1. Marie Curie Individual Actions UK NCP for Marie Curie Cecilie Hansen Nicholas Harrap

2. UK Research Office Arts and Humanities Research Council
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Economic and Social Research Council
UK Research Office
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Medical Research Council
Natural Environment Research Council
Science and Technology Facilities Council

3. Marie Curie NCP - helpdesk
Web, , telephone, visits
Advice on applying for MC actions:
Eligibility
Application help
Results
Contractual issues
Advice to those with MC contracts:
Social security and tax
Model agreements between host and fellow
UK Research Office – MC NCP

4. Session overview
Policy background and description of actions
Financial issues
Submission and evaluation of proposals
Hints and tips for proposal writing
UK Research Office – MC NCP

5. Framework Programme 7 UK NCP for Marie Curie Cecilie Hansen Nicholas Harrap

6. Policy Background FP7 – Policy Background
FP7 is designed to achieve the Lisbon and Barcelona objectives and to complement activities in Member States.
Support to the European Research Area
Budget of € million
Complementarity with other EC programmes:
Competitiveness and Innovation
Education and Training
Structural Funds
FP7 – Policy Background

7. Main FP7 Countries FP7 Countries EU-27 Associated Countries (FP7)
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria , Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta,
Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, UK
Associated Countries (FP7)
Albania, Croatia, Iceland*, Israel*, Liechtenstein*,
Montenegro, FYR Macedonia*, Norway*, Serbia,
Switzerland, Turkey
Bosnia Herzegovina (in the process of associating to FP7)
*except Euratom
FP7 Countries 7

8. ICPCs
FP7 – International cooperation

9. Framework Programme 7 FP7 Specific Programmes Marie Curie Actions
Co-operation – Collaborative Research
Framework Programme 7
European Research Council
Marie Curie Actions
Capacities – Research Capacity
JRC
EURATOM

10. FP7 – Marie Curie Actions
Objectives and Policy Context:
Make Europe more attractive to researchers
Structuring effect on the European Research Area through transnational and intersectoral mobility in order to create a European labour market for researchers
Strengthen human potential by:
Encouraging people to become researchers
Encouraging researchers to carry out their research in Europe
Trans-national and inter-sectoral mobility
€4.7 Billion
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

11. FP7 – Marie Curie Actions
Principles
Skills and competence development at all stages of researchers career
Open to all research areas addressed under the Treaty plus possibility of targeted calls
Strong participation from enterprises
Reinforce international dimension
Appropriate gender and work/life balance
Good working environment, transparent recruitment and career development
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

12. Overview of Marie Curie Actions
Host Actions
Individual Actions
Initial Training Networks
Industry Academia Partnerships and Pathways
NEW - International Research Staff Exchange Scheme
Intra- European Fellowships
International Incoming Fellowships
International Outgoing Fellowships
European Reintegration Grants
International Reintegration Grants
People Specific Programme
Also funded: Researcher’s Night, CO-FUND

13. FP7 – People – Marie Curie
MCA - Deadlines
Industry-Academia Partnerships & Pathways (IAPP)
25 March 2008
NEW - International Research Staff Exchange Scheme
28 March 2008
European Reintegration Grants (ERG)
International Reintegration Grants (IRG)
3 April and 8 October
Intra- European Fellowships (IEF)
International Incoming Fellowships (IIF)
International Outgoing Fellowships (IOF)
19 August 2008
Initial Training Networks (ITN)
2 September 2008
One stage proposal
FP7 – People – Marie Curie

14. Central to all MC projects
The RESEARCHER, their training and mobility
In order to assess eligibility (for project or fellowship), it is essential that you consider the following:
The minimum or maximum amount of research experience stipulated for the action
The transnational mobility
requirements for the action
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

15. FP7 – Marie Curie Actions
Individual Actions
Researcher applies jointly with host
Length of stay depending on Action
Reintegration Phase
Mandatory for International Outgoing Fellowships
Optional for International Incoming Fellows (if the fellow is from an international co-operation partner country (ICPC))
Fellow who withdraws cannot be replaced
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

16. Definition of researchers
Early-Stage Researchers
0 - 4 years (FTE)
from obtaining degree that qualified them to embark on a doctorate
Experienced Researchers
in possession of a PhD or
at least 4 years experience (FTE)
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

