My first EU-Project Dr. Bodil Holst Institut für Experimentalphysik TU-GRAZ, Austria

My First EU-Project: INA – Imaging with Neutral Atoms The objective is to improve the resolution of helium atom microscopy by a factor of 50, from 1 micron to 20 nm – This would create a novel imaging method with unique characteristics and a wide application range (bio- physical, bio-medical, electronics, and other applications), and give European researchers a leading position in the technology of atom optics. NEST HOMEPAGE: Partners: W. Allison, Cambridge UK D. Litwin, INOS Poland, B. Surma ITME Poland, D. Farias Univ. Madrid Spain, E. Soendergaard Saint Gobain, France Total Budget 1.4 Million Euro Over 3 years

Talk-Overview Preliminary Phase – Understanding how the EU Works Preparation Phase – Getting the Idea – Finding the Consortium Writing Phase – Outline Proposal – Full Proposal

Why Bother Writing an EU- Proposal? Money for your own research – Important for obtaining a permanent academic position – I get Euro over three years. An FWF proposal just gave me for 1.5 years – HINT: Make sure you get to keep your own overheads (20%) Normal procedure in Austria More Presence in your scientific community - Important for obtaining a permanent academic position. – HINT: Make sure to have famous people in your consortium The ability to obtain external funding is a crucial requirement for obtaining a permanent academic position.

Preliminary Phase – Getting to know the EU FIRST STEP: Idealy, Attend a course on how to write an EU proposal. I did this! The course was organised by CEWS (Centre of Excellence, Women in Science). The course was given by Sean McCarthy Hyperion. If no course available, buy his book: “How to write a competitive proposal for framework 6”: (130 Euro). I now offer a one day workshop – “My First EU-Project” SECOND STEP: Registering as an External Expert: Go to the cordis page and click on „Call for experts“ THIRD STEP: Make sure you get elected to be an expert. The scientific officers needs to know you. Get in personal contact with a scientific officer in your field!!

Preparation Phase Getting the Idea – Make sure nobody steals it! Contact the loyal people first so that it is clear to everybody this is your idea. Consortium – A mixture of loyal people, famous people, people from industry and people from Eastern Europe.

Outline Proposal The transition stage between preparation phase and writing phase. Much easier to get people interested in an outline proposal than a full proposal because this is where science is done. CALCULATE LOTS OF TIME – Outline proposal should be ready at least 3 months before call deadline – if possible

Writing Phase IT IS ALL ABOUT ANSWERING QUESTIONS – THE TRICK IS TO KNOW WHICH QUESTIONS – The Workprogram (for the specific section you are applying in) – SECTION EVALUATION CRITERIA!!!!! – This is essentially the questions asked to the external experts during the refereeing. – Guide for proposers (for the specific section you are applying in)

Good Luck! For more information on how to book my one- day workshop: