Riyadh: The European Delegation to Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), has announced a new initiative, the Horizon Europe Online Bootcamp. This endeavor aims to support researchers through the Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships and European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants. The program invites interested participants to join the Opening Webinar scheduled for 30 July 2025, from 14:00 to 15:30 Riyadh time, to explore participation in one or both of the coaching tracks offered.
According to European Union, the Opening Webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the MSCA and ERC Starting Grant calls. Participants will gain insights into eligibility rules, exchange opportunities, and upcoming deadlines. The MSCA Track focuses on research excellence, addressing aspects such as storytelling, project vision, research objectives, and key performance indicators (KPIs). It also covers open science, data management, ethics, training excellence, and the two-way transfer of knowledge. The track further delves into short and long-term impact, dissemination, exploitation, communication, career trajectory, work plans, deliverables, risk management, and resource allocation.
The ERC Track offers guidance on crafting a compelling CV, track record, and research achievements in a narrative style. Participants will learn to frame their research ambitions and develop a convincing scientific proposal. The track includes elements such as storytelling, metaphor, experimental approaches, graphical abstracts, and preliminary data. It also addresses impact, risk mitigation, collaborations, budget considerations, host support, and the importance of letters of endorsement.
Key speakers for the bootcamp include Mr. Thierry Devars, Policy Officer at the European Commission DG Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, specializing in the international dimension and cooperation in MSCA. Mr. Stefan Gruenert, a scientist and research manager with expertise in ERC proposals, will also contribute. Ms. Célia Gavaud, an expert in public funding for research and innovation projects, will offer training and coaching on MSCA proposals. Ms. Francesca Serra, the Senior Communications Lead at KAUST, will moderate the webinars.