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[Horizon 2020] Outcome Semina Clora on second pillar 14/05/2012

Workshop on Industrial Leadership in H2020, Clora (Brussels), April 26 2012 - Andrea Gentili, The Public-Private Partnerships: which future in Horizon2020 - Michel Catina (DG R&I), - KETs - DG R&I, Concept and design of SME- specific support under Horizon 2020 - Corina Berceanu (DG R&I), COSME Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs 2014-2020 - Olivier Debande (EIB), European Investment Bank Group Contribution

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[People/Marie Curie/Mobilité] IEF Jean Monnet 11/05/2012

The Jean-Monnet-Chair of Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Wessels - as host institution - seeks to assist scholars in applying for funding by the European Commission under the Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowships for Career Development (IEF) scheme.  The Jean-Monnet-Chair assists qualified applicants in preparing applications connected to the following primary fields of research where the chair has a distinguished record in teaching and research: •             The role of the European Union in the field of international relations with a special focus on the set-up and the functioning of the Union’s legal and institutional framework for external action. •             The economic governance in the EU, including the emerging new institutional architecture of the euro, the European Council’s and the Euro Summits’ enhanced role in the crisis, and various aspects of monetary, fiscal and economic policy. •             The role of national parliaments in European integration process. The project lifespan accounts for a period of 12 to 24 months. For more information, please find attached the invitation for applications and see also on: http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/mariecurieactions/ief_en.html Deadline for application to the European Commission: August 16th, 2012.  Individuals interested in applying for an IEF-fellowship hosted by the Jean-Monnet-Chair/University of Cologne are encouraged to send a CV together with a brief outline of the proposed project/activities to Cyril Gläser (cyril.glaeser@uni-koeln.de ) by June 1st, 2012.

[Affaires légales et financières] Technical modification in FP7 project reporting 11/05/2012

Up to now the "Explanation of the use of the resources" had to be provided in the scientific part of the project report via the Participant Portal. From 21st May 2012 this section will become part of the financial reporting function. The change is purely a technical modification.

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[Innovation] Publication - Social innovation 11/05/2012

Financing Social Impact Funding social innovation in Europe – Mapping the way forward, 2012 The field of social innovation is now beginning to gather momentum, with significant investment from governments, foundations and business. Over the next few years, it is possible that the ability to support, manage and grow innovations of this kind will become a core competence within governments, businesses, NGOs and foundations. The field combines commitment, experience and energy. But it lacks the systematic and sophisticated infrastructures of support available to other fields – in particular, access to appropriate finance and funding. The result is that although there is no shortage of good ideas, far too few actually achieve the impact they could. The report sets out a vision of where we want to be ten years from now. It highlights how these various infrastructural gaps will need to be filled for the field to develop to maturity, and puts forward recommendations for how we can achieve this.

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[Sciences socio-éco et Humanités] Active ageing - conference 11/05/2012

Active Ageing–the Potential for Society Conference and Brokerage Event, Dublin, 9-11 July 2012 NET4SOCIETY,the network of NCPs for Socio-Economic Sciences and Humanities of which the FNRS is a beneficiary, will host a transnational research and brokerage event as a satellite event of the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF). The conference will be themed around the 2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations  Active Ageing – the Potential for Society, Conference and Brokerage Event, 9-11 July 2012, Dublin Castle, Ireland. NET4SOCIETY, the network of National Contact Points, supporting and promoting Socio-Economic Sciences and Humanities (SSH) researchers’ engagement in FP7, will host a transnational research and brokerage event, which is an official satellite event of the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF). The event will be themed around the 2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations and will focus on the human and social aspects and implications of active ageing. The event, targeted to approximately 350 researchers, policymakers and stakeholders from the international SSH community, will showcase a positive approach to ageing and its potential for society, presenting international SSH research in this field and identifying future research needs. In addition, it will promote and encourage engagement with FP7 SSH research programmes through a brokerage event that will form part of the conference programme. The event is sponsored by the European Commission. Key note speakers include Anne-Sophie Parent, Director of the AGE network and Lenia Samuel from the European Commission’s Year for Active Ageing initiative. Thematic sessions will be based on the following four key topics: • Employment • Social participation • Intergenerational solidarity • Economy and innovation The third day of the conference will be dedicated to a structured brokerage event that will provide researchers and stakeholders with the opportunity to engage with the FP7 SSH research programme with special focus on the topics of the conference, with a view to finding potential partners for research projects in the FP7 call SSH-2013. For further information, please visit http://www.net4society-activeageing2012.eu/ For information regarding the conference content and management, please contact mobrien@irchss.ie. For information regarding practical issues such as travel, accommodation, venue and logistics, please contact net4society2012@abbey.ie

