In this post we share an update on the University of Edinburgh’s engagement with Horizon Europe and highlight our ERO events, support and resources for researchers. Make sure to join our upcoming sessions on navigating collaborative calls and mastering the prestigious MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships proposals.
Authors of this post: Boz Czarnecki, Elisabetta Spano and Conor Snowden, Edinburgh Research Office, the University of Edinburgh.
Horizon Europe engagement
As of January 2024, the UK is officially an Associate Country within the Horizon Europe programme. This means that University-based researchers are eligible, not only to apply, but also to lead collaborations and receive funding directly from the European Commission for calls from 2024 until the end of Horizon Europe in 2027.
We are committed to doing all we can to support researchers to develop project ideas with EU partners. As part of that commitment, we have recently set-up an International Research Engagement team in Edinburgh Research Office, led by Dr Conor Snowden, with European engagement a key priority.
Below we share news of upcoming events, support available and resources.
EVENTS
Introduction to Horizon Europe collaborative calls – how to navigate the maze and is it worth it?
When: Tuesday, 7 May 2024
Time: 10:30-11.30 (Online, MS Teams)
This event is for the University of Edinburgh research community (including research managers and administrators).
The event will start with an overview of HE, focusing on Pillar II clusters. We will then hear from two researchers about their journey with EC collaborative applications and projects. The final part of this session will include a guided tour of available resources and ways to understand Pillar II Cluster Work Programmes and specific opportunities on the EU Portal.
What you will gain:
- Understanding of the makeup of Horizon Europe, Pillar II (Global Challenges) and collaborative components of Pillar I.
- Better understanding of the benefits and challenges of applying for and participating in a collaborative EC grant.
- Practical understanding of how to quickly identify Pillar II calls, including how to access available resources, register for events and identify national contact points.
Organisers: ERO (Boleslaw Czarnecki & Conor Snowden).
Registration and further information:
Please note: This session is followed by an in-person workshop on 4 June 2024:
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship Proposal Workshop
When: Tuesday, 11 June 2024
Time: 9:30 -16:00 (Online, MS Teams)
Despite being a mono-beneficiary opportunity, MSCA PFs remains one of the most prestigious and impactful schemes across the EC’s Horizon programmes. We have an upcoming Workshop to let you know more.
The event is designed for Prospective Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship applicants and their supervisors with the University of Edinburgh as host institution.
This online workshop will provide an overview of the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship scheme, how the University of Edinburgh can support you throughout the application process, and in-depth proposal writing prompts and advice. There are two interactive sessions where you will hear from current Edinburgh-based MSCA fellows and supervisors during which you can ask questions.
Organisers: Elisabetta Spano (Edinburgh Research Office) & Anna Pilz (IAD).
Registration:
If you have any questions about this workshop please contact Elisabetta Spano.
Research application and development support
Edinburgh Research Office offers two types of support at the application stage:
Core application support
This type of support is mandatory for all University of Edinburgh-based Horizon Europe applicants and covers eligibility queries, costings and any administrative support.
Proposal development support
Our proposal development support includes assistance with reviewing, drafting and coordinating work leading up to submission of Global Challenges proposals or ERC proposals (Starting, Consolidator, Advanced and Synergy).
This type of support is optional and only available to lead applicants.
For further advice and availability of proposal development, please contact Elisabetta Spano:
Resources and further information
Edinburgh Research Office provide online resources to support your research funding application journey, including:
Horizon Europe
European Research Council
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Other resources: