1 Direction scientifique Networks of Excellence objectives  Reinforce or strengthen scientific and technological excellence on a given research topic l by integrating the critical mass of expertise needed to provide European leadership and be a world force l around a Joint programme of activity (JPA)  Structuring European research by … integrating research capacities across Europe. l Durable integration l To progress knowledge on a particular theme  Overcome the fragmentation of European research  To act as a “Virtual Centre of Excellence”  To spread excellence beyond the partners

2 Direction scientifique Example è Situation before the network: l good isolated research teams in Europe l fragmented effort, redundancy of work, multiplication of effort on basic research tools such as software libraries etc… l a huge gap with US, Japan in terms of quality of deliverables and impact l links to industry very sparse è The network: l Brings together between 8 to 15 the best teams in Europe l Between 50 and 150 researchers per year l EU funds are a small part of the total effort l Helps emerge common research work between ALL team members l Fosters exchange of knowledge, coordination of activities, l buillds links with the US, Japan,… l Common deliverables, co-written papers and common research tools

3 Direction scientifique Example è Main outcomes l Solid research community with coordinated activities l common software libraries incorporating all advances brought by all teams l agreement on common open standards, methodologies for data representations, for visualisation, for problems handling.... l From coordination to common programmes.. l Wider dissemination of activities to SMEs, etc..

4 Direction scientifique è Strengthen excellence by tackling fragmentation l Excellence: Publication (ranking), conference organization, prices, patents, expertise for public and private organizations, journals, … l Integration: Show how the network will be structured, e.g. how coordination and cooperation is facilitated (as detailed as possible) è A durable structuring on the way to carry out research l Structuring effect: Reduce overlapping in research by coordination, e.g. “Virtual Center of Excellence” concept l Sustainable: Long term commitments from the institutes, labs,... : e.g. by structuring their research with respect to the NoE; might be stated in a letter of support Key Elements The proposal should clearly answer the above points

5 Direction scientifique  Integrating activities  Jointly executed research  Activities to spread excellence NoE Build around a JPA Joint Programme of Activities aimed primarily at creating durable integration of the research capacities of network partners, while at the same time advancing knowledge on the topic

6 Direction scientifique Integrating Activities  Coordination and adaptation of participants activities in research  Sharing tools and platforms facilities : coordination of software development, integration of tools, joint use of infrastructures, …  Exchange of personnel, including relocation  Integrated management of knowledge  Electronic flow of information: development of tools and infrastructure to share information  And others

7 Direction scientifique Joint Research  Supporting Network goals  a strong programme of joint research : define joint research projects, establish working groups, …  co-advisoring of thesis, e.g. Ph.Ds, M.Sc., …  joint participation in Integrated Projects  Common use of platforms, tools, etc  Generating new knowledge  Sharing knowledge: methods, algorithms, etc

8 Direction scientifique Spread Excellence  Dissemination and communications  Training SMEs researchers  Building relationship with new groups  Exploitation of results  Impact of results

9 Direction scientifique Hints for Success  Address all evaluation criteria  An Noe should last after the contract: it should be more difficult to disband it than to continue it  Research as such is not funded: show links with other projects, e.g. European or national projects, grants  Negotiation will be difficult: financing, technical content  Develop a clear Consortium agreement  Review your ideas with Commission officials Do not wait!

10 Direction scientifique Key issues in the evaluating an NoE  Relevance to the objectives of the programme (S&T, policy objectives of WP)  Participants excellence (R&D, suitability, critical mass)  Potential impact (strenghthening S&T excellence, ambition, spreading excellence, durable structuring)  Degree of integration & JPA (deep and durable integration, quality)  Organisation and management (organisational structure, network)