Researchers nights Information Day Colette RENIER Research Executive Agency FP7-PEOPLE-2010-NIGHT INFORMATION DAY Brussels, 12 November 2009 TIPS FOR SUCCESS AND ERRORS TO AVOID

Researchers nights Information Day Colette RENIER Research Executive Agency PREPARING YOUR PROJECT CONTENT Identify your specific objective Analyze the current situation regarding public perception of researchers Identify the specific gaps to be filled Elaborate a draft programme of activities PARTNERSHIP Identify the potential partners (direct-indirect) Hold a preliminary discussion for determining the respective roles and tasks Keep the partners that are indispensable Think of the possibilities of « indirect » partnership Think of the possible relevance of a consortium agreement (not compulsory, whether possible concluded before the negotiation phase) BUGDET Evaluate the financial needs for implementing your project Evaluate the possible auto financing, sponsorship, public financial support… Globally identify the lacking financial resources (estimates of EU contribution) 2

Researchers nights Information Day Colette RENIER Research Executive Agency TECHNICAL TIPS CONTENT Identify the guidelines of the workflow Identify the main concrete tasks (organised around 4 WPs) Establish a precise planning (keep in mind an early awareness campaign is one of the success keys) PARTNERSHIP ONLY embark the necessary partners Think of possible « indirect » partnership For the direct partners, check VALIDATION ISSUES Set management structure and principles from the very start BUDGET Try to stick to reality (with a « security » margin) Identify « areas for flexibility » 3

Researchers nights Information Day Colette RENIER Research Executive Agency DRAFTING YOUR PROPOSAL CONTENT Elaborate a CLEAR programme of activities Stick to the « 4 Work Packages » structure Set a precise schedule Think of the overall consistency (in particular if several locations/cities) PARTNERSHIP BRIEFLY describe the partners Underline the potential synergies and complementarities Clearly define the role of each of the partners BUGDET Elaborate a budget per partner (even if not requested at proposal stage) Provide somewhat more detailed explanation than requested in the forms Keep in mind that indirect costs will be 7 % of the direct costs whichever the method you have chosen 4

Researchers nights Information Day Colette RENIER Research Executive Agency TECHNICAL TIPS CONTENT Use a clear and straight to the point language Avoid literary description Should you have applied before and been selected, clearly underline the evolution of your proposal compared to the previous one and explain the reasons therefore Avoid too detailed a description of the activities planned: Provide a clear idea of the programme and its « general spirit » Leave some space for evolution/adaptation Prepare a B plan (bad weather if outdoor activities, insufficient mobilisation of researchers, planned venue not available…) 5

Researchers nights Information Day Colette RENIER Research Executive Agency WITH A VIEW TO THE EVALUATION CONTENT Submit a structured proposal Clear and convincing programme of activities (criterion 1) Clear management structure and clear distribution of tasks /responsibilities (multi partner, clear and justified financial figures (criterion 2) Effective and early awareness campaign, estimates (both qualitative and quantitative) of the expected impact, effective impact assessment (criterion 3) Comply with the specific requirements Make the proposal easy to examine Straightforward language Explain when referring to specific geographical context PARTNERSHIP Clearly explain direct and indirect partnership Focus on the strengths of the partners in connection with the action itself BUDGET Present a clear and justified forecast (detail the items although not requested) Take a LIMITED « security margin » (since you will be working on first estimates) 6

Researchers nights Information Day Colette RENIER Research Executive Agency GENERAL RECOMMENDATION CHECK That all the partners (direct or third parties contributing to the implementation of the project which would have to state costs) have a validated PIC (participant identity code) That the bank account on which the coordinator intends to see the EU contribution paid is validated and interest-bearing Shouldnt it be the case, launch the validation process as soon as possible: registration towards the unique registration facility, supply of the necessary documents request for bank account validation will occur during the negotiation process (Grant agreement preparation forms) 7

Researchers nights Information Day Colette RENIER Research Executive Agency NEED FOR FURTHER INFORMATION? CAREFULLY read the accompanying documents (presentation note, specific requirements, frequently asked questions) available at esearchersnight09/news_en.htm