Communication
• List of major deliverables(including awarding of doctoral degrees where applicable)
• List major milestones – table 3.1c
• Fellows individual projects – table 3.1d
• (incl. awarding of the doctoral degrees for EID and EJD)
3.2 Appropriateness of the management structures and procedures, including quality
management and risk management (with a mandatory joint governing
structure for EID and EJD)
• Explain who will be responsible for what and when will they do it:
• Network organisation and management structure/supervisory board
• Joint governing structure (mandatory for EID and EJD projects)
• Admission, selection, supervision, monitoring and assessment procedures (Joint for EID/EJD)
• Risk management at consortium level
• IPR, Gender, Open Access, Data Management etc.
Implementation
3.3 Appropriateness of the infrastructure of the participating
organisations
• Demonstrate tasks for each participating organisation and appropriateness
• Involvement of HR or Finance support in institutions?
• Narrative to complement factual info in B2 Section 5
• What do the organisations have to offer:
• Laboratories/Office Space, Technical expertise, Workshops, Other facilities
• Refer to the European Charter for Researchers and institutional endorsement
• ‘HR Strategy for Research (HRS4R)’ award - demonstrates competance for recruiting and hosting
3.4 Competences, experience and complementarity of participating
organisations and their commitment to the programme
• Demonstrate complementarity across the network in terms of compatability and coherence between tasks
• Explain the level of commitment of the organisations involved – particularly non-academic sector
• If ‘Third Countries’ not automatically eligible for funding are requesting support, the reasons for this should be detailed here
• Info on Partner Organisations should be consistent with letter of commitment
• Operational capacity of the organisations– Use tables in Section 5 of Part B2 to present factual information – don’t repeat this in B1
– Profile of key staff, description of key infrastructure or technical equipment,
– Partner organisations contributing towards the proposed work
– Different information for Beneficiary and Partner
• Ethics Issues– Self-assessment in Part A and strategy in Section 6 of Part B
– Outside the 10-page limit – provide detailed strategy
– Crucial for all research domains need to identify any potential ethical issues and describe they will be addressed
– If no ethical issues identified explain how you came to this decision
– All proposals considered for funding subject to Ethics Review
– Read the Ethics Self-Assessment Guidelines
• Letters of Commitment– From Partner Organisations - On headed paper and signed with individual with appropriate
authority – template now available (Annex 6a)
– EJD – Mandatory letters from beneficiaries detailing commitment to award appropriate degrees signed by someone with appropriate authority – template available (Annex 6b)
Key Considerations for B2
Evaluator Comments
Strengths• The state of the art, the overview of the action as well as the objectives are clearly formulated and well-
balanced between scientific and training and mobility.
• The research programme is clearly articulated, coherent and relevant regarding the field.
• The individual research projects are sufficiently analysed and in line with the research objectives.
• Qualifications and supervision experience of the supervisors are well evident.
• All participants have established strong synergies in the field.
• The partners interact in actively. The roles of the non-academic partners are well-integrated.
Evaluation Quotes - Excellence
Weaknesses• Innovative aspects of the training are not clearly justified.
• The interaction between academic and non-academic partners is not fully explored.
• Gender aspects of the research approach are not convincingly demonstrated. The information provided
regarding gender issues does not refer to clear provisions translated into concrete measures.
• The allotted time for some of the activities, e.g. the conference, is not sufficiently considered.
• The opportunities to pursue research careers at high profile universities and in well-established private
enterprises are not sufficiently elaborated.
Evaluation Quotes - Impact
Weaknesses
• The impact of the programme on the fellows’ careers beyond the research field is not guaranteed.
• The relevance of complementary skills to enhance careers of the fellows is insufficiently discussed.
• The measures for dissemination of results have been described; however the dissemination plans are
not quantified and no innovative activities are included. The focus on disseminating results within the
small membrane scientific community is not clearly justified.
• Outreach activities towards general public described, but relevance is not clearly discussed.
Strengths
• The potential for meaningful contribution of the non-academic sector is high and credible.
• The dissemination strategy is concrete and appropriate and offers a practical plan on how to share
data resources and results of the project with different target groups like partners, specialists and a
general audience.
• The communication and public engagement strategy are clearly described, using different platforms
and taking advantage of special events like the European Researcher’s Night, which ensure a broad
audience.
• The communication plans include a good number of actions towards the industrial sector.
• Relevant outcomes for the economy and society are adequately outlined.
• Long-lasting collaboration between sectors after the end of the project are foreseen.
Evaluation Quotes - Implementation
Weaknesses
• The procedure for awarding doctoral degrees is not clearly presented.
• The complementarity of the partners is not sufficiently demonstrated.
• Key research facilities, infrastructure and equipment of both beneficiaries are insufficiently detailed
• The timing in the work plan is not convincing
• The management structure is not fully clear. It contains few bodies and relies to a large extent on
individuals instead of boards/committees. The structure supporting this is not clearly explained.
• The scientific milestones and their means of verification are not sufficiently defined.
Strengths
• The listed work packages are well defined with clear deliverables and milestones.
• The individual ESR projects are well structured with well argued and realistic objectives, expected
results, secondments. The secondments are coherent with the objectives.
• The basic principles of the management of the project are clearly formulated: shared responsibility,
joint ownership of data and good communication. The management structure is clear and well
structured with a Supervisory Board that guarantee an adequate balance between scientific and
technological training. The management plan offers a realistic problem-solving mechanism in the event
of disputes between partners with the creation of an External Advisory Committee.
• The progress monitoring mechanisms and evaluation of individual projects are clearly presented.
