Research
University of Fribourg
European Commission FAQs
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about European Commission (EC) funding, including 7th Framework Programme (FP7), European Research Council (ERC) and Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).
Contents:
General FP7
- What is the status of Switzerland and Swiss researchers in FP7?
Switzerland participates as an "associated country" thanks to the research agreement with the European Union (EU) that started on 1 January 2004. Swiss partners are therefore treated the same as applicants from EU member states for EU FP7 projects. - Where can I find specific FAQs for Marie Curie Actions?
You can find it under: http://mariecurieactions.blogspot.com/ - Where can I find specific FAQs for questions related to the ERC?
On the Swiss ERC Blog. - Who do I have to contact for questions about intellectual property rights?
Mr. Jean-Marc Brunner, TechTransfer, University of Fribourg. He also comments on the Consortium Agreements of European Projects.
Project preparation
- Can I request incentive funds to help me prepare my EU project?
If you are a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) you can get funding from the State Secretariat for Education and Research (SER) Incentive Grant. Application forms are available in French and German. Coordinators can also profit from this grant. If you are a researcher from the University of Fribourg, you can apply for support from the Research Pool, which supports advanced researchers in the setting up of larger projects. Deadlines are 1 February and 1 August each year. - What does a FP7 Proposal look like?
Each proposal consists of Part A and Part B. Part A is administrative forms, including an abstract and a budget. Part B is the description of your project work. On the FP7 Calls page of the European Commission's Participant Portal you can find the relevant Guide for Applicants and can register with EPSS (Electronic Proposal Submission Service). - Who can help me fill in the administrative part (form A1-A3)?
Contact the Research Promotion Service for help filling in your forms. We provide you with:
- Assistance budgeting project costs
- Salary tables (sent per email) - What do I need to consider while preparing my budget?
Every budget consists of direct and indirect costs. Direct costs are salaries, cost of consumables, equipment, travel and perhaps subcontracting. Indirect costs are overhead linked to the project. The University of Fribourg applies the “special transition flat rate (60%)" cost model. Financing depends also on the type of activity (75% for R&D, 50% for demonstration and 100% for management and other activities). The Research Promotion Service can help you prepare the budget. - What other help can I get to prepare my budget?
Budget Calculators (for Cooperation/Capacities projects) are provided by Euresearch if you are a Partner or a Coordinator. - Where can I find information on salary ranges valid for the University of Fribourg?
The Research Promotion Service provides a salary table (sent per email). - What percentage of funding can I expect for which type of project and activity?
The European Commission sets different funding rates by project type and institution. - Are there any private companies offering help in project submission and administrative management?
Euresearch provides a non-exhaustive list of companies specialised in such services, who can support you from first project ideas to the finalized project. - How can I find partners for my projects?
The Research Promotion Service provides a list of databases where you can search for partners.
Project submission
- How do I proceed with submitting my proposal?
On the European Commission's Participant Portal, you first need to identify the open call to which you would like to submit your application. You then need to register with EPSS (Electronic Proposal Submission Service). Using EPSS, you can work on your project proposal. Your proposal is submitted only if you push the submission button. - What administrative information do I need to apply as a participant from the University of Fribourg?
- Legal Entity: UNIVERSITE DE FRIBOURG
- PIC: 999855728
- Contact point: main scientist or team leader
- Cost Model: special transition flat rate (60%)
Project negotiation
- What administrative information do I need in order to start negotiating my contract (Grant Agreement) with the European Commission?
- Authorised representative: Prof. Guido Vergauwen, Rector
- Person in charge of administrative, legal and financial aspects: Ms Monique Bersier
- Person in charge of scientific and technical aspects: Main scientist or team leader
- LEAR (Legal Entity Appointed Representative): Ms Doris Kolly, Research Promotion Service/Euresearch Fribourg - Who can sign for an EU project?
The Rector of the University of Fribourg is the "authorised representative to sign the grant agreement or to commit the organisation". As a result, the "Grant Preparation Forms", "Grant Agreement" and "Consortium Agreement" require the Rector's signature. - How do I get a ECAS account?
The Entry Point is the European Commission's Participant Portal. There you can register for an ECAS account and afterwards log in to your project. ECAS accounts are linked to different roles in the project and depending on your role, you will have different access rights for the project documents (negotiation, scientific and financial reporting). - Which
account from the University do I have to mention in the negotiation phase?
FP7 projects are administered centrally by the Financial Services of the University (contact: Ms A. Dufaux). The University has a Euro account and this is the account you have to list on the forms. Details are available from the Research Promotion Service or Financial Services. For the internal administration of your project, you open a “Drittmittel / Source externe” account.
Project running phase
- I am now starting my project, how can I record the time spent on the project?
You will need to use a timesheet to record the time spent on the project. For 2012, you can use one of the following timesheets:
- For Cooperation Projects
- For Coordination and Support Actions - Who do I have to inform at the University if I become a partner in an FP7 project?
Please inform the Research Promotion Service. If you plan to hire people on the EU budget, mention this in the documents for Personnel Services and contact Financial Services to open an account. - Where can I find FAQs specific to finances?
On the Finance-Helpdesk website. - What type of contract will I get for a Marie Curie Fellowship?
The Host Institution can recruit the fellow either under an employment contract with full social security coverage or a fixed amount fellowship with minimum social security (Type B). The University of Fribourg offers an employment contract. - When do I have to write a report?
Read the Grant Agreement very carefully. There you will find the fixed periodic reports. For Marie Curie Fellowships you will find this information in Annex 1. A Coordinator can ask for additional internal reports.