Prior to the start and during the first months of the granting period FWO started preparing the launch of the [PEGASUS]² programme. A wide (regional/international) dissemination strategy including a customized logo, poster and brochure was set-up. In addition, a dedicated webpage was created. On this website applicants could find all necessary information: timing, regulations, guide for applicants, FAQ, link to the online application module, … For each call a EURAXESS job vacancy was created. In September 2015 the [PEGASUS]2 programme was officially launched in the presence of our EC programme officer, representatives of the [PEGASUS]² host institutions, international partners, … and most importantly: interested researchers. The modalities of the programme were explained including a testimony of a former Pegasus awardee (COFUNDed under FP7).
Two calls were launched in the framework of the [PEGASUS]2 programme. The first call (deadline on February 1st, 2016) was launched during the launch event in September 2015. A second call (deadline on May 1st, 2016) was launched in February 2016. In the first call, 81 applications were received and 16 INCOMING/4 OUTGOING fellowships were awarded. In call 2, 167 applications were received, 33 INCOMING/7 OUTGOING fellowships were awarded. No further calls will be launched.
In a first step each application was subject to an eligibility check that was based on the rules clearly described on the [PEGASUS]2 website, in the [PEGASUS]² regulations, guide for applicants and online application module. Ineligible applicants were informed about this decision and their application was rejected for further evaluation. Eligible applications were further processed by a three-step evaluation procedure. First, the applications were sent out for external peer-reviews. In a second step, the project proposals were evaluated by the domain-specific panel to which the applicant submitted his/her application (30 monodisciplinary/1 interdisciplinary). Proposals that got ranked in this step were evaluated in a third phase by our Commission for International Collaboration (CIS) who made two final lists of successful INCOMING/OUTGOING fellows respectively + reserve list. Applicants were informed about the outcome of their application in June 2016 (call 1) and November 2016 (call2). Within three months all applicants (successful/unsuccessful) received a feedback report (reports of all 3 evaluation steps). Researchers funded by the FWO are required to identify any ethical aspects in their research. This is effectuated as follows: a self-assessment before submission, a screening during evaluation, and an in-depth ethical assessment when granted and needed.