With adequate institutional support outstanding researchers can have a decisive and positive impact on the culture and performance of research institutions.
Yet issues such as the availability of research funding, institutional rigidities and access to resources can hamper their mobility to promising institutions, particularly in low R&I performing countries. ERA Chairs actions will address the specific challenge of creating the appropriate conditions for high quality researchers and research managers to move and engage with institutions willing to achieve excellence in the scientific domain of choice and modify their research and innovation landscape.
Scope
The ERA Chairs actions will support universities or research organisations with the objective of attracting and maintaining high quality human resources under the direction of an outstanding researcher and research manager (the “ERA Chair holder”) and in parallel implement structural changes to achieve excellence on a sustainable basis.
The scientific field can be any domain of research and innovation addressed under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, however it needs to be closely connected with the activities of the ERA Chair holder and fully capitalise on his/her presence and expertise.
Research organisations interested in establishing an ERA Chair shall submit a proposal based on a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis.
Proposals should include arrangements for compliance with ERA priorities including the European Charter for Researchers & Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. A description of the necessary investments in research projects, facilities and infrastructures and how those will be achieved as (in particular of EU co-funded research infrastructures & facilities) should be made. Making full use of the latter (i.e. existing EU funded research infrastructure) will be an asset.
The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of EUR 2.5 million, would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting lower amounts.
Expected Impact
- Institutional changes within the ERA Chair host institution allowing for its full participation in the European Research Area.
- Increased attractiveness of the institution for internationally excellent and mobile researchers
- Increased research excellence of the institution in the specific fields covered by the ERA Chair holders illustrated quantitatively and qualitatively through indicators such as expected future publications in peer reviewed journals, collaboration agreements with businesses, intellectual property, new innovative products or services.
- Improved capability to compete successfully for internationally competitive research funding.
Deadline
14 November 2019 at 17:00 Brussels time
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