Marie Curie Individual Fellowships (IEF, IOF, IIF) and Reintegration Grants (RG)

1. Marie Curie Individual Fellowships (IEF, IOF, IIF) and Reintegration Grants (RG) Dr Dagmar Meyer Marie Curie National Contact Point University of Limerick, 19th May 2009 www.iua.ie

2. Marie Curie Actions Individual actions in FP7 Other opportunities within the Marie Curie programme Hints for the proposal preparation Evaluation criteria Things to keep in mind Outline of the presentation An Irish Universities Association Presentation

3. Overview of the Marie Curie Actions Initial training of researchers Marie Curie Initial Training Networks (ITN) Life-long training and career development Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) European Reintegration Grants (ERG) Co-funding of regional/national/international programmes (COFUND) Industry-academia pathways and partnerships MC Industry-Academia Pathways and Partnerships Scheme (IAPP) International dimension MC International Outgoing and Incoming Fellowships (IOF / IIF) MC International Reintegration Grants (IRG) International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES) Specific actions Researchers’ Night (NIGHT), other specific actions An Irish Universities Association Presentation

4. “Life-long Training and Career Development” Intra-European Fellowships for Career Development (IEF) European Reintegration Grants (ERG) “International Dimension” International Outgoing Fellowships (IOF) International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) International Reintegration Grants (IRG) Next deadline / cut-off date: Fellowships: 18 August 2009 Reintegration Grants: 8 October 2009 Individual Fellowships and Grants An Irish Universities Association Presentation

5. Focus is on the researcher’s career development (exception IIF: transfer of knowledge to European host institution) Open to all disciplines – from Natural Sciences to Social Sciences and Humanities Bottom-up – no pre-defined topics or priority areas Free choice of host institution from public or private sector No age limits – what counts is level of experience Provisions for appropriate work/life balance (split stays, maternity/parental leave etc.) General principles An Irish Universities Association Presentation

6. Intra-European/International Fellowships and Reintegration Grants are individual actions: Individual researcher applies jointly with host institution Duration at least 1 year for fellowships, 2 years for reintegration grants Grant agreement between Commission and host institution, for fellowships then work contract (or stipend agreement) between host and fellow Fellowship/grant bound to individual (no replacement) Basic definitions: individual actions An Irish Universities Association Presentation

7. Experienced Researcher (ER): either in possession of a doctoral degree or at least 4 years of research experience (full-time equivalent) since degree qualifying them to embark on a doctorate All Marie Curie Individual Actions are for Experienced Researchers only! Relevant date is deadline for submission of proposals. Basic definitions: level of experience An Irish Universities Association Presentation

8. 27 Member States (MS) 12 Associated Countries (AC) Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Israel, Switzerland, Croatia, FYR Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina Third Countries (TC) More than 140 International Cooperation Partner Countries (ICPC) Other Third Countries (OTC) Basic definitions: MS/AC/TC An Irish Universities Association Presentation

9. Organisations that are actively involved in research: universities/Institutes of Technology private and public research institutes companies big and small international Organisations (CERN, UNESCO, …) the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre NGO’s etc. Basic definitions: host institutions An Irish Universities Association Presentation

10. Fellow has not been resident in the host country for more than 12 months within the last 3 years There are no nationality restrictions anymore – in particular, researchers who have been outside their country of nationality for a number of years (so they fulfil the mobility requirement) can apply for a fellowship in their native country. “Benefit of the mobility to the European Research Area” is now an evaluation criterion. Basic definitions: mobility requirements (fellowships) An Irish Universities Association Presentation

11. For the career development and competence diversification of experienced researchers (with or without PhD, from post-doc to senior researcher) Open to researchers of any nationality who are based in a MS/AC. Any topic, any host institution in a MS/AC (could be a company!) Mobility from one MS/AC to another MS/AC is a must. Duration 1 – 2 years Intra-European Fellowships An Irish Universities Association Presentation

12. To reinforce the international dimension of the career of experienced researchers who are nationals of a MS/AC based in a MS/AC Two phases (fellowship covers both phases): Outgoing phase (1 – 2 years) for training and career development in any Third Country institution Mandatory return phase (1 year) in a MS/AC for reintegration and knowledge transfer Grant agreement is with the return host (responsible for return of the fellow) Mobility from a MS/AC to a TC is a must. International Outgoing Fellowships An Irish Universities Association Presentation

