Blog

The SYNSENSO proposal journey

How does an EU-funded project come to fruition? For researchers interested in coordinating or participating in such, the process between the proposal writing stage and the project start can sometimes seem like a black box. In this blog series, we explore the SYNSENSO proposal from contact to contract.

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Taking on the EIC Pathfinder Challenge: new directions in science and technology

The Pathfinder programme supports the research and development of bold ideas for future breakthrough technologies within Horizon EU. It encompasses two funding streams: Pathfinder Open, where applicants can propose any research topic, and Pathfinder Challenge, which provides funding for research projects of high societal, economic and political interest.

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Insights into the results of the 2022 MSCA call for Doctoral Networks

The European Commission has completed the evaluation of the proposals submitted for the 2022 MSCA Call for Doctoral Networks. The results of the 2022 call reveal higher success rates and higher funding thresholds compared to the previous 2021 call. Gain insights into the results.

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15 years of accelopment: an exciting journey set to continue for Europe’s R&I!

accelopment is celebrating its 15th anniversary. What started out as a one-woman company in a garage offering proposal writing, project management and dissemination services has quickly developed into an organisation with more than two dozen employees, supporting R&D projects from the first idea to the project completion in multiple innovative areas.

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International Women’s Day

We at accelopment recognize the importance of gender equality and strongly value diversity and inclusion. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

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Upcoming Horizon Europe “Civil Security” calls – opportunities for you?

A variety of funding opportunities for research and innovation activities in Horizon Europe allow applicants to find the right call in digital infrastructure, technologies and societal factors, including cybersecurity.

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A strong business case for your Eurostars-3 application

With 29% of applications to Eurostars being funded, chances of success are already high. However, there are always ways to increase your chances. One way to make your project stand out and convince the evaluators is to describe your specific business case and the market potential of the project results.

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Communicating research through videos – a compact guide on planning and production

It may seem that modern technology and accessibility of recording devices makes video creation a simple task, the time needed to develop a meaningful audio-visual story should not be underestimated. Thorough planning beforehand will save you some precious time in the production phase. Learn how to develop an impactful video to communicate about science.

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Be smart – choose Eurostars: Eurostars-3 for innovative SMEs

As an SME you have the possibility to become project leader of a EUREKA Eurostars project and benefit from this funding opportunity’s many advantages. The stunning success rate of 29%, free choice of topic and up to 80% funding for the project's costs make it an attractive programme focused on promoting SMEs. We provide you with hands-on support for the application process.

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Analysis of upcoming Horizon Digital, Industry and Space calls 2023-2024 – opportunities for you?

Digital and industrial technologies shape all sectors of the European economy and the daily routine of us all. The EU reflects this in the budget increase from EUR 1.56 billion (2021-2022) to EUR 2.3 billion (2023-2024) in Cluster 4 of Horizon Europe, tackling Digital, Industry, and Space.

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Latest MSCA-DN deadline confirms higher success rate in Horizon Europe

A total of 946 proposals were submitted in the second MSCA-DN call in Horizon Europe - a number that lets us anticipate one of the highest success rates in ITN/DN calls since the first FP7 ITN call in 2007.

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A win-win for everyone: Sustainable Development Goals in EU-funded projects

Achieving the United Nations’ ambitious Sustainable Development Goals is one of Horizon Europe’s main targets. Find out how we use the targets set by the so-called Global Goals to leverage ongoing research and innovation projects and identify possible synergies and collaborations.

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Upcoming Horizon Europe “Health” calls – opportunities for you?

In November, the publication of the HORIZON Work Programme 2023-2024 for Health (Cluster 1) is expected. Our infographic analyses the available funding and shows the different submission deadlines. Find the most suitable call topic for your research and innovation project!

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Have you already completed the training section in your HORIZON-MSCA-DN proposal?

Based on our experience from previous proposal writing for MSCA calls, we know how important it is to strike a good balance between scientific and technological training on one side and transferable skills courses on the other. What to consider when writing the Doctoral Network training programme?

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Using videos to communicate research

Online videos open new avenues for science communication. Videos can be used to raise awareness, document research, introduce project partners, share new scientific methodologies, showcase results and more. Our communications team has put together an overview of video types that effectively promote the project and help engage the audience.

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SGP – how to plan your EU grant applications strategically

In a complex yet rich EU research and innovation landscape, our strategic grant planning will provide you with the key facts on the most promising funding schemes for your research ideas along with a timeline covering submission deadlines for the next two years.

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Social media for EU projects – sharing content at the forefront of research

While in a previous blog post we covered the key steps in getting started with social media for EU projects, herein we explore what content to share to combine both trustworthy and engaging information.

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Enhancing your skills with a focus on EU-funded research: Interview with our interns

Research projects funded by the EU benefit from high-quality project management and professional communication with a specific focus on research and EU requirements. At accelopment, we regularly offer internships to train students and early career professionals in this area.

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Social media for EU projects – where to start?

While having a dedicated project website is a well-established requirement for EU-funded projects, over the last years the use of social media for EU project communication has been increasingly encouraged by the EC. In this first blog post of a series, we share some advice and tips on where to start.

