The 6th framework from a coordinators perspective Robin F'A' Moritz Institute of Zoology

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The 6th framework from aco-ordinators
perspectiveRobin F.A. Moritz Institute of
Zoology
BIOSECFRAG
BIORAFT
APIEUR
GRAAL
EUSTAM
EURAN
SUPER
APIGEN
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The new tools Integrated Projects and Networks
of Excellence require large consortia (about 50
partners)
to enhance the integration of the European
research landscape to be more cost efficient
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The new funding tools require about an order of
magnitude more co-ordination work.
The preparation phase of a 5th framework
proposal establishing the network 6
partners (e-mail activities) 60 out, 50 in
(3 months) 1 meeting (2days)
The preparation phase of a 6th framework proposal
establishing the network 60 partners
(e-mail activities) 600 out, 500 in (3
months) 2-3 meetings (2days)
the proposal writing phase 40 out, 30 in (8
weeks)
the proposal writing phase 400 out, 300 in (8
weeks)
This phase is not funded by the EU! Some
national funds are available but need to be
substantially increased. The preparation of a
proposal is no longer a part time job!
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The new funding tools require about an order of
magnitude more co-ordination work.
actual project phase in 5th framework 300 in 350
out e-mails/year assistance of a part time
secretary. 5 hrs/week for coordinator
actual project phase with new tools 6500
e-mails/year assistance of a managing team full
time administrative officer, 3 secretaries, web
manager, public relation officer
Increased efficiency through larger
networks? Lower administration costs by adding
administrative levels ?
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Excellence in science
Many Expressions of Interest were submitted Does
this imply the 6th framework strategy is a
success?
National reserach budgets are tight and any
financial option needs to be followed. Any
political framework would have attracted
Expressions of Interest.
Will there be more or better exchange among
European scientists?
Do we achieve a better integration of European
science (in time in quality)?
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Quality of proposed research
Excellent groups by definition are rare. Most
scientists will be average. Few will be bad.
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Quality of proposed research
A small network can select for the best in Europe.
This is difficult for co-ordinators of large
integrated networks which bridge across
disciplines. They know excellent groups in their
own research area but may fail to attract the
best across disciplines.
Excellent groups may end up in mediocre networks,
bad groups can hide in excellent networks.
Large interdisciplinary projects are bound to be
more average.
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Integration of the research community
Integration can be successfully facilitated by
the new tools.
However How much more integration is needed and
desired?
Does the Network of Excellence concept comply
with a federal sociopolitical structure of Europe?
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Evaluation of large network projects
The selection of non-involved referees was
difficult in the 5th framework.
With large interdisciplinary networks, referees
run more often into conflict of interest.
Yearly report of 5th framework 100 -200 p
6th framework 1000 2000p ? How can this be
evaluated? Who is going read these documents?
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Conclusion
Funding R D projects at the European level is
essential for integrating the EU
How do the new tools better enhance European
integration and the quality of science?
The 6th framework asks for excellent science
managers, not excellent scientists with a vision
for Europe.
I have sympathy for Hank....
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(No Transcript)
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Hank is sad, they took his bone away....
..pity about the old tools
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size can be detrimental