Support for researchers through the National Contact Point (NCP) Organisation

Anthea Fabri

Horizon 2020 National NCP Coordinator

Outline:

• General purposes of NCPs • The Maltese NCP System • Tasks of the NCPs • Tips for Success • Malta’s participation in FP7 2

Context:

• • National Contact Point (NCP) Systems are established to

promote equal and consistent support;

Objective:

to provide information about the European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and give support to applicants at all stages of the application process. 3

General purpose of NCPs

• NCP systems are established, operated and financed by National Governments; • National authorities will ensure compliance with ‘minimum standards and guiding principles’; • EC provides general and specialist information on Horizon 2020 to the NCPs, promotes the cooperation through transnational networks and trainings. 4

Publication of Calls

European Commission

Rules of Participation

Researchers /Organisations National Contact Points

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The Maltese NCP System

• The

Malta Council for Science and Technology

(MCST) is mandated by the Government as the NCP Organisation for Horizon 2020 – the New Framework Programme – to provide targeted information and hands-on advice; • NCPs for different areas of Horizon 2020 nominated; • Every local NCP is part of a NCP network at European level.

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Tasks of the National Contact Points

1. We inform 2. We advise 3. We connect

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1. We inform

• Identify opportunities for Malta in current calls; • Circulate general and specific information on Horizon 2020; • Organise information and promotional activities; • Provide information as necessary on other European RTD-programmes such as COSME, COST.

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2. We advise

• Offer one-to-one consultations and full confidentiality; • Assist researchers and organisations in particular new actors and SMEs; • Assist in partner searchers (internet based tools, cooperation networks, EEN etc.); • Advise on administrative procedures, rules and issues (role and responsibilities of participants, rights and obligations, funding schemes...); 9

2. We advise

cont..

• Advise on joining consortia and proposal writing; • Organise training sessions for specific groups or on particular topics; • Review proposals before submission; • Advise during project negotiation and project implementation stages. 10

3. We connect

• Brokerage events; • Consortium meeting; • Partner Search Platforms: – NCP Networks; – Direct contact with NCPs; – Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).

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Cooperation between NCPs and Commission Services –

Main interactions:

• Provide information and data related to the mandate of NCPs; • Invite NCPs to participate in information and awareness activities; • Provide information at the earliest possible time on work programmes, roadmaps, upcoming calls, changes in administrative rules etc.; • Address problems, identify good practices; • Provide relevant distribution material .

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Tips for Success..

• Think Strategic; • Have a New and Innovative Idea; • Have a Strong Profile; • Be Selective and Realistic; • Be close to your business; • Learn from Past Experiences; • Read ALL documents; • Raise Issues Early (IP, financial issues); • Speak to your NCP.

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Malta’s participation in FP7

• €17.4 million in funds; • 146 projects; • 173 local participants; • 20 projects coordinated by MT entities. 14

Thank you!

For further information:

Anthea Fabri Horizon 2020 National NCP Coordinator Malta Council for Science and Technology, Tel: 2360 2141 Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

Find out more: www.ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020

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