Marie Curie Research Training Networks Mid-Term Review Meeting by Annette Schneegans Project Officer for LIFE Sciences

RTNs in the 6th Framework Programme

Issues of Concern Need to increase the number of well qualified researchers in Europe Obstacles to researchers’ mobility (geographically, between sectors) Lack of recognition of research as a profession The diminishing interest of young people for scientific studies Persistent under-representation of women

RTN: Objective Trans-national networks with common research project as a vehicle to provide training and transfer of knowledge.

RTNs: A broad cohesive network

…for research To acquire novel scientific knowledge At group level: benefit from extended and new collaborations European added value through joint efforts of groups in specific research areas Complement and extend EU and International networks

… and training Unique training opportunities using resources in host and partner institutions Training in subject area and related fields (interdisciplinarity) Networking: Integration into broader scientific community Training encompassing “core” scientific skills and “additional” skills: (e.g. ethics, presentation, project management, proposal writing) Encouragement to present achievements at international events Training in an entrepreneurial environment - where relevant Encouragement to network between Young Researchers Develop a Career Development Plan (CDP)

…the result? Groundbreaking research A new type of researcher: - Unified understanding of subject areas - Learn to be specialist and collaborator - Acquisition of lifetime/generic skills - Mobile - Diverse: contribute to, ultimately lead in different sectors

Purpose of the Mid-Term Review The Mid-Term Review is a unique opportunity for the project officer to meet all partners and young researchers of a network, to “step back” and assess implementation and progress of the network (in particular its training and networking content) to discuss administrative issues as well as identify good practices and difficulties, to define, if necessary contract modifications, to explain procedures that are sometimes not so clear…

Content of the Presentations Co-ordinators report: The scientific, networking and training aspects of the network. Scientists-in-Charge / Task Leaders: Benefits of the network to the partner. Young Researchers Reports: Their background plus an overview of their work and training within the network. Any comments (good or bad) on their experience as a Network Fellow.

Mid-term review Questionnaire To be filled in by ESRs and ERs 2 weeks before the Mid Term Review using the online SESAM tool: http://webgate.cec.eu.int/sesam/questurl.do Information on scientific background, responsibilities in the network and experiences (positive/negative) to date We want to know how satisfied you are with your working and training conditions in the network Data is treated confidentially and will be used for statistical purposes

Reporting Reporting Guidelines http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/find-doc-management.htm#reporting Sesam reporting tool https://webgate.cec.eu.int/sesam/index.do

New Services: The European Researcher’s Mobility Portal ERA-MORE: The European Network of Mobility Centres http://europa.eu.int/eracareers/

Marie Curie Research Training Networks: BEST PRACTICES

Best Practice Communication Good communication - among network partners - between the Co-ordinator and the Project Officer - throughout the network as whole including the ESR/ER A network meeting where all researchers are invited should be held at least once a year To ensure ESRs/ERs’ participation to the decision making processes (e.g. through Steering Committee) Network web-page as tool for internal communication (incl. Newsletter) and outreach

Best Practice Networking Invitation of external experts for specialist inputs (for scientific, administrative, financial review and complementary skills training) Visits, secondments between network partners for transfer of knowledge Collaboration with other MCRTNs in similar or complementary fields Attendance at international conferences and workshops; representation and dissemination of the networks’ research

Best Practice Training of ESRs and ERs Create conditions for effective training in host institution (incl.support for finding accommodation, social integration…) Effective use of local and network-wide, including Secondments Network wide courses, workshops, summer schools Attendance of national/international conferences and events Participation in training events should be properly recorded and recognised

Best Practice Training Additional skills (i.e. project management, drafting of project proposals, language courses, ethics, IPR, CV writing, job search, interview skills, etc) Training should bridge to other disciplines and other environments (i.e. industrial, if relevant)

The Career Development Plan How could an effective Career Development Plan look like? The CDP … should define clear, ambitious and achievable objectives … should outline concrete steps to be taken (training, publications, tasks to be carried out etc.) … should take into consideration efficient use of the Career Development Allowance … should be based on an agreed time schedule … should be reviewed regularly … should cover the period of recruitment in the RTN project and open up perspectives for the time afterwards

We wish you a fruitful collaboration and success!!!