The International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology has adhered to the "Pact for Horizon 2020". Initiated by Prof. Lena Kolarska-Bobińska, Minister of Science and Higher Education, the "Pact for Horizon 2020" aims to mobilize Polish researchers to obtain EU funds from Horizon 2020, the EU framework program for research and innovation. Its seven-year budget for 2014-2020 amounts to almost 80 billion euros.
The "Pact for Horizon 2020" outlines actions and initiatives engaging both the Ministry and the research institutions. In the document the Ministry commits itself to:
- create an effective system of support for institutions and scientists who make an effort to compete for international research grants (“Granty na granty” and other financial mechanisms promoting scientist participating in[nbsp] Horizon 2020)
- develop - together with the Committee for Evaluation of Scientific Units - new rules for evaluating scientific institutions that would take into account, inter alia, participation and success in Horizon 2020 competitions
- assure synergy of projects implemented within the Horizon 2020 and the national and regional operational programs
- improve the support of the National Contact Point, and 11 Regional Contact Points
- bind NCBR, NCN and NCP to disseminate good practices in applying Horizon 2020 grants, to proactively identify and support projects of highest potential and to provide individual support to applicants
- introduce mandatory evaluation of the project proposals by experts prior to submission to European competitions.
The Ministry will launch a dedicated website providing information on procedures, rules and good practices of Horizon 2020. In autumn, 10 conferences will be organized in major academic centres in Poland, where participants will discuss the opportunities offered by Horizon 2020.
In turn, academic and research institutes signing the "Pact" undertake to: build effective organizational and administrative infrastructure to support researchers applying to Horizon 2020; take the participation in Horizon 2020 into account in the process of evaluation and promotion of research staff; initiate and support partnerships between scientists and industry; adhere to and follow the rules of the European Charter and Code of Conduct.
For more information and the full list of the "Pact for Horizon 2020" signatories please visit: the Ministry of Science and Higher Education website