[Horizon 2020] ITRE/Plenary vote 11/05/2012

The timetable for the reports of Teresa Madurell (S&D) rapporteur on regulation Christian Ehler (EPP) rapporteur on Rules for Participation Maria da Graça Carvalho (EPP) rapporteur on Specific Programme currently looks as follows : 4 May - write draft reports and dissemination 15 May - finalise draft reports 30 May - first discussion on reports in ITRE 6 June - deadline for amendments (prolonged mid-June) Summer – translation of reports October - vote in ITRE November - vote in Plenary

[Général] EIT Conference DK 11/05/2012

EIT conference: Good practices and learnings, Copenhagen, Denmark, June 25-26, 2012 What has the EIT achieved to date? Most importantly, how was this achieved? This EIT conference will take place in Copenhagen Denmark. Key questions not only for the EIT to learn from and to use as a basis for developing and preparing for its next wave of Knowledge & Innovation Communities, but also for the wider innovation community. This conference, taking place at Copenhagen Business School under the auspices of the Danish Presidency, will serve as a forum to answer precisely these questions, within the framework of a wider discussion on the future of innovation policies and the integration of the knowledge triangle (business, research, higher education) both within the EU and globally. The EIT will showcase its activities, achievements and developments to date at all levels: EIT headquarters (Budapest), Knowledge & Innovation Communities and co-location centres. It will aim to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of EIT activities, that will allow them to benefit from the lessons learnt during the implementation of its ambitious agenda. Attendance is free of charge.

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[Général] Conference Semi Conductor - Romania 11/05/2012

International Semiconductor Conference- CAS 2012, Sinaia mountain resort (Romania), 15-17 October, 2012 The conference is organized by the National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, Bucharest (IMT Bucharest), under the aegis of the IEEE-Electron Devices Society, Ministry for Education, Research, Youth and Sport, Romanian Academy, IEEE-Romania Section and Electron Devices Chapter. Deadline for submission: June 1st, 2012. Notification of acceptance: July 15th, 2012. The contributed paper should not exceed four A4 pages, structured and printed according to the IEEE format (4 pages, including a 50 words summary, figures and references; text edited in two columns, on A4 size, with 3.5cm bottom and 2.5cm top, left and right margins). A “CAS Guidelines for papers” is available on the conference site http://www.imt.ro/cas/. The contributed and invited papers will be published in the CAS 2012 Proceedings (an IEEE publication), which will be delivered to the participants at the beginning of the conference. The authors of the accepted papers must sign (for printing the paper in the Proceedings) an IEEE Copyright Form. The papers submitted to CAS must be original and previously unpublished. By the IEEE Copyright form, the authors will transfer the copyright to IEEE. Paper upload address: http://www.imt.ro/cas/2012/upload_papers/ First announcement (CAS 2012 Call for Papers) also on http://www.imt.ro/CAS

[Général] Conference biotech 11/05/2012

European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Bio-based Economy , Düsseldorf (DE), 16-18 October 2012 Programme Day One The programme for 2012 opens with a special focus on the unique collaborative approach that is driving success in the Bioeconomy. Exciting joint ventures from DSM & Roquette, BioAmber & Lanxess and Avantium & Coca Cola will be framed in the context of the European strategy for the Bioeconomy addressed by senior policy makers. We are also proud to include a presentation from Michele Rubino, COO from Beta Renewables on one of Europe’s most high profile commercial biobased production facilities starting up this summer. » The Policy session features case studies from around the world including new announcements from Malaysia and Russia. » The Finance session will provide insight from banks, VC and corporate finance on funding. » The Innovation Track is reserved exclusively for cutting edge bio-based products coming through the development pipeline. Programme Day Two » Advanced Biofuels continues to grow in potential and this year’s dedicated programme track will explain the key issues and anticipate the future trends. » Marine Biotechnology will cover latest developments from start ups, end users on the vibrant range of collaborations, networks and partnerships in this fast growing sector. Our closing plenary will be stronger than ever this year, we are delighted to include a prestigious list of the industry’s leadership for what promises to be a lively CEO debate on the globalising bio-based economy and the role Europe is playing. The closing keynote address will be delivered by CEO of POET who will share with us his vision on the Biorefinery of the Future.

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[People/Marie Curie/Mobilité] IAPP First results 07/05/2012

FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IAPP Call identifier: FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IAPP Call title: Industry-academia partnerships and pathways Published: 19 October 2011 Deadline: 19 April 2012 Budget available: EUR 80 million Number of proposals submitted: 266 Evaluations will take place in two phases: - Remote evaluation from 22 May 2012 to 10 June 2012 - Central evaluation from 25 June 2012 to 29 June 2012 The first grant agreements are expected to be signed from October 2012.

