When it comes to research funding carried out by the European Union, it’s done in a variety of ways. Mainly operated through the use of grants. Not just anyone gets these grants though; you have to go through the applying process. There are different kinds of grants depending on the research. In this article we’ll be reviewing each of the grants along with the different search topics and key elements of the researches.
Seeking or waiting for a project partner
The very first thing a person should know is that any research organization, company can step up to be considered a partner. Keep in mind that the research organization or company has to be financially accountable and have the knowledge and skill to carry out the particular tasks required for the project proposal that have to be completed with expertise. If you want to find a partner faster and you’re rather new then try out the partner search services that is at your disposal. The partner search services links you up with other organizations, who are interested in finding a partner for them to collaborate with in proposals. The organization or company could also publish proposals they may have and wait for a partner jumping at collaborations to contact. This leads into the programs which we’ll discuss further in the article since depending on the particular programs, national contact points can be useful too.
Process of the application to gain research fund
The process for gaining a research fund is usually carried out in one to two stages. For the first regular state, it’s very simple. Just send in an application. If it’s the second stage make a summary proposal. Make sure it’s catchy and it’s attractive so that it can be short-listed. Once it’s short-listed, an invitation will be sent out granting you the ability to submit the full application in the second phase where you’ll be a step closer to funding. Now as a reminder, remember once you have a specific call in mind, check the guidelines and meet the requirements well. Keep in mind to register your company or organization with the commission, that’s very important too.
Process of careful selection
When the selection process rolls in, things get tricky. It gets tricky because of the evaluation, since if something is off your proposal may be rejected fast. Be prepared for the fact that there may be different evaluation procedures depending on the funding he/she may have. Depending on the budget, all of the proposals can be selected or only a few may be selected. If it isn’t available right away, don’t stress it. Proposals that didn’t receive funding may receive it later on if more funds are available.
Grant agreement and management guide
Making proposals really isn’t that difficult once you get the hang of it and neither is managing the direction your project goes. When the agreement is signed, you’ll have to manage your project well and make sure it meets up to the standards set. This is done easily since guidance is provided so you aren’t walking into a dark cave with no lighting. The guidance is the light and as the name implies, it will guide you through the entire process smoothly. It’s all there; all he/she has to do is stick to the guides. Depending on the project you may be asked to add in deliverables. Deliverables consist of things like special report, list, info, software milestone and other deliverables that may be suggested in accordance to the grant agreement. If there are any potential changes to the terms and conditions of the grant agreement, you’ll be notified and the grant agreement will be amended. That isn’t anything serious though since the commission will be rounded to keep track and make sure everything runs smoothly through the process. It’s like an older brother giving his younger brother constructive advice as the little brother learns over time. Another useful tip, over the duration of the project make sure to keep the records and documents that will prove you’ve done the project exactly as it was stated. The costs should be recorded too, it’s good to be cautious and all of that falls into managing your project which isn’t too difficult.
Kinds of funds
Next an individual should be aware of the kind of funding he/she can go for. There are prizes, grants, subsidies, loans and other ways of gaining the funding for the project you have in mind. If you partake in a competition Horizon2020 makes, you can receive a prize that can be applied to your special project. Obviously there will be competition as there is all over the world. So, if you aren’t up to too much competition, then go for a grant or subsidy. Subsidies are handled by the European Union national governments directly. There are different ones like agricultural cash subsidies that are given to farmers. If you know you’ll be gaining a lot of money through the project then consider taking a loan that you’ll be able to pay off later on. Make the right moves and you’ll gain much more than you put out and you’ll also be helping many living organisms one way or another with the project you complete. An individual will have to go through those options and choose the one that best benefits him/her.
Different programs example
Now, we’ll go over the many ways of getting funding. The majority of the European funding is handed out by the European Union itself. Comparing this to the European commission and it’s a considerable difference. The European commission’s awards grants straightforward. European Union programs help better the world with the assistance of the European Commission that is assisting in keeping organizations and planned projects the EU programs have. Among programs there are the HORIZON 2020, COSME, ESF, JUSTICE PROGRAMME and various others. All of those programs have found project partners in the past and are very professional. When applying a program, it will be challenged by other programs to win a particular funding from the specific call – so projects have to be top notch.
Agreement of the grant
Once your proposal is accepted, you’re invited to sign a grant agreement. Just like when someone is going to sign to lease a car or a house or when someone goes for a payday loan. Before getting the grant you have to accept some terms and conditions in the agreement. In the agreement you’ll provide accurate legal information. You’ll have to be ready to shift your proposal around if the evaluation report says to do it. Making minor changes isn’t too difficult. After the agreement is settled, the exciting part comes in. When receiving the money, it’ll be sent out in various installments however long the project is. The pre-financing payments come in, then a few interim payments and then after completing the project, the final payment is sent.
European commission power over funds
Managing your funds will be very important. The majority of EU funding is operated below various programs that are managed together by the European commission as well as other national authorities through the European Union countries. Recap, the European commission controls the budgets that the projects have. This means that it rules over the project’s headquarters, European Union agencies, departments etc. Anything that requires transferring funds somewhere or awarding the grants goes by the European commission first. Just like direct management there is indirect management where national authorities work in the shadows.
Funding topics
The European Union funds and supports the best researchers around the world on a wide variety of topics. These topics range from frontier research, energy research, agriculture, how to improve the environment, adding better policies and how policies may affect certain humans, science in society and so many other topics where the funds are being put to use well. Anyone can get down to making proposals as long as they have the right team and creative innovative minds. All research can benefit all humans worldwide. What other country does that? It’s honestly very impressive.
Conclusion
With all of that in mind, the final thing that will be recapped is who exactly is eligible for research funding. You’d be surprised at the answer. Firstly young people can apply from ages 13 to 31. There are particular programs that are particularly for young people to study abroad and gain a lot of experience of the world around them. Information on that can be found through funding calls so dig around after this. Small businesses can take the plunge and go for a fund too. Farmers receive direct payments and if they’re interested in more funds then they’ll have to provide certain information on plant and animals conditions on the farm, make sure that the environment isn’t hazardous in anyway. There are others but mainly researchers are the individuals who are held to a high regard simply because of the fact that research is very important to the European Union. Which are you? Do you fall into one of those? If so, get started and seek a research fund. Remember you’re entitled to access on important information. So look up the financial transparency system for beneficiaries’ info.