Strategic Networking at a European Level

Strategic Networking at a European Level

Overview of the Workshop

In Horizon Europe over 80% of the funding involves submitting proposals as part of a consortium. Proposal ideas normally start with a researcher. That researcher then contacts a number of other researchers to discuss the idea. As the idea develops, the need for extra partners arise. During the process, some partners will leave the consortium and new partners will be needed.

How do researchers identify partners for projects?

Partners can be selected based on:

- researchers they have worked with in the past

- researchers who have presented relevant scientific expertise at conferences

- researchers who shared their work in relevant publications

- researchers who have visited a partner's laboratory

This workshop describes how to network at a European level. Strategic networking involves identifying the key people to target, how to promote scientific expertise and how to attract the best researchers to your ideas.

Target Audience: Researchers in Universities and Research Centres

The course is NOT open to Private Consultants or National Contact Points.

Course Presenters: Dr. Seán McCarthy

Sylvia McCarthy (EU Policy Analyst)

Delivery: On-site or Online (Zoom or Teams)

Duration: 45 minutes

Bookings and Enquiries: mary.mccarthy@hyperion.ie

Contents of Workshop

Module 1: Partners in Horizon Europe Proposals

Bottom-Up versus Top-Down Programmes

Different Roles in a Consortium

The Skills Matrix

Module 2: How Coordinators Select Partners for Proposals

Phases of Proposal Writing

How Coordinators select 'Core Partners'

Networking for Newcomers to Horizon Europe

Module 3: Strategic Networking for Marie S. Curie Proposals

European Networks and Associations

European Research Associations

COST Actions

Module 4: Strategic Networking for Pillar II Proposals

Expert Groups Consulted for Pillar II Topics

Social Sciences and Humanities Expert Groups

Technology Expert Groups

How to join European Expert Groups

Module 5: The Role of European Conferences

Different Types of European Conferences

Levels of Participation in European Conferences

Reporting Participation in European Conferences

Module 6: Sources of Ideas for Horizon Europe Proposals

Sources of Ideas for low-TRL proposals (ERC, MSCA, EIC-Pathfinder)

Sources of Ideas for Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) (Pillar II)

Sources of Ideas for Innovation Actions (IA) (Pillar II)

Programme Designers and Presenters

Dr. Seán McCarthy

Seán has been active in the Framework programmes since 1980. He has been involved in over 150 research proposals to the Framework programmes and has participated in over 60 Framework projects. In 16 of these projects Seán was the coordinator. Today, he does not participate in the Framework programmes but concentrates on designing and delivering training courses. Since 1995 over 80,000 participants have attended his courses in 29 countries. He has presented training courses on the Framework programmes in over 290 research centres throughout Europe (www.hyperion.ie/clients.htm).

In 2017 the European Commission published a list of the top 100 universities and research organisations participating in Horizon 2020. Dr. McCarthy has delivered training courses in 74 of these top 100 universities and research organisations.

Sylvia McCarthy

Sylvia is an EU Policy Analyst. Based in Brussels since 2008, Sylvia has worked in the European Parliament and various EU consultancies and representations.
Sylvia has a Bachelor’s degree in European Studies (University College Cork,Ireland) and a Master’s degree in International Politics and Europe (University of Warwick, UK).

Limitation of Liability

This webpage has been designed to help researchers prepare proposals for Horizon Europe. Every effort has been made to ensure complete and accurate information concerning the material presented in this webpage. However, Hyperion Ltd cannot be held legally responsible for any mistakes in printing or faulty instructions contained within the templates. The authors appreciate receiving notice of any errors or misprints.There are no warranties, expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, made with respect to the materials or any information provided to the user herein. Neither the author nor publisher shall be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the contents of this webpage.