[Infrastructures de recherche] Conference 07/05/2012

First International Conference on Research Infrastructures makes recommendations On 21-23 March 2012, the first International Conference on Research Infrastructures (ICRI) was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, under the auspices of the Danish Presidency of the EU. The conference identified a number of recommendations relating to the needs, developments and operations of global Research Infrastructures (RI). These will be sent to the Competitiveness Council on 27 May. The recommendations cover a range of actions which the conference delegates believe the EU needs to undertake in order to demonstrate its continued support of global RI. These include: maintaining the international momentum and global co-operation that was created by ICRI 2012 through joint initiatives like international conferences; creating a framework for training and mobility across borders for RI researchers as highly trained, talented researchers are required for the success of global RIs; further developing e-infrastructures to ensure the widespread availability of reliable and comprehensible scientific data across disciplines; and establishing a Global Network of Policy Makers for RI with a co-ordinated intergovernmental approach to stimulate and facilitate new global RIs and the operation of existing ones. The summaries of the plenary and thematic sessions are available on the conference website.

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[Innovation] UIIN Platform 07/05/2012

University Industry Innovation Network UIIN is an interactive resource and networking platform for those involved in university-industry relationships. The platform has been developed in response to the need of technology transfer, intellectual property and licensing professionals as well as application-oriented researchers of having easier access to knowledge and information in their working environment. Being the largest platform for sharing resources and exploring new opportunities, UIIN is an optimal networking possibility for academics and industry active in innovation. Currently listing more than 3.500 resources in 18 categories, the network allows members and visitors to look for new partners, find new jobs and stay up-to-date on the latest developments (e.g. events, research projects, products & vendors, publications and calls). A unique feature of the platform is that all members and visitors can upload new resources, resulting in a continuously updated and relevant information base. Members and visitors can subscribe easily and free of charge to the various resource categories so that new information are delivered in a convenient way. Having been developed in close interaction with professionals worldwide, UIIN’s member base already spans close to a 100 members. Besides an online platform, we also offer workshops and conferences for a more personal exchange of knowledge and information. Membership fee for Academics: 200€

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[ Innovation] Knowledge alliances 07/05/2012

New call for Knowledge Alliances The EC has published a second call for proposals on the development of Knowledge Alliances. Knowledge Alliances aim to ensure stronger societal and economic relevance and outreach in higher education, by strengthening the role of higher education institutions in innovation and increasing the employability, creativity and innovative potential of graduates, professors and company staff. In the first pilot round of the scheme, three Knowledge Alliances were selected for funding. These cover the areas of manufacturing, cinema and entrepreneurial education, and received between €320,000 and €360,000 in funding from the EC. Knowledge Alliances are structured partnerships aimed at stimulating innovation by bringing together businesses and higher education institutions. They should involve the exchange of knowledge between higher education and business, in turn leading to the development of long-term strategic partnerships between Higher Education Institutions and companies. These partnerships should also support companies in providing new approaches to the professional development of their staff and provide incentives to try out new and innovative teaching methods, to promote entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial mindsets, and to foster the generation of new ideas and interdisciplinarity through cooperation. The deadline for proposals is 28 June 2012.

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[Général] IMI - Annual Stakeholder Forum 07/05/2012

IMI - Annual Stakeholder Forum, Brussels (Husa President Park Hotel), 30 May 2012. The event will feature: •             presentations on IMI project successes •             an overview of recently-launched IMI projects •             an update on IMI’s efforts to simplify procedures •             a debate on IMI’s impact on the pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) landscape •             workshops on the following indicative topics from current and future IMI Calls for proposals •             Antimicrobial resistance •             Vaccines •             Research effectiveness The event therefore represents an excellent opportunity to learn more about these topics and discuss them in person with the EFPIA topic coordinators. IMI warmly encourages policy makers, small and medium-sized enterprises, patient organisations, regulatory authorities, academic teams, industry, hospitals and other organisations with an interest in IMI projects to take part in the Stakeholder Forum. Registration for the IMI Stakeholder Forum will be open shortly and a link to the registration form will soon be available via the IMI website at http://www.imi.europa.eu/events/2012/04/24/stakeholder-forum-2012. Participation in the Stakeholder Forum is free. The IMI Stakeholder Forum has been scheduled to take place after the European Commission’s FP7-Health Open Information Day to help interested parties make the most of their trip to Brussels

[Général] Report SFIC (ERAC) 07/05/2012

Third Report of Activities of the Strategic Forum for International S&T Cooperation (SFIC), April 20, 2012 Recommendations (see p.6-7): In the light of the progress made and the findings in this report, SFIC recommends that the Council and the Commission: 1. Take note of the progress made by the Forum so far, including its proposed coordinated initiatives as well as the priority areas put forward by the SFIC Work Programme for 2011-2012; 2. Support the design of a European strategy for international STI cooperation proposed in the SFIC opinion on the ERA Framework, as a substantial contribution to the external dimension of ERA; 3. Encourage further implementation of the EU/MS joint initiatives towards India, China and the US, with the appropriate support to complement and reinforce the already existing bilateral activities with these countries; 4. Encourage further information sharing amongst SFIC Members and Observers and invite the respective Ministries, Commission Directorate-Generals and science counsellors to share information and knowledge with their counterparts systematically, as far as possible; 5. Support the involvement of SFIC in the further development of the international dimension of the ERA Framework, the Innovation Union Flagship Initiative and of Horizon 2020 - The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (and one of the key instruments for the ERA); See: http://www.era.gv.at/attach/ST01353.EN12_3rdreportofSFICactivities.PDF

