Radboud Horizon Europe Stories – Mark Wiering, Associate Professor of the chair group Environmental Governance and Politics, on proposal resubmission

Within the Radboud University Support Programme EU, a joint initiative of grant advisors from the University and Radboudumc, we are promoting biweekly Horizon Europe stories from researchers, directors and grant support experts who benefitted from the Programme and can share their experience and tips with you.

Today’s story is by Mark Wiering, Associate Professor at Geography, Spatial Planning and Environment Department, Nijmegen School of Management, who submitted a proposal for the last round of H2020 is considering Horizon Europe application as a follow-up.

• You have submitted a proposal for the last round of Horizon 2020 calls on the Green Deal (one of the EU policy priorities). Can you briefly describe your experience of coordinating a proposal on such an important topic, i.e. consortium building, proposal writing and submission?

This was a great experience, but it is only possible if you have a great cooperative team you can work with AND if you can empty your agenda for a period of time, at least two months or longer. I think that most of the period between the beginning of December and end January was fully occupied by the project (while obviously you have your regular work to do..)

After taking time to agree on the focus of the proposal – and finding the right active partners, we created some sort of community together – as these are often likeminded researchers. And it started rolling when we really asked the participants to contribute to the actual proposal. At some point we worked in parallel on the Work Plan and Work Packages with all partners (seven countries, fifteen partners), while writing the rest of the vision, impact, organisation, etc.

• What did you think of the evaluation of your proposal? What would you suggest to researchers when their proposal is rejected?

The evaluation was very positive and our approach appreciated - it was graded high, (12,5 out of 15 points),  but not high enough, unfortunately.

We were a bit disappointed, but happy with the consortium that was formed and we will continue with a new application for Horizon Europe in a few weeks’ time. Keep on going and create other synergies (other projects, writing articles if possible), I would say.

• Horizon Europe Clusters include many calls for the research projects on energy transition, sustainability, climate change and related topics. Do you see any opportunities for your research team or for Radboud Center for Sustainability Challenges in general?

Yes , Horizon Europe HORIZON-CL5-2022-D3-01-08 - Supporting the action of consumers in the energy market and guide them to act as prosumers, communities and other active forms of active participation in the energy activities.

• Are you planning to apply? What are your tips for Radboud researchers interested in Horizon Europe applications?

See above : This was a great experience, but it is only possible if you have a great cooperative team you can work with AND if you can empty your agenda for a period of time, at least two months or longer.

Reach out for support:

collaborate@ru.nl; https://www.radboudnet.nl/grantsupport/