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EU-lingo for researchers

List of commonly used terms in EU funding application processes. The words are listed in alphabetical order.

Any member of a consortium (i.e., partner in a project) that is not the coordinator, and receive financing from the EC.

An invitation by the funding body for applicants to submit their project ideas under call-specific technical and economic requirements.

A thematic grouping of research and innovation activities in Pillar 2 that are aligned with the strategic priorities of the European Union. Each cluster is designed to address key global challenges and aims to foster interdisciplinary research, collaboration, and innovation. There are 6 clusters divided as follows: 1) health, 2) culture, creativity & inclusive society, 3) civil security for society, 4) digital, industry & space, 5) climate, energy & mobility, 6) food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture & environment.

A group of organizations that collaborate to carry out a project. In EU grants, it often includes universities, research institutions, and companies from different countries.

The organization that leads the consortium and is responsible for the overall management of the project.

When the project costs are shared between the funding body and the consortium.

A report that is sent to the Commission or Agency providing information to ensure effective monitoring of the project. There are diverse types of deliverables (e.g. a report on specific activities or results, data management plans, ethics, or security requirements).

The rules that determine whether a project can receive funding. It is like the entry requirements.

An assessment to ensure that the project complies with ethical standards and regulations. It is like a quality check for the ethical aspects of the research.

The standards used to assess the quality and potential of the project proposals for funding. The criteria are divided into three categories: excellence, impact, and implementation.

A visual timeline that outlines the project schedule. It is like a calendar for all the major tasks and milestones.

The contract between the project consortium and the funding body. It outlines what the project will do, how much funding it will receive, and the rules it must follow.

The EU´s current Research and Innovation funding programme. The successor to Horizon 2020, running from 2021 to 2027. HE is organised into three pillars, which are fundamental components of the programme’s structure.

The short- and long-term effects of the project on society, the economy, the environment, or other fields. It is the difference the project makes in the real world.

A project type in pillar 2, the global challenges, focused on bringing new products, services, or processes close to the market. High Technology Readiness Level.

A significant point or event in the project timeline to chart progress, e.g. achievement of a key result or a critical decision point. A milestone should be verifiable. 

An organization involved in the consortium but not leading it. They contribute to and support the project’s objectives. A partner can contribute to or lead a task or a work package. Partners include beneficiaries, associated partners, etc. 

A fundamental component of HE’s structure. There are 3 main pillars: pillar 1 – Excellent Science, pillar 2 – Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, pillar 3 – Innovative Europe.

An initial payment made by the funding body to kick-start the project. 

In EU funding applications, a “proposal” is a detailed plan or pitch for a project that an individual or consortium submits in response to a call for proposals. It outlines the objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and how it aligns with the specified topic of the call. It comprises part A (an online part including administrative and professional -e.g., publications, projects, equipment- information of each participant) and part B, which is the technical description of the project idea. If it is evaluated favourably, the proposal has chances to receive the grant.

A project type in pillar 2 and pillar 3, aimed at creating new knowledge or technologies through research and development. Low-Medium Technology Readiness Level.

Activity carried out as part of the project.  All tasks are grouped in Work Packages and can be carried out individually by one PI or partner or in collaboration between partners in a consortium. 

Scale used to assess the maturity of a technology, product or solution, ranging from basic concepts (TRL 1) to fully operational systems (TRL 9).

In the context of EU funding applications, a “topic” refers to a specific area of interest or research that the funding body wants to address. Each call for proposals will list several topics, and applicants must align their project ideas with one of these specified topics to be considered for funding.

A set of related tasks within a project. Think of it as a chapter in a book, each focusing on a specific aspect of the work.

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Last Updated 24.07.2024