Anthea Fabri Horizon 2020 National NCP Coordinator

Support for researchers through the National

Contact Point (NCP) Organisation

Outline:

• 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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National Contact Points

Researchers /Organisations

European Commission

Publication of Calls

Rules of Participation

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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.12

Tips for Success..

• 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

• €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 FabriHorizon 2020 National NCP CoordinatorMalta Council for Science and Technology,Tel: 2360 2141Email: anthea.fabri@gov.mt

horizon2020.mcst@gov.mt

Find out more:www.ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020

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