[Général] Cohesion Policy 07/05/2012

Staff Working Document on cohesion policy The EC has presented a Staff Working Document on the Common Strategic Framework 2014-2020 for Regional Funding. The Common Strategic Framework (CSF) will bring together the current funding instruments in the area of regional and cohesion policy, namely the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. The working paper sets out the main elements of the CSF as a basis for discussion with the EP and the Council. It covers, among other issues, coordination mechanisms for the CSF funds with other EU policies and instruments, and a new element of integrated operations. This will allow that an operation or project may receive support from one or more CSF fund and from other EU instruments, including from Horizon 2020, meaning that participants involved in a project funded under Horizon 2020 could, provided they are eligible for cohesion funds, apply for funding for parts of the project (for example infrastructure-related funding) from the CSF. The Commission is inviting stakeholders to send comments on the paper by email.

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[Général] KBBE Conference 07/05/2012

TÜBÝTAK, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, is organizing ‘TurKey Enabling Technologies 2012’ – the International Brokerage Event focused on Biotechnology, Advanced Materials, Space, Manufacturing and Processing Technologies, to take place in Istanbul on 25 May 2012. 300 researchers and companies from Turkey and all across Europe are invited and will have the opportunity to take part in one-to-one meetings with other event participants to discuss collaboration opportunities. In addition, top level researchers will showcase their current FP7 R&D proposals at dedicated workshops. Please could you also circulate this information to your networks who may be interested to know that travel support is granted to selected participants. In addition, promotional text, and an event logo and banner is attached which we would be grateful if you could include in your mailings, newsletters, websites etc... To register, please click here. Once your participation has been validated, you will be able to view the organisations that have already registered to attend and arrange face-to-face meetings with selected participants that you wish to meet up with.

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[Général] European University Association Forum 07/05/2012

The first EUA Funding Forum will take place at the University of Salzburg on 11 and 12 June 2012 The Forum is a unique platform for a timely debate on higher education funding, as universities across Europe are having to adapt to a period of crisis and constrained resources. University leaders, finance experts, researchers and policy-makers will discuss the impact of reforms of funding models in higher education, and how universities can adapt; what the shift towards performance-based funding criteria means; and how to square this with the current economic crisis. Foundations, companies and public funding bodies will share their concerns with regard to funding university-based research; and university practitioners will look at new income sources and how to manage these. The format of the Forum privileges discussions among contributors and participants and provides ample opportunity to meet peers interested and involved in higher education funding from various European countries. It is also your chance to take an active part in an event that will contribute to the future higher education funding policy agenda at regional, national and European level. Confirmed contributors to the Forum include delegates of the OECD, the European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA), the European Students’ Union, the European Foundation Centre, the European Commission, and over 15 European university leaders and senior managers. Information and Registration The deadline for registration is 24 May 2012 (early booking fee available until 11 May) but I kindly advise you to register as early as possible as space will be limited to 200 participants.

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[ERC] Newsletter 27/04/2012

ERC Newsletter Issue 1/2012 (March) – Special focus on the celebrations on the 5th anniversary of ERC Interview of former Commissioner Ph Busquin (p.5) and Marco Dorigo’s work (p.12)

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[ERC] EURECIA 27/04/2012

Research funding agencies and their impact on the science system: Measurement, attribution and assessment, Final Workshop, Brussels, 30 March 2012 The increasing political demand for useful research and the imperatives for evaluation of policy mean that research funders, both at national and European levels, are under increasing pressure to account for their impact. This is true for research funders with the remit to support, maintain and develop the science base, as well as for funding organisations and schemes focusing more on supporting technology and development. Today, most funding organisations collect, use and assess information regarding the impact that they have had, are having, or even are expected to have. This information is used in two main contexts: 1) during processes of negotiating budgets, positions and influence; and 2) by the organisations themselves for purposes of reflexivity. In line with this, the body of literature on the study of ‘impact’ and ‘impact assessment’ has been growing rapidly. Approaches to the study of impact vary greatly according to their assumptions, data collection, data analysis, outcomes and timing. However, most existing approaches are geared towards the study of collaboration networks, of applied research and development, and of impact on the broader society, especially the economy. Whilst there is an expectation that research and funding organisations that aim to develop the science base, and hence to change science itself, ought to account for their impact, studies of the relationship between funding/policy and the science system are still scarce. This workshop focused on the relationship between research funding/policy and the science system. It is inspired by the methodological innovations developed and tested by the work of EURECIA: an international research project funded by the ERC as a coordination and support action1 that developed and applied a novel approach to measuring and attributing the impact of the ERC on different aspects of the science system. The overall aim of the workshop, apart from the dissemination of EURECIA’s approach and empirical results, was to inspire a debate between academics, representatives of research funding organisations and other interested parties on the different rationales for and practices of measuring, attributing and assessing impact. Furthermore, the workshop was meant to provide a platform for the initiation of a continued and mutually beneficial interaction between representatives of different interested parties and organisations.

