Research Infrastructures Consortium of NCPs in Horizon Europe

Project Information

RICH Europe

Grant agreement ID: 101058398

DOI

10.3030/101058398

EC signature date 4 April 2022

Start date 1 June 2022

End date 31 May 2029

Funded under

• Research infrastructures

Total cost

€ 1 999 364,75

EU contribution

€ 1 999 362,00

Coordinated by

AGENZIA PER LA PROMOZIONE DELLA RICERCA EUROPEA
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - RICH Europe (Research Infrastructures Consortium of NCPs in Horizon Europe)

Reporting period: 2023-06-01 to 2024-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

RICH Europe is a 84 month Coordination and Support Action built on the past experience and achievements of the Research Infrastructures Networks funded under H2020 (RICH and RICH-2). The overall aim of the project is to improve and support the
professionalisation and harmonisation of Research Infrastructures National Contact Points (NCPs) services across Europe and to contribute to the consolidation of the European research infrastructure ecosystem. RICH Europe activities have been designed to (1)
raise the general standard of support to programme applicants by enhancing NCPs knowledge and capacities and building a more professionalised and collaborative NCPs community, (2) enhance the quality of knowledge of RIs stakeholders about EU RIs calls &
programme and raise their awareness about the trans-national and virtual access opportunities to research infrastructures, (3) lower the entry barriers for newcomers, with a focus on widening countries, (4) mainstream RIs in HE with a special focus on Clusters and the
EIC programmes, (5) foster the cooperation among RIs at European and international level, and between RIs and the local/regional socio-economic ecosystem. RICH Europe will be implemented by a consortium of 11 officially nominated NCP organizations from 10 EU Member States and 1 candidate Associated Country. The Consortium has an excellent representation of Widening countries (more than half of the partners are from Widening countries) as well as experienced and less experienced NCPs. The project, in its 7 years duration, will address four major target groups: (i) NCPs for Research Infrastructures, (ii) applicants in Horizon Europe RIs calls, (iii) Research Infrastructures and Academia, (iv) Industries and SMEs.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

11 Consortium Meetings among RICH Europe beneficiaries

3 Mutual Learning Thematic Workshops

1 Symposium of RIs - See Deliverable 3.8

22 NCP RIs Meeting dedicated for National Contact Points (NCPs) in Research Infrastructures (RIs) to discuss priorities, challenges, and opportunities to enhance collaboration and effectiveness within the RI community.

6 Trainings for RIs NCPs organized aimed at equipping RIs NCPs with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to better support their stakeholders and navigate the complexities of EU funding and research infrastructure policies.

2 targeted surveys for RIs NCP to collect input, feedback, and suggestions from RIs NCPs, focusing on their experiences, needs, and areas requiring improvement or support.

9 RICH News editions of the RICH Europe newsletter were broadcasted live, providing updates, success stories, opportunities, and insights about RIs activities, policies, and funding programs to keep the community informed and engaged.

4 Visit to a Research Infrastructure (RI) Organized. Four hands-on visit to a prominent research infrastructure to showcase its capabilities, promote best practices, and enhance collaboration between RIs, stakeholders, and policymakers.

5 Webinars on Promotion of Transnational Access (TA)/Virtual Access (VA) were held to raise awareness about the opportunities available through TA and VA programs, explain how to access these resources, and encourage broader participation from researchers across Europe.

1 Pilot Landscape Analysis - See Deliverable 3.4

2 Proposal Check Workshops organized to support researchers and stakeholders in improving the quality of their project proposals for RIs-related funding, offering practical advice, feedback, and tips for success.

1 Roadmap for beginners published and disseminated - See Deliverable 2.7

1 Leaflet on tools and services available and offered by RIs to SMEs - See Deliverable 4.12

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

New recommendations to be taken up by policy on the bottlenecks and challenges faced by Widening Countries.

Visit to RI in Heraklion