17. Transnational Mobility Requirements
Must not have been resident in host country for more that 12 months in the last 3 years immediately before application deadline (for individual actions)
Cannot be a national of host country unless
European researcher working outside EU for 3 of the last 4 years
Dual nationality and have not resided in a country of nationality for the last 5 years
International organisation
Return and reintegration grants
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

18. Individual Fellowships
Aimed at ‘Experienced Researchers’
Skills diversification
Three categories:
Intra-European Fellowships (IEF)
International Incoming Fellowships (IIF)
International Outgoing Fellowships (IOF)
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

19. Intra-European Fellowships
EU Member or Associated State National or Third Country national if in EU for at least 4 of the last 5 years (assimilated national)
12 – 24 months in a different EU Member State or Associated Country
Resuming a career in research
Individual applies with host
Attaining or strengthening professional independence
Skills diversification
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

20. International Outgoing Fellowships
EU Member or Associated State Nationals only
24 – 36 months in total of which months in third country followed by mandatory reintegration phase in European host institutions
Individual applies with host
Acquiring new knowledge in the third country – bringing it back to the EU/AS
Contract is between European host institution and Commission for duration of fellowship
Mandatory return phase of 1 year
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

21. International Incoming Fellowships
Third Country nationals only
12 – 24 months incoming phase in EU/AS
Possible 1 year reintegration for nationals from ICPC
Individual applies with host
Contract between European host institution and EC for incoming phase, and between third country host and EC for reintegration / return
Knowledge-sharing
Mutually-beneficial research co-operation
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

22. FP7 – Marie Curie Actions
European Re-integration Grants
(Re)-integration into research career following a period of transnational mobility
Applicants must have already benefited from a Marie Curie fellowship under FP6 or FP months minimum FTE
The European Re-integration Grant:
Supports a research project of 2- 3 years
Contributes to the research costs
Researcher applies with host institution
Start within 12 months of your fellowship end
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

23. FP7 – Marie Curie Actions
International Re-integration Grants
Integration into research career in Europe following a period of transnational mobility outside Europe for at least 3 years
Contribute to development of lasting co-operation with scientific community of the third country from which they have returned
No requirement to have benefited from MCA previously
The International Re-integration Grants
Support a research project of 2- 4 years
Contributes to the research costs
Researcher applies with host institution
Host commits to researcher for at least 3 years
Exceptionally those already employed in research in EU will be considered
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

24. Financial Issues UK NCP for Marie Curie Cecilie Hansen Nicholas Harrap mariecurie-uk@bbsrc.ac.uk

25. Community Contribution
Benefits for the researchers
Living allowance
Mobility allowance
Travel allowance
Career exploratory allowance
Benefits for the institution
Contribution to research costs
Contribution to management costs
Other eligible costs possible
Indirect costs (overheads)
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

26. Researcher Salaries for ITNs
Experience
Stipend (€/yr)
Employment contract (€/yr)
Early-Stage researchers
17,250
34,500
Experienced researchers
26,500
53,000
Experienced researchers (more than 10 years experience)
39,750
79,500
FP7 – Marie Curie - Rates
Salaries are inclusive of all compulsory deductions Correction factor applied for cost of living (UK Coefficient 109.2%)

27. Individual fellow allowances
Mobility allowance
Without family: €500 per month
With family: €800 per month
Correction factor applied for cost of living
Travel costs – depending on distance
€ €2500
Career Exploratory allowance
€ 2000 for stays of more than one year
Training / research costs of eligible researchers
Lab-based research: € 800 per month
Non-lab-based research: €500 per month
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

28. Benefits for the institution
Management Activities
maximum 3% of the total EC contribution
Contribution to overheads
10% of direct costs except for subcontractors
Other types of eligible expenses
ERG:
Fixed amount € per researcher per year
IRG:
Fixed amount € per researcher per year
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

29. Contribution to the researcher – example
Activities carried out by the researcher:
Researcher with family, going from Bucharest to Paris for two years with an Intra-European Fellowships:
Living Allowance: * 2yrs = €
Mobility Allowance: 800 * 24 months = €
Correction factor = % * 104.4% = €
Career exploratory allowance: € 2000
Travel costs: 1000 * 2 yrs = € 2000
Total contribution to the researcher = €
Research costs (Lab-based) 800 * 24 = €
Total community contribution €
(+ overheads + mgt)
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

