Phase 2: Prepare to write a proposal / Set up a consortium
Who can apply?
Any natural or legal persons (e.g. any company, big or small, research organisations, universities, non-governmental organisations, etc.) regardless of their place of establishment or residence. They must possess the operational and financial viability to carry out the research tasks that they propose.
Where do I find project partners?
There are a number of partner search services provided by NCPs, CORDIS and other entities. Go ahead and look for the services that also provide advice on creating your profile and apply quality controls to their database.
Several thematic NCP Networks (NCPs list here) provide partner search facilities with details on partner profiles and active partnership requests.
Further please find a list of several partner search tools here.
How can National Contact Persons (NCPs) help me in finding project partners?
The network of National Contact Points (NCPs) is the main structure to provide guidance, practical information and assistance on all aspects of participation in Horizon 2020.
NCPs are national structures established and financed by governments of the 28 EU member states and the states associated to the framework programme. NCPs give personalised support on the spot and in applicants' own languages. The NCP systems can vary from one country to another from highly centralised to decentralised networks, and a number of very different actors, from ministries to universities, research centres and special agencies to private consulting companies.
The US does not have its own NCPs that can provide guidance. However, NCPs in other countries can be contacted or questions can be raised contacting the BILAT USA 2.0 project.
Who is applicable for funding and how many project partners can there be?
The legal entities can be private or public entities.
Generally, three legal entities have to be part of the consortium. Each of the three shall be established in a different Member State (MS) or Associated Country (AC). All three legal entities shall be independent of each other.
Additional requirements with regard to the participation are mentioned in the respective work programme.
Which countries are in the European Union?
Find a list of EU Member Countries here.
What countries are considered Associated Countries to Horizon 2020, and how do they differ from the countries that are in the European Union?
If legal entities are Member States of the European Union (and their overseas departments) apply for in H2020 calls or programmes, these institutions are generally eligible to receive funding through Horizon 2020.
Find a list of Associated Countries (AC) here.
Legal entities from ACs are encouraged to participate in proposals submitted under the first Horizon 2020 calls for proposals. As long as the respective Association agreements are not in place, and in order not to delay proposal evaluation and negotiation, these countries will be assumed to be associated and legal entities from these countries will count towards the minimum participation requirements in all parts of Horizon 2020, as though they are established in an Associated Country (however, see footnotes 1 & 2 for specific information on the Faroe Islands and Switzerland).
Please find a list of countries and the applicable rules for funding here.
