marie curie from the point of view of a h2020- msca-if ... · before you even think in applying for...
TRANSCRIPT
MARIE CURIE
FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A H2020-
MSCA-IF-2019 BENEFICIARY
Dr. Claudio Sáez Avaria PI of allocated project
”OSMOTIC SEAGRASS”, GA N. 888415
What I do…
Environmental Engineer at Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile, and Victoria University of
Wellington, New Zealand (2010), and PhD in
Marine Sciences at University of Plymouth, UK
(2014).
I study stress biology in marine photosynthetic
organisms mediated by pollution and climate
change, using mostly physiological and
metabolic approaches (Researchgate link)
Before you even think in applying for an
IF-MSCA
Find experienced and prestigious research(ers), where there is the
possibility of complementary development of ground-breaking
investigations.
Complementary because you need to demonstrate a crossed benefit between yourself and the host group.
Researchgate link
Dr. José Luis Sánchez Lizaso
Thus, I got in contact with Prof. José
Luis Sánchez Lizaso at UA, with
international recognition for his work in
ecological and physiological effects
of seawater desalination (brine
impacts) on seagrasses and their
communities
What then…
You need to demonstrate that the proposal is a conjunct effort!
Together with Prof. Sánchez-Lizaso we identified a gap in the field of environmental biomonitoring in terms of the impacts of the desalination industry (brine discharges).
That gap was associated with biochemical and molecular biomarkers to address for desalination impacts where there are multiple environmental pressures.
That research was also relevant to other researchers and the industry, so we invited the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO Murcia; secondment), and the Spanish Association of Desalination and Reuse (AEDyR; business stakeholder and end-user).
Researchgate link Dr. Juan Manuel Ruiz Fernández
Dr. Domingo Zarzo Martínez
Now prepare your proposal!
MSCA format is quite strict, so
independent of your research
area, stick yourself to it!
For this, pay attention to the
layout and instructions given
in the proposal (B-1 and B-2).
Organization of Proposal (Part B)
DOCUMENT 1 (PART B-1),
divided in:
a) Excelence
b) Impact
c) Quality and Efficiency of
the Implementation
DOCUMENT 2 (PART B-2),
divided in:
a) CV of the researcher
b) Capacity of the
Participating
Organizations
c) Ethical issues
TIPS BY SECTION
DOCUMENT 1 (PART B-1),
divided in:
a) Excellence
b) Impact
c) Quality and Efficiency of
the Implementation
P
A
R
T
B
-
1
A) EXCELLENCE
Most up to date information for your introduction, although considering historical aspects if necessary.
You need to show that you know everything that is needed, not only to justify the novelty of the project but also to demonstrate you are THE PERSON to execute it.
There is not much space, so use it wisely. Especially in the methodology. Be as specific as possible leaning on published protocols and approaches (hopefully some yours too!).
A graphic scheme is always helpful to visually justify your methodology and duration of WPs.
You need to be very specific in how the host group and yourself will be benefited from the interaction (both are equally important in this regard).
You need to demonstrate that your supervisor(s) and yourself are leading researchers in your areas and that the EU money is going to be well invested if funded (not the time to be humble!).
P
A
R
T
B
-
1
B) IMPLEMENTATION
You need to demonstrate that the fellowship will provide you with the experience and knowledge to achieve academic maturity, independence and leadership.
Show credit for the host institution to have and grant you with everything that is necessary to achieve the research and academic goals of the project (e.g. enhance OGPI experience and capacities to support the implementation).
Be clear and ambitious about the deliverables (that apply) to your project (e.g. WoS-indexed publications, relevant international conferences, products for the private sector).
It is important to develop a good outreach strategy. In this context, and keeping up with the COVID-19 contingency and uncertain future, I suggest basing it on digital and remote communications and interactions (e.g. social media, websites, newspapers, TV capsules, videoconferences and seminars).
P
A
R
T
B
-
1
C) QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY OF THE
IMPLEMENTATION
A detailed work plan with specific time-frames for each WP is mandatory here.
Specify where within your stated Gantt chart you expect to have certain deliverables (e.g. papers, conferences).
Sometimes things can go wrong, so you have to present strategies (contingency plan) for the aspects you consider can be tricky throughout the development of your project (add it to your Gantt chart too!).
Taking advantage of OGPI´s good experience providing support for the allocation of international projects, give some related numbers and history.
Describe all equipment and facilities UA and partners will provide you to successfully achieve the project goals (e.g. analytic platforms, fieldwork gear and logistics, informatic software and hardware, access to databases, office facilities, etc.)
P
A
R
T
B
-
1
P
A
R
T
B
-
2
DOCUMENT 2 (PART B-2),
divided in:
a) CV of the researcher
b) Capacity of the
Participating
Organizations
c) Ethical issues
A) CV OF THE RESEARCHER
Again, don´t be shy, humble or modest, you need to show you are best prospect for the research proposed.
It always good to provide an abstract of your academic story, main achievements, projected productivity (yes, there are algorithms for that!), and all aspects you consider relevant to support your high prospect as a high class researcher and leader.
Fully describe then all aspects that support everything you are proposing for the MSCA initiative, as details of papers, projects participation, teaching, supervision of students and other researchers, outreach experience, involvement in field expeditions, etc.
P
A
R
T
B
-
2
B) CAPACITY OF THE PARTICIPATING
ORGANIZATIONS
Here you can provide more details about the
institutional infrastructure and project management
support.
More specific references about your supervisor at UA
and her/his group, secondment and associated
institutions.
You should provide more detailed information on
supervised students and postdocs, productivity,
managed projects, available equipment, field support,
and everything that applies to your field of research.
P
A
R
T
B
-
2
C) ETHICAL ISSUES
This is very specific to your area, and quite
delicate issue if working with animals (such
as humans!).
In my case it was not a big issue as
Posidonia oceanica (the subject species in
my investigation) is a protected species,
but not threatened or in danger of
extinction.
P
A
R
T
B
-
2
Other considerations
Do your best, a bad project will never be funded…
Get feedback from those who know! OGPI can help you get comments and observations about your proposal from external agencies, expert in MSCA applications (e.g. RUVID from the Valencian Community, European Office MINECO / FECYT)
However, there is always the possibility that your project (the best project) will not be allocated; and this is mainly because of the “reviewer factor”.
I got it at my fourth attempt!
Although my score was never lower than 85%, a non-significantly modified project throughout its history as mine, fluctuated from that percentage towards a 96%.
This is not really to persuade you not to apply, but sometimes you need to build a certain degree of tolerance to failure. As you see, if your persevere and work hard, the MSCA will be finally yours!
Best of luck!!!
MARIE CURIE
FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A H2020-
MSCA-IF-2019 BENEFICIARY
Dr. Claudio Sáez Avaria PI of allocated project
”OSMOTIC SEAGRASS”, GA N. 888415
