Better funding and guidance network for researchers
European research grants and fellowships for researchers known as Marie Curie Actions play an important role in enhancing the EU's knowledge economy. To improve the research environment and oversee these grants, the EU has relied on its network of NCPs for Marie Curie Actions (People NCPs). As the network has grown and response has been overwhelmingly positive, a need arose to strengthen collaboration among these NCPs and upgrade the services they offer. In this context, the EU-funded project 'Transnational cooperation among national contact points for Marie Curie actions' (PEOPLENETWORK) rose to the challenge. The project worked on developing a coordination mechanism that encourages closer cooperation among NCPs under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). Through a series of training sessions, twinning schemes, NCP surveys and dedicated events, the project successfully strengthened the network of NCPs on a global scale. It identified best practices and disseminated them to concerned NCPs, improving communication with stakeholders and cementing closer ties with industry. The project involved 49 countries with 20 beneficiaries from 13 EU Member States, including a host of partners from EU Associated Countries and third countries. The resulting dynamic network has already begun improving services of the NCPs, increasing knowledge exchange and providing valuable guidance to researchers. Importantly, the network has also facilitated the submission of project ideas and clarified financial guidelines. Progress in these key areas has set the stage for improved research and funding environments across the EU, retaining researchers within the bloc and reinforcing the European Research Area (ERA).