30. Submission and Evaluation UK NCP for Marie Curie Cecilie Hansen Nicholas Harrap

31. MCA – Submission & Evaluations
Proposal Submission
All submission done online
Contact the EC if there are compelling reasons for why you are unable to submit online
Electronic Proposal Submission Service (EPSS)
Is available
Meet the deadline!
MCA – Submission & Evaluations

32. MCA – Submission & Evaluations
Outline of the Process
Call fiche
Published
Proposal
submitted
Evaluation
Process
Notification Of
results
Contract
negotiation
signature
Project
Start
MCA – Submission & Evaluations

33. Individual Evaluation
Evaluation Process
Proposal
Rejection
Eligibility
Individual Evaluation
MCA – Submission & Evaluations
Consensus
Ethical
Issues
Rejection
Thresholds
Ranking by Commission
Negotiation
Rejection
Negative
Result
Commission
Funding Decision

34. Your project is mainly defined in ….
…PART B of the proposal forms (Part A is administrative info)
PART B addresses the evaluation criteria
…which vary according to MCA
…and have different weightings and thresholds
General structure of Part B for individual fellowships is:
Cover Page, Table of Contents
S & T Quality
Training/Transfer of Knowledge
Researcher
Implementation
Impact
FP7 – Marie Curie – Your Proposal

35. Evaluation of proposals
Evaluation by competent experts in the field
Need to address all of the issues to maximise scores
Total score is 100%
Overall threshold (70%)
Some criteria have a threshold
Each area is weighted
Science counts for 25%
You must focus on the objectives of the activity to be successful
MCA – Submission & Evaluations

36. European Charter and Code
European Charter for Researchers addresses:
Roles and responsibilities
Entitlements
of researchers and their employers or funding organisations.
Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers aims to:
improve recruitment and make selection procedures fairer and more transparent
proposes different means of judging merit
MCA – Submission & Evaluations

37. Maximising Your Chances of Success - Individual Fellowships UK NCP for Marie Curie Cecilie Hansen Nicholas Harrap

38. What does the Commission want?
A project that matches “their” objectives
Marie Curie – What’s required

39. Individual Fellowships – Part B
Other issues
FP7 – People – Marie Curie
3/5
S & T Quality %
3/5 No thresholds for IIF
Training & knowledge transfer 15%
Researcher %
4/5
Implementation %
No threshold
Impact %
No threshold
Overall threshold 70%

40. FP7 – People – Marie Curie
MCA – S&T Quality
Sub-criteria
3/ %
Scientific/technological quality, incl any interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary aspects of the proposal
Research methodology
Originality & innovative nature of project, and relationship to ‘state of the art’
Timeliness and relevance of project
Host scientific expertise in the field
Quality of the group / supervisors
FP7 – People – Marie Curie

41. MCA – Training – IEF/IOF
Sub-criteria
3/5 15%
Clarity and quality of the research training objectives for the researcher
Relevance & quality of the additional scientific training & complementary skills offered
Host expertise in training experienced researchers in the field & capacity to provide mentoring / tutoring
FP7 – People – Marie Curie

42. MCA – Transfer of Knowledge - IIF
Sub-criteria
3/5 15%
No threshold for IIFs
Potential of transferring knowledge to European host and/or bringing knowledge to Europe
Clarity and quality of the transfer of knowledge objectives
FP7 – People – Marie Curie

43. IEF/IIF/IOF Tips– Training (1)
Positive feedback:
Clear assignment of scientists responsible for the training
Contemplates training courses specifically designed for postdoctoral fellows
Research training objectives are clearly identified and described
Both participants will benefit from their mutual collaboration, not only through direct joint work, but also through the interaction with the whole research group
Marie Curie – Evaluation Criteria

44. IEF/IIF/IOF Tips – Training (2)
Negative Feedback
A research project with no training element
The host asserts skills without presenting convincing evidence of competence
The range of techniques described would clearly be valuable to the researcher, but the lack of detailed description does not inspire confidence in the quality of training available.
Marie Curie – Evaluation Criteria

45. FP7 – People – Marie Curie
MCA – Researcher
Sub-criteria
4/5 25%
Research experience
Results including patents/publications/teaching
Independent thinking & leadership qualities
Match between the fellow’s profile and research
Potential to acquire new knowledge
IEFs: Potential for reaching a position of professional maturity
FP7 – People – Marie Curie

