We help scientists to obtain grants

7.10.2021

As part of the Initiative of Excellence – Research University Program, the MUG established a framework cooperation with the consulting company TTOPSTART from the Netherlands, providing services in the field of strategic preparation of scientific units for obtaining research grants from the Horizont Europe framework program. On 4th of October 2021 the contract has been signed by Prof. Michał Markuszewski, Vice-Rector for Science of the MUG and Sietske Zagers, Director of TTOPSTART. Prof. Tomasz Bączek, Head of the Office of the Excellence Initiative – Research University Program, Mateusz Kirjak from the Department of Research Projects of the MUG, as well as TTOPSTART’s representatives: Zeta Xouri, Head of Consulting and Arno Schoevaars, Managing Consultant took part in the event.

Prof. Michał Markuszewski and Sietske Zagers

TTOPSTART is one of the most experienced consulting companies in Europe. Provides advice on building research grants strategies for large research units, enterprises and individual scientists. TTOPSTART clients include the University of Utrecht and the Research Council of Norway. The company specializes in life sciences, which is an added value for MUG.

The aim of cooperation with the company is to prepare scientists to apply for prestigious grants from the European Research Council (ERC) and for grants implemented in consortia in which the MUG will act as a leader.

from the left: Mateusz Kirjak, Prof. Tomasz Bączek, Prof. Michał Markuszewski, Sietske Zagers, Zeta Xouri, Arno Schoevaars

The framework service for MUG is based on 4 modules. In the first stage of cooperation, the company will develop a preparation strategy for applying for grants for scientists from Priority Research Areas. As part of the analyses, the mapping of research areas and their links with the competition topics defined by the European Commission will be carried out. The potential of individual scientists and research teams will also be assessed. In the next stage, training for scientists will be conducted, which will concern the preparation of applications for grants under the Horizon Europe program. The company will also support writing project applications, coordinating consortia, and mentoring candidates for ERC grants. Support in the management of projects that will receive funding is also foreseen.

Both the ERC grant and the coordination of the project consortium by the MUG in the Framework Program of the European Union are goals set for the Research University. Thanks to TTOPSTART’s commitment, they will become closer to achieving.

Cooperation with the company will last at least until the end of 2025.

Photo: Paweł Sudara/MUG