13. To reinforce scientific excellence of MS/AC by attracting top-class experienced researchers of any nationality based in a Third Country Enhance possibility for future collaborations One or two phases: incoming phase (1 – 2 years) in any MS/AC (fellowship) optional return phase in country of origin (max 1 year) if researcher returns to an ICPC country (€15,000/year towards reintegration costs) Grant agreement with European and return host Mobility from a TC to a MS/AC is a must International Incoming Fellowships An Irish Universities Association Presentation

14. Following a Marie Curie fellowship of at least 18 months duration (could be a host fellowship, but IOF is excluded); application up to 6 months after end of initial fellowship For ERs of any nationality. Grants provide support to the longer-term (re-)integration in any MS/AC institution contribution to the research and/or salary costs during 2 – 3 years (€15,000/year) host institution must provide adequate work contract for at least the duration of the project mobility not mandatory European Reintegration Grants An Irish Universities Association Presentation

15. For ERs from MS/AC who have spent at least three years outside MS/AC and not more than 12 months within last three years in MS/AC Grants provide support to the longer-term (re-)integration in any MS/AC institution Contribution to the research and/or salary costs during 2 – 4 years (€25,000/year) Host institution must provide evidence that researcher gets effectively reintegrated Researcher should normally not yet have returned to research in MS/AC (exceptions in well justified cases) International Reintegration Grants An Irish Universities Association Presentation

16. Split stays are possible should be integrated and justified in original work plan Temporary suspension (for personal, family or professional reasons) can be requested later if unforeseen at time of grant agreement always granted in case of maternity/parental leave (augmentation of Community contribution only if payments mandatory under national law) In principle, fellowships are on a full-time basis exceptionally, part-time work and corresponding extension can be granted in case of personal or family reasons (total Community contribution will not be augmented) Work-life balance An Irish Universities Association Presentation

17. Intra-European Fellowships: 2007: 25.3 2008: 26.6% Internatl. Outgoing Fellowships: 2007: 30% 2008: 24.9% Internatl. Incoming Fellowships: 2007: 23.3% 2008: 21.2% European Reintegration Grants: First cut-off 2007: 93.5%,second cut-off 2007: 93.6% First cut-off 2008: 88.9%, second cut-off 2008: 88.9% International Reintegration Grants: First cut-off 2007: 89.8%,second cut-off 2007: 43.1% First cut-off 2008: 50.8%,second cut-off 2008: 48.1% IRG and ERG have a joint budget now – success rates for both actions should become similar. Success rates in first Marie Curie calls in FP7 An Irish Universities Association Presentation

18. Allowances to the researchers (fellowships) • Living allowance (including all mandatory deductions) – basic rate submitted to country-specific coefficient (IE:113.3, UK:109.2, FR:104.4, DE:101.5, ES: 95.5, EL:90.1, …,US:103.1, CA:92.7, MX: 74.4) • Mobility allowance (€500/€800 monthly, depending on family situation at deadline; country coefficient applies) • Travel allowance (€250 - €2500 every 12 months, depending on distance) • Career exploratory allowance (€2,000 once, only for IEF) An Irish Universities Association Presentation

19. “Participation expenses of researchers” managed by host institution to cover research and training activities of fellows (conference attendance, training actions, research costs, membership in professional associations, etc.) €500 per fellow-month for non-laboratory based projects €800 per fellow-month for laboratory based projects does not apply to reintegration grants and return phase of IIF Contribution managed by the host institution (fellowships) An Irish Universities Association Presentation

20. Management activities and overheads no separate budget lines anymore but one combined fixed-amount contribution fixed-amount of EUR 700 per researcher-month to which the country correction factor is applied (total amount cannot exceed 20% of the total direct costs excluding sub-contracting) Contributions to the host institutions (fellowships) An Irish Universities Association Presentation

21. Indicative timetable for Individual Fellowships An Irish Universities Association Presentation

22. Indicative timetable for Reintegration Grants An Irish Universities Association Presentation

23. Official website of the FP7 “People” (Marie Curie) programme on CORDIS (information on calls, work programme, guide for applicants, etc.): http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/people/ More information An Irish Universities Association Presentation

24. Opportunities from FP6 Many projects from FP6 are still running: Transfer of Knowledge, Research Training Networks, Early Stage Training, Excellence Teams, … For vacancies visit: http://mc-opportunities.cordis.lu or http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess An Irish Universities Association Presentation