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[ERC] Calls 2013 deadlines 27/04/2012

In particular, the Starting Grant will be split in two calls for proposals (Starting and Consolidator). Starters and Consolidators will start at the same time (July) but have a different deadline.  There will be a single deadline for each call (instead of one deadline per domain until now). Also, the Advanced grant call will be published earlier than in the past. ERC StG (starters) 17/10/2012 ERC AdG: 22/11/2012 ERC SyG: 10/01/2013 ERC CoS (consolidators): 21/02/2013 Indicative budget (see p.55 of draft WP and ppt presentation) ERC-2013-StG    395 EUR million ERC-2013-CoG  515 EUR million (Consolidator) ERC-2013-AdG  660 EUR million ERC-2013-SyG   150 EUR million (Pilot) ERC-2013-PoC   10 EUR million

[Infrastructures de recherche] Structural biology 27/04/2012

New research infrastructure on structural biology launched A new research infrastructure for the science of structural biology, ‘Instruct’, was launched by a consortium of 14 research institutes from eight EU Member States. The aim of Instruct is to provide structural and cell biologists from industry and academia with the opportunity to further their research. It gives access to technology from 14 structural biology research institutes in Europe and gives researchers the possibility to sign up for a tailored online profile. The Instruct Hub also includes job adverts and information on academic programmes in the field. Eight countries have so far subscribed to Instruct. The Instruct research infrastructure is the result of years of preparatory work, for which funding was allocated under the different EU Framework Programmes, and was included in the Roadmap of the European Strategy Forum for Research Infrastructures (ESFRI). Initial funding was provided for the FP5 project SPINE (Structural Proteomics IN Europe), followed by funding for the SPINE-2 project under FP6 and the Instruct project itself under FP7.

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[Infrastructures de recherche] Language Research 27/04/2012

New EU legal status for language research infrastructure The Common Language Resources and Technology Infrastructure (CLARIN) has become the second research infrastructure to be granted the EU legal status of a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) by the EC. CLARIN is overcoming the fragmentation of data by helping researchers across Europe access both written text and spoken recordings of multilingual and multicultural content from their computers via a web application. CLARIN provides access to a single collection of data repositories with standardised descriptions and processing tools to operate them. The Commission has contributed €4.1 million to the €104 million construction costs of CLARIN. Utrecht University, the Netherlands will host CLARIN’s headquarters. The ERIC status provides research infrastructures with administrative advantages and tax exemptions that are similar to those of an international organisation. The Commission expects further requests from infrastructures on the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) roadmap to be given ERIC status. The ESFRI roadmap has identified 48 priority infrastructures that will make Europe a world leader in numerous research areas such as physical sciences, biological sciences, social sciences and ICT. In 2006, CLARIN was identified as a major research infrastructure for humanities and social sciences. Further information on CLARIN :: http://www.clarin.eu/external/ Further information on European Research Infrastructures, ERIC and ESFRI: http://ec.europa.eu/research/infrastructures/index_en.cfm http://ec.europa.eu/research/infrastructures/index_en.cfm?pg=eric http://ec.europa.eu/research/infrastructures/index_en.cfm?pg=esfri

[Affaires légales et financières] Model grant agreements 27/04/2012

On November 14 2011, the Commission adopted modifications to the FP7 general, Marie Curie and ERC model grant agreements (Commission decision C(2011) 8068). One of the modifications related to Annex VII - Forms D and E of the "general grant agreement", Annex VII – Forms D and E of the "Marie Curie grant agreement", and Annex V - Forms A and B of the "ERC grant agreement", concerning the certificate on the financial statements and the certificate on the methodology.  These modifications were necessary in order to align the audit procedures defined in these certificates to the provisions and acceptability criteria for the use of average personnel costs adopted by Commission Decision C(2011) 174 on three simplification measures adopted on 24 January 2011. Unfortunately, Annex VII - Form D of the "general grant agreement", and Annex V - Forms A and B of the "ERC grant agreement", contained some errors (grammatical and typing mistakes) which had to be corrected to avoid misunderstandings. This was done through the adoption of a Corrigendum (C(2012)1867 adopted on 22/03/2012) to Commission decision C(2011)8068. The changes apply from 14 November 2011 which is the date of adoption of Commission Decision C(2011) 8068.The updated forms (final version and with track changes) are now available on Cordis at the following address: http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/calls-grant-agreement_en.html

