After much anticipation, the University of Malta’s Research Support Directorate held the University’s Grants Week 2021, whereby researchers had the unmissable opportunity of getting an insight into the funding opportunities available to them at national and EU level.
The event, held between 5 and 9 July, featured an extensive range of speakers, with a mix of live and virtual participation, from representatives of the National Contact Points (NCPs) to Project awardees and connected support services.
Malta’s Minister for Research, Innovation and post-COVID-19 Strategy, Hon. Owen Bonnici, delivered the opening address, followed by Prof. Ing. Saviour Zammit, the University’s Pro-Rector for Research & Innovation, and Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino, the Rector’s Delegate for the SEA-EU Project, who also supported the event.
“The setting up of this Ministry is in itself evidence of our Government’s belief and awareness of the potential of research and innovation. This Government is very aware of the crucial role that research and innovation play in our economic growth and our people’s quality of life, and that is exactly why we applaud and encourage such initiatives as the one we’re marking today, such collaborations aiming at supporting and motivating researchers and stimulating further research and innovation”, said Hon. Bonnici during his address.
During his intervention, UM's Pro-Rector for Research and Knowledge Transfer, Prof. Ing. Saviour Zammit said, "The quality of research conducted within our premises is of paramount importance to the University. For this research to be of optimal quality, and for researchers to be able to explore their areas of interest further, funding is one of the most essential elements. Grants Week was an excellent opportunity for the local research community to gain insight into the funding mechanisms that are available to them, and an opportunity for researchers to establish more contacts, which is another important aspect in their careers."
The MCST NCP gave a very detailed overview of , Europe's Largest Research and Innovation programme with Eur 96 billion of funding just approved for the period 2021-2027. The day progressed with a presentation by a leading R&D local company, Aquabiotech Ltd, followed by a presentation of the platform, of which the University of Malta is a member. This platform consists of Europe wide organisations from both Research and Industry and provides a partner search facility and access to participation in live or virtual matchmaking events. This service is available to all UM Academics and Researchers.
Day 2 was dedicated to (MSCA) and opened with a presentation by a EC MSCA Policy Officer, followed by a presentation by the MCSA NCP. A very interesting panel discussion followed with grantees of MSCA IF, MSCA EJD, the MSCA NCP and an MSCA Evaluator. Matters discussed included why choose the UM to supervise / lead, consortia building, connecting with the MCSA supervisor, what makes a proposal successful and tips and tricks for working with consortia particularly industry partners.
Day 3 gave a very enticing overview of the (ERC). The day opened with a very extensive presentation by an ERC Scientific officer followed by the ERC NCP. This followed with another very interesting panel discussion with current ERC grantees from the SEA-EU European Universities Alliance as well as an ERC Evaluator. Topics included what makes a proposal successful, when should one consider an ERC grant, what value exists in writing an ERC proposal, what support one should seek for and how it was like to write an ERC grant. The afternoon featured a detailed presentation by a funding consultant whereby he shared tips and tricks for writing winning ERC proposals including his unique formulae for success. The day closed with a presentation by an ERC Evaluator on ERC from the point of view of an evaluator.
Day 4 featured presentations from the Director and Senior Administrator of the , followed by a presentation by the COST CNC CSO. A panel session followed with a current COST chair, the COST CNC CSO as well as the COST Scientific Committee chair and a COST MC member. All panelists shared their positive experience with COST and they all agreed that it is the starting point of any young researcher's career since it creates a platform for building networks where everyone is welcome. One particular panellist remarked how Nobel Laureates would interact with Early Stage Researchers freely. COST is also greatly simplified in order to facilitate participation. The afternoon was dedicated to Erasmus+ with presentations by the UM International office on Key Action 1 as well as the European Union Programmes Agency for Key Action 2. The day concluded with a presentation from an Erasmus+ Key Action 2 grantee.
Day 5 was a packed day dedicated to National and Regional funding, whereby the Funding and Programmes division presented the outcomes of the recently closed programming period 2014-2020, including presentations of 3 projects funded under the . They also shared that we are expected to see the announcement of the new calls around the beginning of next year. We then moved on to the Arts with presentations from the Malta Arts Council and the Creative Europe Desk. The afternoon session was dedicated to the (MCST) whereby they provided information on National Funding available as well as current Internationalisation Schemes.
