1. SwafS-22-2018: Mobilising Research Excellence in EU Outermost Regions (OR)
Science with and for Society Brokerage event Brussels, Monday 29 January 2018
Dr Stefan WEIERS
European Commission - DG RTD
Unit B.5 – Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation

2. Outermost Regions Challenges
remoteness and/or insularity, small size, adverse topographical and climatic conditions, dependence on a limited number of local industries.
Participation in Horizon 2020 is inhibited by:
fragmentation of the research community
lack of commitment of research institutions
missing connectivity beyond links with the mainland country
Lack of qualified personnel, critical mass and infrastructures 2

3. Outermost Regions Assets
Exceptional geographical and geological characteristics which make them useful laboratories for research and innovation in scientific domains relevant of the future such as:
biodiversity,
terrestrial and marine ecosystems,
pharmacology,
renewable energies,
space sciences. ? 3

4. Call Requests
Mapping OR R&I fields of expertise and identifying potential partners in the EU and third countries, in particular with OR neighbouring countries;
prepare an inventory of OR needs to increase R&I capacity;
identification of means to maintain and attract researchers, foster R&I ecosystems, further develop smart specialisation strategies;
organisation of events with potential partners (research and business innovation partners) in view of forming consortia for project proposals;
awareness raising actions targeting the EU and international research community on the OR expertise and capacities. 4

5. Impact
Increasing the participation of OR in RTD Framework Programmes and other research projects.
Reinforce the visibility and recognition of OR R&I expertise and capacities and strengthen links with European and international research centres.
Set up of consortia to prepare research proposals, including European and/or third country researchers.
Improvement of research capacities in OR and emergence of sustainable R&I ecosystems.
Identification of research challenges/missions relevant for the needs and innovation potential of OR and their S3 priorities
- to ensure maximum impact, participants are expected to build on a proven track record of on-the-field experience in OR R&Is systems 5

6. Eligible costs
In general costs relating to administration, networking, coordination, training, management, travel costs are acceptable;
For personnel of all beneficiaries regardless of their function (researchers, administration, management) subject to conditions set in Article 6 of the Model Grant Agreement;
Of particular interest for the R&I communities in OR:
short term staff exchanges;
expert visits and short term on site or virtual training;
conference attendance;
organisation of joint summer school type activities;
dissemination and outreach activities. 6

7. Eligible costs (2)
Though eligible, given the objectives of the call, any costs under the following categories shall be minor and duly justified in proposals:
Infrastructure costs;
Equipment.
Ineligible costs: under this topic research costs 7

8. Call conditions
In order to ensure maximum impact participants are expected to build on a proven track record of on-the-field experience in OR R&Is systems
project duration up to three years
EU contribution up to EUR 4 million.
Call opening date: 05 Dec 2017
Call deadline: 10 Apr 2018 8

9. Learn more about the call:
Find the Work Programme & FAQs in the Participant Portal at:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!