Avoid the Pitfalls
Open Access
Open Access Obligations in Horizon 2020
Obligation to provide open access when publishing and to
research data (pilot and opt-out available)
GRANT AGREEMENT
ART. 29
(pag. 242)
Open Access Obligations in Horizon 2020
Open Access Obligations in Horizon 2020
Step 1 – Deposit
• In a machine reabable format
• Published Version (content, not layout)
• Upon Acceptance/On Publication- as soon as possible
• This is always requested – even if you publish in an Open Access Journal
Step 2 – Provide Open Access
• Gold is via publisher AND repository, green is just via reopsitory
• In case of Gold, Open access must be on publication
• In case of Green, within a 6 month embargo (12 months for SSH). If publisher requires a longer embargo is not compliant.
Step 3 – Open Access to Metadata
• Must ensure open access to bibliographic metadata that identify the publication.
• Grant Number, action name and acronym, plus the terms European Union (EU) and Horizon 2020 or Euroatom.
• Also need a “persistent identifier” – a stable digital object which identifies the publication and links to an authoritative version (DOI)
Step 4 – Deposit the Research Data
• Deposit the research data necessary to validate the results of the publication
• Ideally in a data repository
• Part of the Open Data Pilot – (Unless have opted out)
Annotated Model Grant Agreement
6.2.D3(pag. 84)
Cost of Open Access
Art. 29.2(pag. 246)
Costs need to be incurred before the end of the project
Open Access Obligations in Horizon 2020
• Data Sharing by default
• Opt Out at an stage if;
Also involves the generation of a Data Management Plan (DMP) – to be a
deliverable in the first 6 months of the project.
Open Access Obligations in Horizon 2020 Access to Data and Data Management
AMGA
ART. 29.3
pag. 248
“As Open as Possible, as Closed as Necessary”
Participation incompatible with
obligation to protect
Participation incompatible with
security obligations
Participation incompatible with
rules on protection of personal data
Participation would mean
projects main aims might not
be achieved
Project will not generate/collect
any data
There are other legitimate
reasons to not take part
Open Access Obligations in Horizon 2020Access to Data and Data Management
Eligible Costs;- Data Curation- Data Storage
- Data Management- Data Steward
ART.29.3
pag. 249
Costs for Open Data
Data Stewardship – Who is managing this?
https://ds-wizard.org/
Data Management Plan
“The coolest things to do with your data will be thought of by someone else” R.Pollock
Organisation
• Naming
• Versioning
• Personal Data
• Ensure Data
Integrity
Legal
Aspects
Long Term
Preservation
Metadata
Backup and
Storage
Ensure FAIR Data
Findable
Accessible
Interoperable
Reusable
Demonstrate Plans
for Open Data
Resources and
Responsibilitie
s
OpenUP Hub
Describes itself as an; “Open, dynamic and collaborative knowledge environment”
Intended to capture, organise, and categorise research outcomes, tools, best practice and guidelines, under the 3 topics above.
Insight from the NCPCommon questions and issues
Top ITN Questions
Proposal Development
• Training the next generation of researchers
• Institutions need to be clear on the what they have to offer
• Make sure all partners are fully integrated and necessity is clear
• Clear expectations – level of involvement, financial contributions
• Partner letters should be requested early
• Remember ALL beneficiaries have management/indirect costs
• Be explicit and offer concrete examples
• Sustainability of the collaboration
• Think about management structure
• Level of Ambition – needs to be ambitious, but realistic
ITN -Insights from an NCP
Implementation
• Ensure communications between EU offices, HR, finance, payroll etc.
• Employment contracts must meet the requirements set in the GA
• Institution/supervisor give continuous support during the fellowship
• Make sure all beneficiaries understand the ESR eligibility criteria
• Ensure all advertisements are sufficient to enable visa entry options
• Be transparent regarding taxes, exchange rate, IP ownership etc.
• Be clear on use of research, training and networking costs
• Remember the Fellows are employees
• Be clear on ownership of small equipment such as laptops
• Have contingences incase of issues between ESR and supervisor
• Clarity of PhD length (beyond 36 months) and funding for extra time
• Ensure ESRs understand obligations to programme and to individual institution
ITN -Insights from an NCP
• Excite the Reader!
• Make the relevance clear
• Explain process and novelty
• Highlight impact
~ Why your project? Why now?
• Used to Allocate Evaluators (with Key Words)
Overall presentation is key!
• Use tables, colours, graphs and schematic representations of concepts &
information you want them to see and understand (this takes time…)
• Check consistency across the whole proposal
• Avoid repetition, highlight key information
Final Proposal Advice
Don’t Forget
the Abstract!
Final Thoughts
Read all Call documentation
Leave Enough Time
Understand Goals and Expectations of Beneficiaries
Consider relevant EU policy documents
Fully appreciate the evaluation criteria
Be Kind to the Evaluators
Ask people to read your proposal
Meet your partners
ITN is not only a research project – training-through-research!
Put yourself in the shoes of the evaluators – make their life easy…
The Guide for Applicants –don’t let it out of your sight!
Key Messages
• EU MSCA website http://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/index_en.htm
• Funding and Tenders Portal - https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/msca-itn-2020
• The Charter and the Code - http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/index.cfm/rights/index
• Euraxess Mobility Portal - http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess
• IPR Help Desk - www.iprhelpdesk.eu
• HR Excellence in Research’ award -http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/index.cfm/rights/strategy4ResearcherOrgs
• Innovation Union - http://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation-union/index_en.cfm
• Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers -http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/index.cfm/rights/codeOfConduct
• European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity -http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/other/hi/h2020-ethics_code-of-conduct_en.pdf
• Ethics in Horizon 2020 http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/docs/h2020-funding-guide/cross-cutting-issues/ethics_en.htm
• Marie Curie Guidance for Outreach (For FP7, but still useful) http://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/documents/documentation/publications/guidelines_en.pdf
Useful Links
Thank You!
Questions?
