Enabling a quality FP7 'Science in Society' programme
The 'European network of FP7 science in society NCPs' (Eurosis 2.0) project worked to strengthen the Science in Society (SiS) national contact point (NCP) network by harnessing the potential of its diverse systems and synergising skills and services. Improving cooperation among relevant actors will ensure better orientation regarding Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) rules and regulations as well as in the wide area of SiS topics and research. It will also help NCPs to better meet the challenges of their roles in the particular programme. Established during the first SiS NCP project (Eurosis), the SiS NPC network provided support at national level. Eurosis 2.0 took over where Eurosis left off, striving to capitalise on work already carried out and, looking ahead, to define issues that still need to be addressed. These issues marked the project's starting point and guided the approach to be followed for meeting ongoing and new needs and challenges. With the central point of departure being the idea of mobilisation and mutual learning, objectives focused on matters pertinent to both SiS NCPs and SiS stakeholders. In addition, actions taken during the 12-month project will serve to connect the initial Eurosis project to the third SiS NCP network project, ensuring seamless continuation and ongoing improvement of the services provided. Project work was divided into five areas of focus, two of which were related to the project itself. 'Mobilisation' involved reaching out to diverse stakeholders in the SiS community. It included increasing awareness of SiS policy issues for SiS NCPs, raising the awareness of SiS stakeholders, and creating fruitful contacts among them. 'Mutual learning' built on Eurosis achievements with regard to exchanging best practices through dedicated training and other events. 'Communication' activities sought to raise general awareness of the SiS work programme as well as services offered by the NCP network. Other efforts in this area of activities centred on improving communication among SiS NCPs. Eurosis 2.0 fully achieved its objectives and realised its expected impact. The project contributed to improved NCP services, and simplified and improved access to SiS calls, lowering entry barriers for newcomers and raising the average quality of submitted proposals.