Icelandic research gets mobility support
Iceland's research organisation the Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNIS) coordinates the country's involvement in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), and hosts a service centre for mobile researchers. With European help, RANNIS now also offers a fellowship for postdoctoral researchers. The EU-funded START (Support for transnational mobility and research training) project offered a scheme to support the transnational mobility of postdoctoral researchers. In accordance with certain rules, candidates may either move in or out of Iceland, without restrictions regarding research subject or location. The project published calls in Europe. The first call, published in 2011, received 37 proposals, more than half of which were from non-Icelandic applicants. Six were successful. All appointed individuals signed contracts with RANNIS. Seven fellows were selected for at least two years and with the option of a further year. The grants provide financial allowances for living, travel and research. After completion, the performance of the fellows will be evaluated by peer review and according to research excellence. EU funding of the START project benefits Europe since no previous mobility programme has existed in Iceland. Mobility fosters long-term researcher productivity.
Keywords
Mobility, postdoctoral researchers, Iceland, peer review
