Widening - Twinning

Enhancing research networking activities with research institutes from low R&I performing countries

What is Twinning?

Twinning aims to enhance networking activities between research institutions of low R&I performing countries ("Widening Countries") and internationally-leading counterparts at EU level, networking for excellence through knowledge transfer and exchange of best practices between research institutions and partners and to raise the bar for the excellence of all R&I actors in these countries.

Type of Action: Coordination and Support Action (CSA), funding networking, coordination or support services, policy dialogues, and mutual learning exercises and studies.

Who can apply?

At least three research organisations applicants ("Beneficiaries") - the coordinator and the advanced partners.

  1. The Coordinator: A research institution from a Widening Country.
  2. Advanced Partner: At least two research institutions from two different EU Member States or Associated Countries (e.g. Israel).

Expected Outcomes:

  • Improved excellence capacity and resources in Widening Countries.
  • Enhanced strategic networking activities between the research institutions from Widening Countries and at least two internationally leading counterparts at EU level.
  • Raised reputation, research profile and attractiveness of the coordinating institution from a Widening Country and the research profile of its staff.
  • Strengthened research management capacities and administrative skills of the staff working in institutions from a Widening Country.
  • Improved creativity supported by development of new approaches, increased mobility (inwards and outwards) of qualified scientists.

Scope Highlights: 

  • Twinning proposals are for new or ongoing joint research projects that have clearly outlined the scientific strategy for stepping up and stimulating scientific excellence and innovation capacity in a defined area of research, as well as the scientific quality of the partners involved in the twinning exercise.
  • Evaluation will also focus on the qualitative and quantitative impact on the host organisation from a Widening Country, and possibly the impact at regional/national level.
  • Special attention will be paid to gender equality objectives as part of the submission process that includes a Gender Equality Plan. 

Funding:

  • Expected EU Contribution per Project: EUR 0.8-1.5M
  • Project Duration: Up to three years.
  • Eligible Costs:
    • Travel, training and management costs: Costs relating to administration, networking, coordination, training, management and travel costs of short-term staff exchanges and expert visits.
    • Research: Research, consumables and small equipment costs become eligible and they could constitute up to 30% of the requested funding. Co-ordinator from a Widening Country will be allocated at least 70% of the research costs.

Calls:

  • The call closed on January 18, 2022. The next call is yet to be scheduled.

For more information please refer to the full Twinning - Widening 2021-2022 Work Programme.

Call Information 

 

Further Information:

 

Contact Us

For questions regarding the call and its submission requirements please contact the Widening team at ISERD.