Radboud Horizon Europe Stories: a message from Daniel Wigboldus

In July 2020, grant advisors from Radboud University and Radboudumc started the operational phase of Radboud University Support Programme EU. The Programme is a joint initiative aimed at increasing the participation and success rates as well the quality of proposals, submitted by Radboud researchers under EU funding programmes in 2021-2027.

The grant support process has been streamlined as a collaborative effort with a particular focus on Horizon Europe, the largest EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme.

Endorsed by the Executive Board and developed in line with the University’s Significant Impact Strategy, the Programme aims in the long-run at increasing the societal impact of Radboud research in the EU and beyond, strengthening our international reputation and further enhancing the quality of our research.

In the last year, a number of informational events, meetings, workshops and trainings were organized, new grant support tools and informational web pages for researchers were developed  - all summarized in our concise visual.

Instead of writing official reports on programme’s successes, Radboud grant advisors decided to present biweekly updates on personal stories of researchers, management, research directors and grant support experts who benefitted from the Programme and can share their stories and tips with you.

Daniel Wigboldus on research funding support

In our first edition we have asked Daniel Wigboldus, the President of the Executive Board at Radboud to share his views on the research funding support offered at Radboud to help researchers prepare for the upcoming EU funding calls.

You have endorsed the Radboud Support Programme EU since the very beginning when it was just an idea. What is your opinion on the results it achieved in its first operational year, considering the COVID-19 situation as well?

"The programme was devised and launched to contribute to our mission of having a significant impact over the next 7 years and beyond. Both Radboud University and Radboudumc aim to contribute to European science and society.

Last year proved to be challenging for everyone and I am very pleased that we have managed to continue our research and educational activities as well as introduce innovative and beneficial support tools for our researchers within the Support Programme.

I had the pleasure of opening Horizon Europe Days, the flagship virtual event organized by the Programme. The event attracted many participants and welcomed a number of inspirational speakers. It was followed up by a number of targeted events for various faculties, institutes and research groups demonstrating the growing interest in EU funding opportunities on campus and I am happy to advocate it further.

With such practical steps and close cooperation between our scientists and supporting staff we can realize our ambitions and support the excellent research ideas of our scientists."

Do you think EU funding offers matching opportunities for Radboud researchers? Why do you think it is important to participate in EU collaborative projects?

"There is an abundance of funding opportunities within Horizon Europe that match the research potential at Radboud University and Radboudumc and I strongly believe that our researchers have much to offer to help reach the goals Horizon Europe aims for.

Scientists and experts from all disciplines at our Radboud campus can play an important role in European evidence-based knowledge and policy making with high-quality research and valorisation. Especially in close collaboration with European partners, scientists can maximise their impact by contributing to global societal challenges, notably the Sustainable Development Goals."

In your opinion, what are the criteria for success and wider impact for research proposals developed by Radboud scientists?

"At Radboud University we are convinced that interdisciplinary and international team science will help us achieve a significant impact and tackle societal challenges. We will need a culture change to succeed; we have to realize that  only collectively we will be able to create a healthy future for all. The opportunities that EU funding schemes offer to bring together scientists from all over Europe are of great importance in this respect.

Successful examples such as being a part of The Guild (a network of European research intensive universities)  and NeurotechEU (a European Universities Initiative)  show us that we benefit from being a strategic partner for other European research institutes, innovative companies and civil society organisations.

Promoting our diverse, partly interdisciplinary research expertise on the European level will contribute to the visibility of Radboud research potential.

Radboud University and Radboudumc together conduct interdisciplinary research, learn from each other and closely cooperate on various levels of proposal and project development. The support provided by our Programme experts guides our researchers in submitting bids with a significant impact."

Grant advisors would also like to encourage you to ask us for support with your proposal, if you are planning to apply for Horizon Europe or other EU funding instruments. Feel free to contact us at: collaborate@ru.nl. Stay tuned for further updates!