Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions – Applications Invited for European Researchers’ Night 2020
Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions are part of the Excellent Science pillar of Horizon 2020. The actions support cross-sector mobility of researchers to prepare them for current and future societal challenges, with the overall aim to deliver excellent and innovative research training and career and knowledge-exchange opportunities throughout Europe.
One of the ways in which this aim is achieved is through the European Researchers’ Night (ERN). The ERN takes place yearly, typically starting on the last Friday of September, and is a Europe-wide public and media event for the promotion of research careers, in particular towards young people and their families. It specifically aims to bring researchers closer to the general public in order to foster:
Increased awareness among the general public of the importance of research and innovation and more favourable general attitude towards its public funding.
Better understanding of the key benefits that research brings to society.
A reduction in the stereotypes about researchers and their profession.
An increase, in the long term, of people taking up research careers.
Better understanding of the EU among the general public.
Activities focus on the general public, addressing and attracting people regardless of the level of their scientific background, with a special focus on pupils and students. Activities can combine education aspects with entertainment, especially when addressing young audiences, and can take various forms, such as hands-on experiments, science shows, simulations, debates, games, competitions, quizzes, etc. Supported main events can last up to two full days, and pre-events can be organised during spring or summer, prior to the main event in September.
Each proposal should set up at least one European corner, providing general information about the European Union and how the EU funds science and education cooperation within Europe and beyond. Activities should be organised with researchers actively involved and directly in contact with the public. They should promote the European dimension, gender balance and inclusion in research and innovation. Involvement of researchers funded by Horizon 2020, including the Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions, is highly encouraged.
Participants can be any legal entity in the EU Member States and Horizon 2020 Associated Countries, and/or if relevant, constitute a partnership at regional, national or international level. The total budget available is €8 million. The maximum duration of support will be one year from the starting date specified in the grant agreement.
The closing date for applications is 9 January 2020.
More information about this research funding opportunity and the application process is available on the RESEARCHconnect funding information platform. RESEARCHconnect provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on research funding news and policy. To find out more about how RESEARCHconnect can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.