FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Marie Curie Initial Training Networks (ITN)
Funding body:Research Executive Agency (REA)
Important dates:  Call for applications - 20 Jul 2011 to12 Jan 2012, 17.00 (Brussels local time).
Description:  This action aims to improve early-stage researchers' career prospects in both the public and private sectors, thereby making research careers more attractive to young people. This will be achieved through a transnational networking mechanism, aimed at structuring the existing high-quality initial research training capacity throughout Member States and Associated Countries.
Your network will recruit and employ eligible researchers or host them. You will be providing specialized training modules or other dedicated actions. The application should contain a strong element of transnational networking, aimed at structuring the existing high-quality initial research training capacity throughout EU Member States and Associated Countries.
ITN funding supports:

• Recruitment of researchers who are in the first five years of their career for initial training – for instance, they may be studying for a research-level degree (PhD or equivalent) or be doing initial post-doctoral research
• Recruitment of experienced “visiting” researchers of outstanding stature in international training and collaborative research, so that they can strengthen knowledge transfer
• Networking activities, workshops or conferences that involve research staff from the participating research establishments and external researchers.

The present call for applications, includes three types of ITN:

• Multi-partner ITNs (ITN)

ITNs are typically set up as multi-partner ITNs, with at least three participants (level 1) established in at least three different Member States or associated countries. Participation of the private sector at level 1 is highly encouraged.
On top of these multi-partner ITNs, two other implementation modes are also possible:

• European Industrial Doctorates (EID)

They are composed of 2 participants at level 1, one academic institution and one participant from the private sector, established in two different Member States or associated countries.
Any additional associated partners (level 2) can also complement the training programme.

• Innovative Doctoral Programmes (IDP)

They are composed of a sole participant established in a Member State or associated country. They are typically universities or research institutions offering innovative doctoral programmes ensuring an international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral training. Collaborations with a wider set of associated partners (level 2), including from the private sector, as well as innovative elements of the proposed training addressing the needs of the
Innovation Union flagship initiative, will be taken into account during the evaluations.