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What to consider in Horizon Europe stage-2 Health submissions

The European Commission has just communicated the first-stage results of the Horizon Europe Health calls. We have thus checked out the requirements for the upcoming stage-2 submission. Find out what changes you need to make to your proposal to get a successful stage-two submission on the right track.

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MSCA Doctoral Networks 2022 call – important changes in the new proposal template

The European Commission published the 2022 MSCA Doctoral Networks call last week. We had a look at the updated Work Programme, the Guide for Applicants and the updated Standard Proposal Template to find out what is different to last year’s call. If you plan to resubmit your DN proposal, make sure to be aware of the most significant changes.

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Make the best of your DN – project management and communication

Transferable skills are key to successful MSCA Doctoral Networks. Provide your Doctoral Candidates with adequate training in project management as well as in communication and dissemination, truly building up their transferable skillset, their disposition towards teamwork, collaboration, and outreach.

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New EU funding opportunities for energy-related projects

New energy-related call topics were opened by the European Commission. They belong to the "Battery Partnership" and other parts of the Cluster 5 "Climate, Energy and Mobility". One further call topic was launched under the "Cities Mission". With a deadline of 6 September 2022 there is enough time to prepare and submit applications.

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How to prepare a Plan for Dissemination and Exploitation including Communication activities

How can you navigate through the development process of the Plan for Dissemination and Exploitation including Communication activities for Horizon Europe projects? Get familiar with key elements and requirements of the European Commission towards this mandatory deliverable.

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Insights into the first MSCA Doctoral Network evaluation results under Horizon Europe

The European Commission selected the first Doctoral Networks under Horizon Europe. Gain insights into the results of the 2021 call, which is marked by higher success rates and lower funding thresholds compared to the previous programme.

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Website accessibility – a priority for EU-funded research and innovation projects

EU-funded projects aim to reach a wide audience, but their website accessibility is often overlooked. With a few simple improvements, you can change this for your project website.

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An alternative approach to consortium building for EU research and innovation projects

With partners from different countries, diverse backgrounds, and distinct research areas, team or consortium building represents an essential task and challenge best tackled during the proposal preparation before a project even starts.

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A gender lens for EU research on International Women’s Day 2022

Today, we celebrate the 111th International Women’s Day and share some of the latest data on gender (in)equality in research, while linking to relevant Horizon Europe requirements and inviting you to self-explore your implicit biases.

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Succeeding in the first Horizon EU Health proposals – sharing of experience

While waiting for the final statistics on the first Horizon Europe Health calls, we share our experience from the evaluation of some health proposals. This might help applicants who are currently preparing their proposals for the fast-approaching next deadlines.

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EU-funded projects celebrating #WomenInScience Day

We aim to raise awareness for all the women in science, the hurdles they have overcome, the dreams they have achieved, and the path they are pursuing. As a sparring partner in EU-funded research projects, we have the exciting role of supporting innovations in science, many of which are brought forward by women.

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EIC Work Programme 2022 published – more changes in the Pathfinder than expected

The first, highly competitive, EIC Pathfinder Open call revealed important novelties for applicants. As in FET-Open, the programme is still targeted at breakthrough, innovative solutions, but with changes ranging from the formalities of the main proposal document to the strict requirement of a multidisciplinary approach.

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Managing MSCA-ITN projects during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Many ongoing MSCA ITNs that build on the mobility of early-stage researchers have been severely affected by the pandemic. How does the REA handle the four most common issues, 1: ESR recruitment delays, 2: Adapting the training plan, 3: Adjusting the secondment plans, and 4: Delays of deliverables and milestones?

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Master the Eurostars online portal like a pro

If you are applying for a Eurostars 3 project, you should check out the requirements and especially the web portal through which applicants need to submit their project proposal. Set out to master the Eurostars’ online application portal with the guidelines at hand and your project idea in mind.

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Preparing a short stage-1 proposal? Mind the new declaration

As deadlines for two-stage calls in the areas of Health, Climate and Food are getting closer, learn about a key change in the submission process from Horizon 2020 to Horizon Europe.

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Road or rail, water or air – funding opportunities for Horizon Europe projects

Cluster 5 of Horizon Europe offers diverse funding opportunities for mobility-related topics: Batteries and fuels or transport by road, rail, water, and air. Several calls are also in collaboration with specific partnerships.

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Towards higher success rates in MSCA Doctoral Network proposals?

A total of 1,076 proposals were submitted for the first MSCA Doctoral Networks (DNs) deadline in Horizon Europe on 16 November 2021. A first analysis of the call statistics reveals an increase in success chances.

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Just over 6% success rate in the first EIC Pathfinder Open call under Horizon Europe

The European Innovation Council selected the first 56 EIC Pathfinder Open projects under Horizon Europe. Read on for an overview of the call statistics and foreseen deadlines for (re-)submission of your proposal.