25. Funding organisations from across Europe have applied for cofunding of their schemes by Marie Curie COFUND action Three Irish fellowships programmes have been selected, one by IRCSET, one by HRB, and one by NBIPI. NBIPI currently has anopen call –deadline on 3 June 2009. For details see:http://research1.rcsi.ie/BIP/Career_Enhancement_Mobility_Programme_(CEMP) For other COFUNDed opportunities see http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/people/cofund_en.html COFUNDed programmes An Irish Universities Association Presentation

26. IUA Marie Curie Office – National Contact Point Dr. Dagmar Meyer (dagmar.meyer@iua.ie) Dr. Conor O’Carroll (conor.ocarroll@iua.ie) mariecurie@iua.ie 01 676 4948 Enterprise Ireland – National Contact Point Focus on Industry - Bill Kee bill.kee@enterprise-ireland.com 01 727 2277 Key contacts An Irish Universities Association Presentation

27. Hints for the proposal preparation: Evaluation process and criteria Things to keep in mind when writing your proposal Proposal preparation An Irish Universities Association Presentation

28. Download all the necessary documentation Do your homework – background reading! (Rules of the programme but also some policy background) Establish contacts with your chosen host institution / supervisor well ahead of time (financial support (travel grants) for preparatory meetings etc. available from Enterprise Ireland) Jointly develop a realistic research and training / transfer of knowledge project Arrange for up to three referees’ assessments Proposal preparation – first steps An Irish Universities Association Presentation

29. Only electronic submission using EPSS (Electronic Proposal Submission Service) Proposal has two parts: Part A: administrative information about proposal, applicant and host institution (prepared forms) Part B: free text covering a number of predefined aspects of the project, limited number of pages (prescribed font size and margins), limited size of pdf-file Deadline is STRICTLY enforced Submission procedure An Irish Universities Association Presentation

30. Evaluation according to criteria provided in the Guide for Applicants Different criteria carry different weights Thresholds for some evaluation criteria Overall threshold is 70% All issues need to be addressed! Competition is fierce – don’t waste your chances. Always keep in mind the objectives of the activity! Evaluation criteria – basic principles An Irish Universities Association Presentation

31. All proposals undergo initial eligibility check Evaluation by at least three experts from an international pool (not all experts are exactly from your field of speciality!!) Proposals that miss a threshold are rejected; remaining proposals are ranked within each panel All applicants receive evaluation summary report (very useful for re-submission!!) Distribution of funding to different panels in proportion to proposals submitted (fellowships) Reserve lists in case of late withdrawal etc. Evaluation process An Irish Universities Association Presentation

32. Individual Fellowships –Part B • Evaluation criteria and thresholds (overall threshold 70%): An Irish Universities Association Presentation

33. Scientific/technological quality, including any interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary aspects of the proposal Research methodology Originality and innovative nature of project, and relationship to the ‘state of the art’ of research Timeliness and relevance of project Host scientific expertise in the field Quality of the group/supervisors Weight: 25%, Threshold: 3/5 Individual fellowships – S&T Quality An Irish Universities Association Presentation

34. Clarity and quality of the research training objectives for the researcher Relevance and quality of additional scientific training as well as of complementary skills offered Host expertise in training experienced researchers in the field and capacity to provide mentoring / tutoring Weight: 15%, Threshold: 3/5 Individual fellowships – Training (IEF & IOF) An Irish Universities Association Presentation

35. Potential of transferring knowledge to European host and/or bring knowledge to Europe Clarity and quality of the transfer of knowledge objectives Weight: 15%, Threshold: none Individual fellowships – Transfer of Knowledge (IIF) An Irish Universities Association Presentation

36. Research experience Results including patents/publications/teaching etc. taking into account the level of experience Independent thinking and leadership qualities Match between the fellow’s profile and project Potential for reaching a position of professional maturity Potential to acquire new knowledge Weight: 25%, Threshold: 4/5 Individual fellowships – Researcher (IEF & IOF) An Irish Universities Association Presentation

37. Research experience Results including patents/publications/teaching etc. Independent thinking and leadership qualities, and capacity to transfer knowledge Match between the fellow’s profile and project Weight: 25%, Threshold: 4/5 Individual fellowships – Researcher (IIF) An Irish Universities Association Presentation

38. Quality of infrastructure/facilities and international collaborations of host Practical arrangements for the implementation and management of the scientific project Feasibility and credibility of the project, including work plan Practical and administrative arrangements, and support for the hosting of the fellow Weight: 15%, Threshold: none Individual fellowships – Implementation An Irish Universities Association Presentation

