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

2. RTNs in the 6th Framework Programme

3. 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

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

5. RTNs: A broad cohesive network

6. …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

7. … 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)

8. …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

9. 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…

10. 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.

11. Mid-term review Questionnaire
To be filled in by ESRs and ERs
2 weeks before the Mid Term Review using the online SESAM tool:
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

12. Reporting Reporting Guidelines
Sesam reporting tool

13. New Services:
The European Researcher’s Mobility Portal
ERA-MORE: The European Network of Mobility Centres

14. Marie Curie Research Training Networks: BEST PRACTICES

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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)

19. 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

20. We wish you a fruitful collaboration and success!!!