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Quality assurance in Horizon Europe projects and beyond

Good quality at all levels of your Horizon Europe project is highly desirable. From the professional quality management to implement your project, to adherence to scientific quality requirements and operational quality procedures at participant level, we can support you with our experience.

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Preparing your MSCA-DN proposal? Don`t forget the transferable skills.

Training in transferable skills is an important element of the training programmes included in the EU-funded Marie Curie research and training networks for early-stage researchers and doctoral candidates. They are a “must-have” when planning their next steps within an academic career or applying for jobs in companies and transitioning to industry.

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SGP – The gateway to your next EU-funded research and innovation project

Our Strategic Grant Planning (SGP) service will support you in identifying the best funding opportunity for your idea and in planning your grant applications for the upcoming years. With the start of Horizon Europe and other new EU programmes, we are well set up to guide you through the wide array of funding instruments.

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Less competition than usual in the first Horizon Europe Health calls

For the first Health cluster deadline of Horizon Europe, a total of 591 proposals were submitted. The chances of success seem to be higher than usual. Find the estimated success rates in this blog post.

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Preparing an MSCA Doctoral Network proposal? Mind the latest updates!

MSCA Doctoral Network proposals are being prepared under a tight schedule. At the same time, all changes from the previous Horizon 2020 MSCA ITNs need to be considered.

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No luck with EIC Accelerator? – Why not try Eurostars 3 instead?

Eurostars is an essential component of Horizon Europe, with 37 countries from within and outside Europe participating in the Eurostars programme. Each of these “Eurostars countries” has its own funding coverage policy for SMEs and other types of participants.

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Digitalisation: Virtually everywhere?

The EU`s funding programme Horizon Europe facilitates the digitalisation process by supporting the discovery and development of innovative ICT technologies and their deployment in a wide range of application areas, in the dedicated Cluster 4 focused on Digital, Industry and Space, but also in Health and Climate, Energy and Mobility.

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From H2020 Innovative Training Networks (ITNs) to Horizon Europe Doctoral Networks (DN) – key changes for you to know

The long wait is finally over and the first Doctoral Network (DN) call is now open for submission. We had a look at the Guide for Applicants, the new Standard Proposal Template, and the online forms to find out what is different from the Horizon 2020 Marie Curie ITNs.

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There is more than food in the Horizon Europe’s Cluster 6 – check out the new funding opportunities

With a total budget of € 2.2 billion for 2021 to 2022, the Horizon Europe Cluster 6 is expected to support a transformative change of the EU economy and society to reduce environmental degradation, stop and reverse the decline of biodiversity, and better manage natural resources while meeting the EU's climate objectives and ensuring food and water security.

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A clean planet for all – a purposeful research programme to achieve Europe’s vision

With a total budget of € 2.8 billion for 2021 to 2022, the Horizon Europe Cluster 5 will contribute to achieving the EU's goal of becoming a climate neutral society. Although the Horizon Europe Climate, Energy and Mobility programme offers a wide array of funding opportunities, we expect a tough competition similar to the previous Horizon 2020 programmes.

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The 3 big C’s and more in health research and innovation: COVID-19 – Cancer – Cardiovascular diseases

The official Work Programme for Cluster 1 – Health under the 9th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon Europe, will be published this spring. With a total budget of €1,86 billion for 2021 to 2022, the Horizon Europe Cluster 1 – Health will fund projects in the 3 big C's health areas: Cancer, Covid-19, and Cardiovascular Diseases.

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From H2020 to Horizon Europe – a closer look at the new Grant Agreement

When your project is selected for EU funding, the Grant Agreement (a funding contract between the European Commission and the project consortium) is a prerequisite for the project to start. The new framework programme Horizon Europe has brought key changes to the Model Grant Agreement.

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With the first Cluster Health Work Programme in Horizon Europe for a more resilient and healthier Europe

The European Commission will fund research and innovation activities under Horizon Europe for a healthier and more resilient Europe - from supporting mental health, through boosting of digitalisation and efficient health data use, to development of next generation AI tools, therapies, and vaccines.

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EIC Transition – new funding opportunity to advance your FET results

Both, the FET Innovation Launchpad (Horizon 2020) and the EIC Transition (Horizon Europe), have the goal to support the exploitation of results from FET projects. However, the instruments have key differences you should be aware of.

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First Horizon Europe calls published: what about applicants from the UK and the Associated Countries?

While Horizon Europe has officially started, the association agreements between the European Commission on one side and the Horizon 2020 Associated Countries and the United Kingdom on the other, are still in an early phase. This raises the question about the current eligibility of these applicants.

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Data Management Plan – why it’s important for your ITN and ESRs

A Data Management Plan is a priority for recently started ITNs. Read in this blog how you and your ESRs will get to grips with the essentials of data management.

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Wood for the future events present imaginative solutions

Wood experts discussed solutions and shared ideas for a sustainable future at the event series on Wood for the future (EU Green Week partner events).

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Last Horizon 2020 Health call results expected soon

While the results for the “Digital transformation in Health and Care (DTH)” calls were issued last week, we expect to receive the last results of the series of Health calls in the coming days.

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