WRITING A SUCCESSFUL MSCA INDIVIDUAL FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION:! EVALUATOR S TIPS FOR PROPOSAL DRAFTING! 10.5.2016 AGORA GAMMA Prof. Maija Nissinen Department of Chemistry Nanoscience Center
Experience as an evaluator n Evaluator of FP6 and FP7 Marie Curie International Fellowship calls 2005-2007, 2011 and 2013 (Chemistry panel) n Evaluator of other research project calls (FP7; 2008-2012) n Internal advisor for JYU applications (physics, biosciences)
Evaluators view on fellowship calls Very well organized Objective and neutral evaluation Competition is very hard! But still excellent possibilities to get funding - At different stages of research career - For very different type of projects and research topics
How does the evaluation process go? Experts perform evaluations on a personal basis, not as representatives of their employer, their country or any other entity. They are expected to be independent, impartial and objective Experts selection: - High level of skill, experience and knowledge in relevant areas - Geographical diversity - Gender - Private and public sectors - Turnover from year to year
How does the evaluation process go? Evaluator marks the preferred applications Conflict of interest Generalist Specialist Out of expertise Pay attention to the title and abstract!! Panel choice? Applications divided to evaluators 15 proposals / evaluator 3 weeks Each proposal is evaluated by 3 (or more) experts Individual reports and scores Consensus One report, one score Additional evaluators possible Ranking list
How does the evaluation process go? Researcher Host Project Excellence (50 %) Each criterion scored 1-5 Note: the most get 3-5 and to pass you have to get 4,5-5 Impact (30 %) Quality and efficiency of implementation (20 %)
How to make a competitive application evaluator s view A proposal must be of the highest quality both in terms of research quality and quality of the applicant / PI / host institute. Search for a high quality and committed partner willing to contribute to the application!
How to make a competitive application evaluator s view Respect the rules and follow the instructions Read the call info, the info for applicants AND info for evaluators (if available), Article 14 of H2020 Rules for Participation. Address the issues mentioned in call announcement notice also the political text.
How to make a competitive application evaluator s view Examples: Support is foreseen to the best and most promising researchers Ø Convince that you are one of them Career Development Plan should be established Ø This kind of information is important in making the difference in otherwise equal candidates Impact to enhancing and maximizing the contribution of the best researchers to economy and society strengthening networks career development Ø Make sure that all points are addressed
How to make a competitive application evaluator s view Research administration data, implementation and impact DO matter! Use professional and/or experienced help in writing the application. ² Research and innovation offices ² Former MC fellows ² Evaluators ² Experienced (senior) colleagues
Why apply? Highly valued: Researchers who have held a MC fellowship are more likely to be awarded an ERC grant for research excellence (or) other internationally-recognized awards, with female MC researchers having a 13 % greater probability of obtaining high-profile awards later in their career than non-mc fellows Quite generous funding Excellent opportunity to make international contacts with top class research groups.
QUESTIONS? Thank you!