On September 18-20, 2023, a three day proposal writing training took place at Georgian National University (SEU), Tbilisi. The trainings, that included two parallel working sessions on Horizon Europe, Pillar II, Clusters 2, 3, 5 and Cost Actions, were delivered by invited experts: Anamaria Magri Pantea and Jana Tóthová.
The trainings were participated by the representatives of the universities in Tbilisi and regions of Georgia. The working process included the trainer’s presentations, Q&A sessions, discussions and practical exercises.
The training on COST Actions covered following topics:
- Introduction to COST and its role in Horizon Europe programme;
- COST Actions key characteristics, structure, scope of activities and funding scheme;
- Group discussion on benefits of COST Actions Options for participating in COST Actions;
- Understanding the different opportunities and how to join a running COST Action;
- How to propose a new COST Action – understanding the basic steps, the eligibility conditions, application format, evaluation and selection criteria, applicable timelines;
- Key requirements and tips for proposal and partnership preparation;
- Introduction to the increased use of EU cascade funding and support opportunities. Discussion of rationale and benefits;
- Introduction to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology;
- How to identify opportunities to join the EIT Community – group discussion and practical individual work;
- Introduction to other Horizon Europe institutionalised partnerships and the funding opportunities they offer – Joint Undertakings like Clean Aviation, Circular Bio-Based Europe, Innovative Health Initiative, Key Digital Technologies, etc.
- How to prepare an expression of interest to join a project proposal;
- Innovation support opportunities under the Single Market Programme and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund ;
- How to identify cascade funding opportunities from various EU funding programmes – practical individual work and group discussion.
Training materials:
The training on Horizon Europe, Pillar II, clusters 2, 3, 5 covered following topics:
- Understanding Clusters 2, 3, and 5 through Best Practice Examples;
- Key principles of successful Proposal writing: case studies and practical exercises;
- How to build a matrix of suitable HE calls for (participants’) R&D&I goals for the next 1,5 – 2 years: practical exercise;
- The art of a Call reading – practical exercise;
- Short recapitulation - definitions of Impact, Outcomes, Results, Dissemination, Exploitation, Communication, Stakeholders, Target Groups;
- A deeper dive into the Logical Framework and Project life cycle;
- Recommended timeline and stages of a proposal writing process;
- What are the roles in a HE projects? Coordinator, Partner, Affiliated Entity (previously known as 'linked third party in the H2020 program), Associated Partner, Subcontractor, In-kind contributor ;
- Consortium partners: with whom and where to find them?
- Decomposition of the Application form: Part A, Part B, budgeting;
- What is Excellence in the Application form and how to approach it: Interactive group discussion;
- A closer look at Excellence section through practical exercises: Objectives and ambitions, Methodology, Compliance with EU goals and priorities;
- Common mistakes and shortcomings;
- IMPACT section of the Application;
- Quality and efficiency of the implementation section of the Application;
Training materials:
The last day of the trainings was dedicated to personal consultations with the researchers already working on developing a proposal for Horizon Europe.
