Introduction to the
Mid-Term Review Meeting
STRONGnet MTR meeting
3 October 2011, Trento, Italy
Giuliana Donini
Research Executive Agency (REA)
Unit P4, Marie Curie Host-Driven Actions
1
Outline
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
2
What is the REA?
What is a MTR? Why a MTR?
Grant Agreement
Obligations of the Network
Marie Curie allowances
Success Story?
Resources
MTR Meeting Introduction
1. What is the REA?
Research Executive Agency (REA)
 Funding body created by the European
Commission to foster excellence in research and
innovation
 Set up in 2007, gained autonomy in June 2009
 Manages large parts of the FP7, including the
Marie Curie Actions
 Manages almost 5,000 research projects. Over the
FP7 lifetime, the REA is to manage projects for a
value of €6.4 billion (12% of FP7 budget)
 Located in Brussels, Belgium
(Covent Garden building, Place Rogier)
 http://ec.europa.eu/research/rea/index.cfm
3
MTR Meeting Introduction
2. What is a Mid-Term Review ?
Fellows
ITN
REA
Consortium
MTR =
the structure
4
the work
the thought
MTR Meeting Introduction
2. Why a Mid-Term Review (MTR)?
Mid-Term Review:
 A contractual obligation
 Objectives




Meet with the project team
Update on the project progress
Discuss any questions, concerns, difficulties
Find solutions
 Not just a scientific evaluation, but a unique
opportunity to exchange views
 Useful ?


5
Consortium and fellows on spot help in case of problems
REA future planning of MCA
MTR Meeting Introduction
2. Why a Mid-Term Review (MTR)?
Mid-Term Review - conclusions:
The REA project officer will send a letter to
conclude the Mid-Term Review process:
• Everything is proceeding as planned. No
specific recommendations
• Some corrective measures should be taken.
Specific recommendations are given
• Serious problems. Eventually suspend the
contract after an audit
6
MTR Meeting Introduction
3. Grant Agreement
Grant Agreement Structure
 Core Grant Agreement
 Annexes
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Technical Annex - Description of work
General conditions applicable to MC Actions
Specific provisions for ITN (funding scheme)
Form A: accession to the grant
Form B: accession request for a new
beneficiary
VI. Form C: Financial statement
VII. Form D and E: Terms of Reference for the
CFS and CoM
7
MTR Meeting Introduction
4. Obligations of the Network
Some consortium obligations
 Carry out the work as identified in Annex I
(efficiently and timely)
 Select fellows according to eligibility criteria,
conclude employment contracts, and establish a
Career Development Plan
 Execute, by due dates, all payments to the
researcher (respecting Marie Curie rates)
 Provide all needed infrastructures & conditions
for the successful completion of the project
 Provide reasonable assistance to the fellows in
all administrative procedures
 Provide information to REA and Court of
Auditors (up to 5 years after the project
completion)
8
MTR Meeting Introduction
5. Marie Curie Allowances
ECO budget
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Paid to the fellows
Paid to the fellows
9
managed
by the
institutions
for the fellows
For the activities carried out
by the institutions
MTR Meeting Introduction
5. Marie Curie Allowances
Category A: Living & Mobility Allowance
- €34,500 gross salary per ESR /year x country coefficient
- €53,000 gross salary per ER /year x country coefficient
- Plus €500 or €800 /month, depending on family status x country coefficient
Category B: Travel Allowance
- Fixed-amount multiple of €250/year (depending on the distance)
Category C: Contribution to Training & Research Costs
- Fixed-amount of €2,000 for each recruitment of more than 1 year
10
MTR Meeting Introduction
6. Success Story
Success Story?
 Positive impact on the citizen or society
 Interest to the public at large
 Very high scientific quality
 Product being developed or brought to market
 Generated lasting collaborations
 Developed an entrepreneurial culture
 Significant outreach activities
 Positive impact on a researcher’s career
 Fellow’s award or publication in a very high
quality journal
 Promoted rights of researchers (e.g. gender
balance, equal opportunities, family friendly)
11
MTR Meeting Introduction
7. Resources
http://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/
12
MTR Meeting Introduction
7. Resources
http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/
13
Thank you for your attention
Questions?
14