[Sciences socio-éco et Humanités] Conference - European identities 27/04/2012

The Development of European Identities: Policy and Research Issues, Brussels (COM Rep), 9 February 2012 Abstracts/papers of keynote speakers, the finalized compilation of projects are available at this address: http://ec.europa.eu/research/social-sciences/events-194_en.html

[Innovation] EIT developments 27/04/2012

2013 competitive funding and 2012 developments - The EIT principles for the determination of its annual financial allocation to the KICs and criteria for 2013 have been agreed upon. As announced in the 2009 KIC Call, the EIT will now make its annual financial allocation decision based on the assessment of each KIC's individual performance and competitive review between the KICs. “Rewarding excellence based upon concrete results and impact whilst encouraging and seeding sustainable growth amongst its innovation factories is at the heart of the EIT concept and I am very pleased with these developments” says Alexander von Gabain, Chairman of the EIT Governing Board on the occasion of the March EIT Governing Board meeting. This agreement on competitive funding aims to provide a long-term framework for the allocation of EIT funding to the KICs and for introduction of the competitive review to be successful and accepted by all parties involved several elements must be taken into account by the EIT, in particular: level playing field between the KICs, timely information, consistency, KICs strategic objectives and performance indicators, appropriate reporting and monitoring mechanisms, comparability and competition. Moreover, given the multi-annual* nature of the partnership between the EIT and the KICs, the EIT’s annual financial contribution to the KICs should be allocated in a manner that balances the requirement to support the KICs’ long-term strategy of establishment and consolidation, while rewarding on a competitive basis a KIC for its performance and ambitions in the short-term against objective criteria. The annual EIT financial contribution will therefore be defined based on the two-pronged approach: EIT Support Funding and EIT Competitive Funding. In order to facilitate the business plan preparations, the EIT in consultation with KICs has elaborated and finalised a substantive package of planning documents. This will ensure a smooth process for the allocation of the 2013 grants and provides comprehensive ex-ante planning. In addition to the promising developments for the EIT competitive funding, the beginning of 2012 has also seen the finalisation of the 2012 annual Grant Agreements (GA) between the EIT and the three KICs. The EIT Director, José Manuel Leceta and Climate-KIC CEO, Mary Ritter, today signed the agreement between the EIT and Climate-KIC and the GA will be signed with EIT ICT Labs and KIC InnoEnergy during the beginning of April. The EIT and each of the KICs work together on the basis of a seven year Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA). As outlined in the FPA’s, the allocation of EIT funding is defined in a yearly grant agreement (GA’s) between the EIT and each of the KICs. Source: EIT website

[Innovation]Knowledge alliances 27/04/2012

Call for proposals on the development of Knowledge Alliances Following last year's call for proposals (EAC/19/2011) and building on its success, the European Parliament (EP) has decided to allocate also for 2012 one Million Euros to the further development of this pilot action. This action will also allow preparing the implementation of the Knowledge Alliances proposed in the upcoming Erasmus for All programme 2014-2020.   The Knowledge Alliances are part of the Innovation Union flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 strategy; they are structured partnerships between education institutions and innovation players, aiming at developing Europe's innovation potential.

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[Innovation] Outcomes Conference - EARTO 27/04/2012

AERTOS Final Conference – Building Critical Mass for Innovation, Brusssels, March 28 organised by the European Association of Research and Technology Organisations (EARTO) Role of RTOs in the Innovation System - Jan Mengelers (Pdt EARTO) Public-Public Partnerships - the Road Ahead - Jörg Niehoff (DG R&I) Overview of AERTOs - Jens Neugebauer (AERTOs Project Coordinator) Joint Programming in AERTOs: Pilot Programme on Value from Waste - Mats Carlin (SINTEF) Concepts and Strategies for Waste Management  - Mats Carlin (SINTEF) Strategic Cooperation in AERTOs: Development of Strategic Research Agendas - Freek Heidekamp (TNO) A Member State's View on Joint Programming and Research-Performing Organisations - Dan Andree (Vinnova) The Future of RTO Cooperation - Jens Neugebauer (AERTOs Project Coordinator)

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[Innovation] Outcomes Conference on ktt 27/04/2012

An international workshop under the title „Knowledge and Technology transfer – What is going on at practical level“ was organized by the Czech Liaison Office for Research and Development (CZELO) on 24 April 2012 in Brussels.

