Newsletter December 2021

Focus

Looking Back at 2021, Fuelling up for 2022

What a special year to celebrate Euresearch's 20th anniversary! Not only did we launch our new corporate design, but 2021 was above all the first year of the 9th European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, "Horizon Europe".

Looking back, the year started so well, with the legal basis for Horizon Europe (HE) being adopted by the Council in March and the European Parliament in April 2021. In May 2021, the Horizon Europe Regulation officially entered into force, immediately followed by the publication of the first Work Programmes and their promotion by Euresearch. The European Research Council, the European Innovation Council and the COVID-19 calls were the first to be completed. Only shortly after however, the momentum of the Swiss research and innovation (R&I) community was stalled by the sudden deterioration of Swiss-EU relations. In June, the status of CH applicants reverted from "to-be-associated" to "Third Country" not associated to HE. In reaction, the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation set in place the legal and operative basis for direct national payments, complemented by a financial guarantee for applicants from Switzerland for both 2021 and 2022. In parallel, the SNSF Advanced Grant was the first call in the transitional measures launched by the Swiss National Science Foundation.

The whole Euresearch network sensed the need for clarity and certainty on how to apply to HE from a Swiss institution. As of late summer, our work increasingly revolved around providing support to researchers on how to deal with the new Swiss status. Moreover, being excluded from most of the information sources and training events in Brussels was an additional challenge our advisors faced.

What about 2022, the second year of Horizon Europe? Well, with the direct payment mechanism in place, we are looking forward to supporting applications for collaborative projects. From January to April 2022, there will be a first wave of deadlines, followed by a second wave towards autumn 2022. In parallel, the first results of the 2021 calls will be announced, with successful Swiss applicants expected, and the first projects will start.

With the Federal Council’s declared goal of full association to HE and related programmes, Euresearch is at the ready to support the Swiss R&I community regain its full momentum.

Francesco Kienzle and Cornelia Spycher, Co-directors
Alexandra Rosakis, Illustrator

News

Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays!

The Euresearch team wishes you happy holidays and a healthy, happy, and peaceful new year!

The Euresearch Network Office will be closed from 27 December to 2 January. We will be happy to advise and support you again starting on 3 January 2022!

High Interest in ERC Synergy Grant (SyG) Call

A total of 358 teams of PIs submitted a proposal to the ERC SyG Call 2022, which closed on 10 November 2021. The budget allocated to this call will allow around 33 proposals to be funded. Researchers from Swiss institutions are eligible to receive EU funding if selected. The final evaluation results are expected in late 2022.

MSCA Staff Exchange –
Application Information

The MSCA Staff Exchange 2021 call is open. Euresearch organised an online info session on Swiss participation in this funding scheme. Additionally an infosheet on this topic is available. If you need a “Letter of Commitment" template for your application, please contact us.

EIT Climate-KIC Announces New Partnerships at COP26

At the COP26, the EIT Climate-KIC co-launched a Global Innovation Hub and committed to collaboration with the US State of California. The Hub aims to support the translation of pledges into climate and sustainability solutions that will drive innovative responses and their effective implementation.

EIT: Call for Proposals in the Culture and Creative Sector

The European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) has launched a call for proposals to establish a new knowledge and innovation community (KIC). Consortia of organisations from the cultural and creative sectors and industries can apply by putting forward their vision for "EIT Culture & Creativity". The strategy should bring together education, research and business. Targeted sectors include: architecture, cultural heritage, design, fashion, film, music, publishing, performing arts and video games.
Deadline: 24.03.2022

EIT HEI Initiative: 2nd Call for Proposals on Capacity Building for Higher Education

Consortia of eligible higher education institutions (HEIs) are invited to design activities that will improve their entrepreneurial and innovation capacity. Applicants’ activities can focus on several themes: fostering institutional engagement and change, strengthening partnerships, developing innovation and businesses, enhancing the quality of entrepreneurial education, and creating and disseminating knowledge.
Deadline: 28.02.2022

Companies Driving Sustainable Changes Wanted for EIT Community Booster

If your company is developing innovative solutions towards sustainable changes for cities, industries, climate, food and wellbeing, apply to receive business acceleration services to boost business growth, raise funding and become an international game changer. Visibility in the New European Bauhaus Initiative is a great plus for all selected companies.
Deadline 17.12.2021

Basic Training on EU RDI Opportunities

This event is for newcomers to European Programmes for Research and Innovation. You will learn about the different funding and partnering opportunities and where to find further sources of information. In a second, interactive part of the training, we will deepen the new knowledge and you will have the chance to meet the National Contact Points (NCPs) for different EU programmes.
17.12.2021, online

Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society 2022 Calls – Info and Brokerage Event

In the first part of this event, the 2022 opportunities in the "Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society" Cluster will be presented. Then, you will have the opportunity for a 3-minute pitch in a suitable breakout group, to establish some initial contacts and network.
18.01.2022, online