NetEuratom is the Network of Euratom National Contact Points with an overall concept to establish a united learning network of NCPs, undertaking transnational activities for a more consistent level of NCP services, resulting in higher quality of submitted proposals from applicants. More specifically, the project aims to provide improved and professionalised services to all Euratom NCPs simplifying access to Euratom calls in nuclear research and trainings and lowering entry barriers for newcomers, through knowledge sharing and skills development (particularly for newcomers and less experienced NCPs), trainings and mentoring activities. Regarding Euratom programme applicants and other relevant stakeholders, the project will provide information and training material needed in order to raise the average quality of proposals submitted as well as matchmaking activities with the scope to link up potential participants with emerging consortia in nuclear research. NetEuratom seeks to establish close collaboration with other Horizon Europe NCP and EU networks through joint organisation of matchmaking and training activities aiming to complement support services to applicants. All project activities and outcomes will be promoted to all Euratom NCPs and the wider public. NetEuratom will be implemented by a consortium of eight officially nominated NCP organisations from eight EU Member States. The project is a Coordination and Support Action with a 60 month duration.
The project's activities will be tailored to two major target groups, namely (a) direct beneficiaries: Euratom NCPs and applicants, and (b) indirect beneficiaries: The European Commission, EU networks, national and EU-level policy makers and stakeholders, and last but not least, the general public (see fig. 2.1). Strengthening the trans-national cooperation between Euratom NCPs from both MS/AC and with NCPs of other thematic areas has a direct impact on the consistency of NCP support services across and beyond Europe. NCP internal communication along with trainings and mentoring activities, based on the mapping of NCPs needs, will ensure that NCPs acquire their knowledge and enhance their skills for providing high quality services to the applicants. Furthermore, networking opportunities offered to applicants, experienced and less experienced ones, with the use of online tools and brokerage events will create opportunities to bring together partners with different scientific backgrounds and level of experience, and support them to develop innovative approaches to solving multidisciplinary research challenges. Our network will establish collaboration with the European Commission regarding the existing Partner Search Service, available in the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal, while raising the general standard of support to the programme applicants, taking into account the diversity of actors that participate in the Euratom programme. Following the organisation of online activities, our network, with the support of NCPs acting as Programme Committee Members, will communicate to the European Commission, feedback collected from the applicant community, with the aim to improve or adapt the programme implementation and future calls accordingly. NetEuratom will support scientific innovation with and for society, the Euratom policy objectives, and other relevant European and national policies and roadmaps by promoting a broader understanding among NCPs and the scientific community.