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[Général] Health info day - brokerage day 27/04/2012

FP7 Health Open Information Day, Brussels (Charlemagne Building), 29 May 2012 Learn more about the main priorities of this year's call for proposals (to be published in July) and find out how to apply during the morning plenary. Get deeper insights and guidance on specific funding areas at three thematic workshops in the afternoon, including clinical trials, international cooperation and for SME targeted topics. Further information and registration: http://ec.europa.eu/research/health/events-14_en.html Partnering Event, Brussels (Centre Borschette), 30 May 2012 Learn how to build a good project consortium Present your project idea (optional 5-minute presentations) Attend pre-arranged one-to-one meetings to find suitable project partners Get advice from European Commission and other experts. Further information and registration: http://www.b2match.eu/fp7health2012

[Général] Directives HEALTH 27/04/2012

Revision of EC directives in health A number of European directives in the area of health with relevance for research and innovation are currently under revision. These include the Clinical Trials Directive, the Medical Devices Directive and the Tobacco Directive. The Clinical Trials Directive contains the requirements for the conduct of clinical trials in the EU and its revision was initiated in 2008. It is expected to be adopted by the end of 2012. Results of a public consultation and an EC Roadmap on the revision are available. A revision of the Medical Devices Directive is currently under revision and a proposal from the EC is expected in the summer of 2012. The main aim of a revision is the simplification of the legal framework for medical devices in the EU. Finally, the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive has just come to an end and the new text was adopted in early March. The Tobacco Products Directive has objectives including ensuring a high level of public health and a smooth functioning of the internal market for tobacco products.

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[Général] HEALTH draft WP (orientation paper) 27/04/2012

This orientation paper, with the proposed priorities for health research in 2013, is based on the draft work programme document, but without the call fiches, the list of "other actions" and the indicative budget. Please keep in mind that we are still expecting feedback from various Commission departments, so the text may still change, including the introduction. Finally, a number of changes have been made compared to the earlier (January) draft which may have leaked... Here are the main changes: 1) The 2 "SBIR-like" topics are now in a special call with specific submission dates. This is to ensure the fast-track submission and evaluation as in WP 2012 and to enable other specific conditions for those topics. 2) Two topics were added under area 4.1 'Coordination and Support Actions across the theme" as a result of discussions at the last PC meeting and other input:    • 4.1-5: Global initiative on gene-environment interactions in diabetes/obesity in specific populations.    • 4.1-6: Mapping chronic non-communicable diseases research activities. 3)  Modifications to the titles of some topics (new titles below). •       2.2.1-4: Patho-physiology and therapy of epilepsy and epileptiform disorders. •       2.2.1-5: Understanding and controlling pain •       2.4.1-1: Investigator-driven treatment trials to combat or prevent metastases in patients with solid cancer. •       2.4.1-3: Investigator-driven supportive and palliative care clinical trials and observational studies. •       4.1-2: Interactions between EU legislation and health research and/or innovation and the effects of its application and implementation on health research and/or innovation. 4)  Other noteworthy changes:            4.1-3: Support for Presidency events: Organisation of supporting actions and events associated to the Presidency of the European Union.            In this topic we have had to limit the period covered from mid-2013 to end-2014. This is because we can probably not commit 2013 budget to actions only starting in 2015. Nevertheless, Horizon2020 should take over in time for the 2015 presidencies. 5)  There is also a reference to AMR topics in other themes on page 26.

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[Général] NMP PPP Info days 27/04/2012

The European Commission (DG R&I, INFSO, Energy, Mobility and Transport) will organise Information Days to support preparation of proposals for the last PPP calls in FP7. The tentative dates for these Info Days are 9 and 10 July. The venue is the Charlemagne building at 170, rue de la Loi, Brussels. At the event, participants will gain information about the three PPPs and the future calls. There will be opportunities for companies and research organisations to get in contact with proposers and possible project partners, and to present project ideas.

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[Général] Forum Business meets research 27/04/2012

Business meets Research 2012, Luxembourg-Kirchberg, 22-23 May This event is dedicated to networking , building public-private partnerships  and exchanging ideas  for collaborative R&D and innovation projects . This annual event has become an important meeting point for companies and public research organisations from Luxembourg, the Greater Region and beyond, which showcases results, capabilities and innovative solutions  stemming from public and private research. Business meets Research 2012 offers you: High-level internationally renowned keynote speakers  Thematic Workshops  A dedicated half-day Networking Session  including the Innovation Matchmaking  A privileged partnership with the Saarland  region Business meets Research is aligned with the fields covered by the Luxembourg Cluster Initiative : Luxembourg BioHealth Cluster Luxembourg EcoInnovation Cluster Luxembourg ICT Cluster Luxembourg Materials Cluster Luxembourg Space Cluster

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[Général] Upcoming Cyprus presidency priorities 27/04/2012