46. IEF/IIF/IOF Tips - Researcher
Work experience (in research)
Industrial experience and expertise
Transferable skills
Prizes, Awards, Lectures etc
Research potential
Independent thinking and leadership qualities
Match between fellow’s profile and project
Cross and multi-disciplinary experience
Give evidence of statements
Referee assessment
Marie Curie – Evaluation Criteria

47. IEF/IIF/IOF Tips - Researcher
Positive Feedback:
Clear evidence of research experience and potential
Clear evidence of leadership qualities
Potential to acquire new knowledge is high
Good references
Clear list of Prizes, Awards, Lectures, etc
Negative Feedback:
CV lacks data on record
Limited experience as has only been at one University
Limited experience or technical skills related to project
References were similar and from one institution
Marie Curie – Evaluation Criteria

48. FP7 – People – Marie Curie
MCA – Implementation
Sub-criteria
No threshold 15%
Quality of infrastructure / facilities & international collaborations of host
Practical arrangements for implementation & management of scientific projects
Feasibility & credibility of project, including work plan
Practical & administrative arrangements & support for hosting fellow
FP7 – People – Marie Curie

49. IEF/IIF/IOF Tips - Implementation
Does the host institution have the infrastructure required for the project – and will the researcher have access to it?
Have you thought about how the project will be implemented in practice?
What support is the host providing for the fellow? (e.g. resources for helping the fellow settle in; access to language courses)
Marie Curie – Evaluation Criteria

50. FP7 – People – Marie Curie
MCA – Impact
Sub-criteria
No threshold 20%
Potential of acquiring competences during fellowships to improve prospects of reaching and / or reinforcing a position of professional maturity, diversity & independence, in particular through exposure to complementary skills training
Contribution to the career development, or re-establishment where relevant
Contribution to European excellence and European Competitiveness
FP7 – People – Marie Curie

51. IEF/IIF/IOF – Impact
For international fellowships : potential for creating long term collaborations and mutually beneficial co-operation between Europe and the third country
For incoming fellowships : contribution to the socio-economic development of the Developing Countries or emerging and transition economies by transfer of knowledge and human capacity building (where appropriate)
Marie Curie – Evaluation Criteria

52. Marie Curie Actions Individual Fellowships – IEF/IOF/IIF
FP7 – Marie Curie
Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) – Aug 2007
1699 proposals received
Success rate: 25%
International Outgoing Fellowships (IOF) – Aug 2007
341 proposals received
Success rate: 29.3%
International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) – Aug 2007
573 proposals received
Success rate: 23%
Overall Success Rate
The budget was distributed among the evaluation panel in direct proportion to the number of eligible proposals.  
However, the exact number of proposals funded will depend on the outcome of negotiations, the available budget and the completion of formal procedures.

53. Reintegration Grants – Part B
Other issues
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions
3/5
S & T Quality %
3/5 No thresholds for ERG
Researcher %
Implementation %
No threshold
Impact %
No threshold
Overall threshold 70%

54. Hints & Tips UK NCP for Marie Curie Cecilie Hansen Nicholas Harrap mariecurie-uk@bbsrc.ac.uk

55. Approaching your project proposal writing
Work with your supervisor
Keep the Guide for Applicants in front of you
Treat the criteria as examination questions
Think about the way your write
Brainstorm each section
Then focus on a section at a time
Plan your proposal writing
FP7 –Marie Curie – Hints & Tips

56. Approaching your project proposal writing
It will feel repetitive – addressing issues from different angles
Stick to the page limit
Think about your evaluators
Clearly address the main objectives
Use clear and concise language
Explain country specific jargon
Provide them with the evidence they need
Find colleagues to read it through
FP7 –Marie Curie – Hints & Tips

57. General points on a good proposal – FP6 experience
Meet the deadline
Characteristics of success / failure
90%+ well detailed, excellent and clear training programme and great science of clear EU wide benefit and potential in a new area
80-90% good project, lacking some detail on training, evaluating output and perhaps clashes with existing programmes
70-80% Some obvious omissions, consortium design needs adjusting, some science issues not addressed, concerns over transfer of knowledge
% Serious omissions, lack of detail, poor management plans, no milestones
FP7 –Marie Curie – Hints & Tips

58. Overview of Marie Curie Actions
Any questions?
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions

59. FP7 – Marie Curie Actions
Further Information
UKRO NCP website:
Queries on the schemes:
Tel: ; Fax
Other useful websites:
FP7 – Marie Curie Actions