Last week I attended a course held by UKRO (the UK Research Office) which covered a range of relevant topics designed to provide an introduction to the European research funding landscape. The course provided a detailed overview of the European Union and its programmes and policies, in addition to more specific insights into the Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7.) It was also a good opportunity to meet the UKRO team, staff from the European Commission and colleagues from other institutions.

In addition to offering more detailed information on FP7, with presentations covering topics such as FP7 Project Management, Reporting and Auditing; FP7: The legal and financial issues; and FP7: Effective Proposal Writing, we were given a basic overview of the benefits of European funding. One of the key points from this was that despite the common myths EU funding is by no means inaccessible. In fact whilst EU funding is highly competitive securing this funding is not a lottery. EU funding is no more inaccessible than national Research Council funding, with Marie Curie Fellowships having a UK success rate of around 40% and some schemes being as successful as 80%.

So why participate in EU funding?

The increasing complexity and specialisation of research has increased the cost to the extent that it can no longer be met at a national level; however, the European budget for Research is set to increase with a confirmed budget of €52 million until 2013. Out of this sum Britain receives the second highest contribution of EU funding, with 75% going to academics. Nonetheless, it is not just the financial benefits of European funding which are important. The increasing specialisation necessary to research often means European collaboration is essential in terms of sharing expertise.

European funding also brings benefits in terms of European added value, for example:

• Due to the highly political agenda EU funding provides an opportunity to work with policy makers on global issues and to contribute to the international agenda for HEIs;
• EU collaboration gives Universities the opportunity to build links with other research institutions and companies;
• High impact (useful for the REF);
• Brings prestige to the institution and researcher;
• Enables researchers to pursue an international research career in addition to becoming the leader in a frontier research project.

If you have any questions , or would like any advice with regards to European funding opportunities please contact the Research Office.