Two main topics will be discussed during the Informal Competitiveness Council that will be held on 19-20 July 2012 in Nicosia: 1. Euro-Med Dimension of International Cooperation in R&D&I (it will be the continuation/discussion of the results of the Euro-Mediterranean Conference held in Barcelona on 2-3 April 2012 2. A hot topic of the Horizon 2020: either the PPPs or the RoP (depending on the progress made by the Danish Presidency) The CY Presidency will focus on the following 4 priorities: 1. HORIZON 2020 RoP and Specific Programme The CY Presidency will run first the discussions on the RoP in order to reach the General Approach at the Competitiveness Council on 10 October 2012. This is due to the fact that the co-decision procedure applies on the RoP and they want to have the General Approach before the EP forms its position in October. On the Specific Programme applies the Consultation with the EP procedure and the CY Presidency’s ambition is to have the Partial General Approach in December’s Competitiveness Council. 2.            EIT A General Approach on the EIT is probably not achievable under the Danish Presidency, and the CY Presidency’s ambition is to reach the General Approach on the EIT during the Competitiveness Council in October 2012. The CY Presidency will hold a Conference on EIT on 8-9 November 2012 in Cyprus (for +- 150 people). 3.            ERA The European Commission will publish the ERA Framework Communication in June 2012. There will be a presentation of the EC proposal and an orientation debate in October’s Competitiveness Council: advancing discussions in Council (possibly via Council Conclusions for December’s Competitiveness Council). The CY Presidency will hold a Conference on ERA Framework on 14 November 2012 in Nicosia, Cyprus (for +- 200 people). 4.            COM on enhancing and focusing international cooperation in R&I The European Commission’s COM on enhancing and focusing international cooperation in R&I is expected to be published on September 2012 (but there is a possibility to be published later). There will be a presentation of the EC proposal in October’s Competitiveness Council if there will be enough time under AOBs and an orientation debate in December’s Competitiveness Council.

[HORIZON2020] Conseil RfP 27/04/2012

Le groupe "Recherche" a passé en revue lors de sa réunion du 16 avril 2012 les vingt premiers articles de la proposition de règlement relative aux règles de participation au programme-cadre Horizon 2020, ainsi que le début du programme spécifique. A l'issue d'un premier examen général qui se poursuivra lors des prochaines réunions du groupe "Recherche", la Pdce rédigera des rapports d'état d'avancement des travaux sur ces deux documents, qui seront présentés au Conseil "Compétitivité" du 31 mai 2012. Elle n'a pas sollicité d'amendements écrits à ce stade (elle le fera vraisemblablement à la fin mai pour la proposition de règlement sur les règles de participation, afin de préparer les travaux à mener sous Pdce CY). Dans la lignée des commentaires prononcés sur le programme-cadre, il convient de signaler que les Etats membres de l'Union européenne depuis 2004 et 2007 ont soumis une série de revendications, portant notamment sur l'élargissement de la participation et la réduction du fossé de l’innovation, sur une meilleure répartition géographique des évaluateurs de projets, sur la prise en compte renforcée de projets de petite taille, … Source : Délégation Wallonie-Bruxelles auprès de l'Union européenne

[HORIZON2020] Parliamentary hearing 27/04/2012

Parliamentary hearing on Horizon 2020, 20 March 2012 The European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) recently convened a public hearing where external experts gave presentations on different aspects of the Horizon 2020 proposal. The hearing was structured along the three main lines of Horizon 2020, with a session on Excellent Science, one on Societal Challenges and a session on Industrial Leadership and SMEs. In addition, there were also speakers on participation issues and the political context. Some of the main issues raised by MEPs at the hearing were the need to find synergies between Horizon 2020 and the  EU’s funding for regional development, concern at the relatively low budget proposed for the Marie Curie Actions within the programme, and criticism of the way in which socio-economic sciences and humanities (SSH) are included in the proposal. Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Research and Innovation, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, noted the general consensus that research and innovation are crucial for the future of Europe and stated that Horizon 2020 can help to bring about the fundamental change that is needed. The Commissioner also emphasised the importance which will be placed upon intersectoral, interdisciplinary approaches in Horizon 2020, and responded to the concerns regarding SSH by stating that opportunities for researchers in these areas were embedded across the proposed programme.

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[HORIZON2020] Budget 2014 - 2020 Simplification 27/04/2012

Commission aims to simplify implementation of 2014-2020 budget The EC has outlined how it would like to simplify EU budget rules for the 2014-2020 financing period of the Multiannual Financial Framework, which includes Horizon 2020, in a Communication entitled ‘A simplification agenda for the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework’. The EC’s simplification agenda is based on two ‘building blocks’: the revision of the Financial Regulation, which is currently being discussed by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU as part of the legislative process; and the creation of single frameworks, such as Horizon 2020, Erasmus for All and the Common Strategic Framework for Regional Policy. The revision of the Financial Regulation contains a number of simplifications that, if adopted, will affect the Rules for Participation for Horizon 2020, such as simplified methods for interest-bearing accounts, lump sums, unit costs and flat rates, and the acceptance of beneficiaries’ usual accounting practices. As the Financial Regulation is currently under discussion by Parliament and Council, progress on the simplification agenda is dependent on their agreement. The Commission will regularly monitor the progress of the simplification proposal through the legislative process by using a scoreboard, which will identify any new or modified measures that will cause additional administrative burdens for beneficiaries.

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