39. Potential of acquiring competences during fellowship to improve the prospects of reaching and/or reinforcing a position of professional maturity, diversity and independence, in particular through exposure to complementary skills training Contribution to the career development, or re-establishment, where relevant Contribution to European excellence and competitiveness Benefit of the mobility to the European Research Area IOF: Potential for creating long-term collaborations and mutually beneficial co-operation between Europe and the third country Weight: 20%, Threshold: none Individual fellowships – Impact (IEF & IOF) An Irish Universities Association Presentation

40. Potential for creating long-term collaborations and mutually beneficial co-operation between Europe and the third country Contribution to European excellence and competitiveness Contribution to the socio-economic development of the Developing Countries or emerging and transition economies by transfer of knowledge and human capacity building (where relevant) Benefit of the mobility to the European Research Area Weight: 20%, Threshold: none Individual fellowships – Impact (IIF) An Irish Universities Association Presentation

41. Reintegration Grants –Part B • Evaluation criteria and thresholds (overall threshold 70%): An Irish Universities Association Presentation

42. Scientific/technological quality, including any interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary aspects of the proposal Research methodology Originality and innovative nature of project, and relationship to the ‘state of the art’ of research in the field Timeliness and relevance of project Weight: 30%, Threshold: 3/5 Reintegration Grants – S&T Quality An Irish Universities Association Presentation

43. Research experience Scientific and technological quality of previous research (for ERG: during the Marie Curie Fellowship) Independent thinking and leadership qualities Match between the fellow’s profile and project IRG: Benefit to the career of the researcher from the period of reintegration Weight: 30%, Threshold: 3/5 (only for IRG) Reintegration Grants – Researcher An Irish Universities Association Presentation

44. Quality of host organisation, including adequacy of infrastructure/facilities Feasibility and credibility of the project, including work plan Practical arrangements for the implementation and management of the project Weight: 20%, Threshold: none Reintegration Grants – Implementation An Irish Universities Association Presentation

45. Benefit to the career of the researcher from the period of reintegration Capacity to develop lasting cooperation with previous country of the Marie Curie Fellowship (if relevant) Potential of transferring knowledge to host Potential and quality of lasting professional integration (expected length of work contract, expected career development) Weight: 20%, Threshold: none Reintegration Grants – Impact (ERG) An Irish Universities Association Presentation

46. Potential of transferring knowledge to host Capacity to develop lasting cooper. with 3rd country Contribution to scientific excellence by attracting a 1st class researcher; in exceptl. case where res. has already gained employment in Europe, significant improvement in career prospects Contribution to Europ. excellence & competitiveness Potential and quality of lasting professional integration (expected length of work contract, expected career development) Weight: 20%, Threshold: none Reintegration Grants – Impact (IRG) An Irish Universities Association Presentation

47. Work closely with your chosen supervisor / scientist in charge – this is a JOINT application Follow the guide for applicants and address all issues mentioned in the explanatory notes Plan your writing - focus on one section at a time, but keep the “overall picture” in mind Don’t be repetitive – the same issue may appear in various sections, but from different perspectives, so don’t simply cut-and-paste! Be concise and observe the page limit Hints for a successful proposal (I) An Irish Universities Association Presentation

48. Stick to the structure suggested in the guide for applicants – keep the evaluators happy! The evaluators may not all be world experts in exactly the area of your proposal – avoid using very specific jargon and acronyms Provide the evaluators with evidence for your claims, but avoid external resources (no links to websites etc.) Graphics and charts can be very helpful, but don’t overdo it! Make sure they are readable in black & white. Hints for a successful proposal (II) An Irish Universities Association Presentation

49. Get a colleague to read through your proposal and do a “mock evaluation” If in doubt, ask your National Contact Point for clarification! If you want to avail of our pre-submission proposal check, allow enough time for feedback. Regularly upload preliminary versions of your proposal, and don’t forget to hit “submit”! Keep the deadline - 5pm Brussels time means 4pm Irish time!! Hints for a successful proposal (III) An Irish Universities Association Presentation

50. Enterprise Ireland travel support: for researchers in higher education / publicly funded institutions for researchers in Ireland to go abroad and meet potential partners or attend EU information days/workshops relating to FP7 covers least-cost travel plus subsistence rates up to € 150 per day (typical length of visits: three days) for details see the Irish FP7 portal at: http://www.fp7ireland.com/Page.aspx?SP=225 EI support for FP7 applicants: travel grants An Irish Universities Association Presentation