European project offers exciting research opportunities for Canadian scholars

University of Calgary International hosted an information session in early April on Horizon 2020, the financial instrument implementing Innovation Union, one of the initiatives of the Europe 2020 Strategy, with nearly €80 billion in research funding available over seven years (2014-2020). 

• Photo above: Luigi Scarpa de Masellis, adviser, economic and commercial affairs, Delegation of the European Union to Canada, spoke at the event and highlighted opportunities for Canadian researchers.

Opportunities available for Canadian researchers

For individual researchers interested in working in Europe, the European Research Council (ERC) and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), are the programs within Horizon 2020 that support individual researchers around the world. Canada has been the second top receiver of funds after the United States for ERC funding, and is in the top three for MSCA funding after the Unites States and Australia.

To participate in a collaborative research project, researchers must come together with at least three entities from three different countries in the European Union, or from countries associated with Horizon 2020. The Horizon 2020 website is a good source for identifying suitable partners in different research areas and connecting with them to explore collaboration opportunities. For collaborative projects, Canadian researchers need to identify European partners who will lead and submit the application as a partner.

Advice for writing a successful application

Do your research to target your application. The selection criteria is usually geared toward excellence, impact and implementation. Join the evaluation teams as a reviewer to get a deep understanding of the process, selection criteria and what it takes to be successful.

International co-operation is a priority for Horizon 2020. The newly established federal Canadian Coordinating Research Committee can help with initial funding to establish co-operation, in addition to the University of Calgary International office which offers grants for this purpose.

Is there a competitive advantage for Canadians?

The last phase of the program is focused on expanding international reach. There are certain areas where Horizon 2020 is inviting Canadian co-operation specifically, such as transport, green aviation, nano-safety, energy migration, health and human data storage.

“The three pillars of the program include excellent science, industrial leadership and tackling societal challenges,” says Gregory Mack, regional manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Horizon 2020 is intended to get new projects off the ground more quickly and achieve faster results. Many of the focus areas of Horizon 2020 also align with the University of Calgary’s strategic research themes, so it’s a natural fit for UCalgary researchers.”