Support for researchers
through the National
Contact Point (NCP)
Organisation
Anthea Fabri
Horizon 2020 National NCP Coordinator
Outline:
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General purposes of NCPs
The Maltese NCP System
Tasks of the NCPs
Tips for Success
Malta’s participation in FP7
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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.
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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.
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Publication of
Calls
Rules of
Participation
European Commission
Researchers /Organisations
National Contact Points5
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...);
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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.
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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..
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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
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€17.4 million in funds;
146 projects;
173 local participants;
20 projects coordinated by MT entities.
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Thank you!
For further information:
Anthea Fabri
Horizon 2020 National NCP Coordinator
Malta Council for Science and Technology,
Tel:
2360 2141
Email:
anthea.fabri@gov.mt
horizon2020.mcst@gov.mt
Find out more:
www.ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020
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