The aim of this initiative is capacity building, better integration of young forestry researchers from North African Mediterranean countries, Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia,  Moldova, Ukraine) and Russia into the transnational research community, share practical experiences; develop skills that translate knowledge into effective actions.

Participants of the Summer School will:

• learn about the science-policy frameworks affecting European research agenda;
• advance their knowledge to understand opportunities of the European research agenda;
• explore approaches and solutions which help to  successfully participate in related research processes: calls for proposals, building consortia, proposal writing (requirements and evaluation), project implementation, etc.;
• strengthen skills in creative thinking, collaborative leadership and facilitating multi-stakeholder processes;
• experience cross-sectoral learning from experts and peers; and
• interact with high level experts in the area of research and its organizational structuring.

Topic and scope of this Summer School are not restricted to H2020 but also consider future FP 9, ERA-NET Cofund and COST proposals.

Tentative Programme Topics

• Introduction to transnational research programmes that include forest related research agendas
• Influence on Call description, lobbying for topics in international research programmes
• Ongoing transnational projects that include the countries concerned – case studies
• Finding/Reading/Interpreting Call documents
• Finding partners, building consortia
• Developing proposals/coordinating proposal writing
  • Scientific part
  • Financial part
• Presenting proposals to an audience

Note: Each day work will be arranged as combination of lectures and a group work sessions of 2-3 hours related to the day’s topic. This would increase interaction and own thinking.

Speakers

H2020 and ERA-NET project coordinators, COST Action coordinators, EFI, EC and COST representatives.

How to apply

The Summer School is designed for early stage researchers from North Africa Mediterranean, EaP countries and Russia (Master degree or PhD not more than 5 years ago) working on the forest thematic or a related area (e.g. natural resources management, environmental policy, climate change, bioeconomy). The age range is approximately 25-35 years. We welcome applications from young researchers with high scientific qualification (peer-reviewed papers, conference speeches, posters, etc.). We aim to have a group of participants taking into account issues of gender and country balance.

Up to 25 participants will be selected. All selected participants will be invited also to attend the Sumforest Final conference in autumn 2017 and present a scientific poster.

Applicants are asked to provide:

• A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) describing his/her professional interests, why they wish to apply and how it will help them developing their career
• A CV
• A recommendation letter from the employer/university

To apply, send an e-mail providing the elements above to:

The deadline to submit your application is 1O May 2017.

 

• Eligibility

Applicants to the Summer School must have:

Proficiency in English to allow full participation in the course discussions

A résumé that demonstrates professional experience and research potential

Affiliation with an institution (in North Africa Mediterranean, EaP countries and Russia,) working on research questions related to the forest sector or natural resources, environment, climate change, bioeconomy issues.

 

•  Scholarships

The scholarship covers: summer school fee, travel costs, accommodation and meals.

 

Practical information

All the practical information will be given in due time.

 

• Venue

To be precised

 

• Dates

Three full days, from Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th June 2017, each day starting with theoretical guidance and instructions followed by practical exercises, group work sessions and lessons learnt.

 

• Working language

Download the Programme

Download the Application Form

Source and further information are available here