Episode siteFor a long time I have wanted to present the funding schemes from EUREKA, because they have very popular funding schemes for SMEs. I managed to get Camilla Del Latte from the EUREKA Secretariat onboard - and even for an in-person recording in Brussels back in April 2025.Unlike many EU programmes, EUREKA is built on intergovernmental collaboration, allowing countries to co-fund innovation projects outside of traditional EU structures. Camilla takes us all through three EUREKA key funding schemes: Eurostars, Innowwide and Fast track to EIC Accelerator. We run schematically through the structure of the programmes, target grous, how to apply, evaluation regime, what happens when funding is received and finally of course some do's and don't's.Excellent for everybody approaching the EUREKA funding schemes!Time codes:00:01:49 Introduction00:04:39 Fly in on EUREKA00:10:24 EU and EUREKA00:16:55 Structure of programme00:38:57 Target groups00:40:08 How to apply00:54:46 Evaluation01:09:09 When receiving funding01:12:01 Do's and don't's01:16:29 The toughest challenge
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#174 Communication Shorts - How hard can it be? (part 2)
Episode siteIn the closing bonus episode, Casper and I dive deeper into what separates good communication from great. We explore cultural nuance, consistency in tone, creative content delivery, and the irreplaceable value of trained communicators. Using real-life metaphors and practical examples, the duo push for a shift in mindset: from vanity metrics to real engagement, from generic posts to emotionally resonant messaging. It’s a compelling call to prioritize storytelling and impact over automation and shortcuts.
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#173 Communication Shorts - How hard can it be? (part 1)
Episode siteIn the final Communication Shorts episode, Casper and I take stock of everything covered in the 12-episode series. Through a lively, reflective conversation, we revisit the four communication pillars: strategy, media engagement, newsletters, and social media. The episode explores why communication should not be treated as an afterthought or junior task but as a core, strategic function in EU projects. They underline the importance of storytelling, consistent messaging, and internal buy-in—while challenging listeners to consider the real value of professional communication expertise.
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#172 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions - Proposal Writing
Episode siteIn this episode I have invited back Ilaria Rudisi, a senior EU funding consultant, to explore how researchers can successfully prepare proposals for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). Ilaria takes us through the entire proposal development process — from evaluating the feasibility of the research idea to building a competitive, impact-driven narrative. She further shares practical insights from her extensive consulting work, emphasizing the importance of early planning, clear articulation of impact, and understanding the expectations of the evaluators.Listeners will gain an in-depth understanding of the structure and requirements of MSCA proposals, including how to write the B1 and B2 sections, define work packages, plan budgets, and address ethics and risk. The conversation also touches on the psychological and strategic dynamics between researchers and consultants, and why MSCA is not a good fit for everyone. This episode is a hands-on guide to building competitive proposals and a reality check for researchers who might be overconfident about the strength of their ideas.Time codes:00:01:42 Introduction00:05:24 Fly in on MSCA00:11:42 Preparation00:32:24 Shaping of proposal concept with researcher00:42:19 Pen to paper01:19:15 Submission01:29:10 The toughest challenge
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#171 SME Series (1) - Eligibility Challenges for SMEs
Episode siteIn the first episode of the new SMEs Series, I sit down with Alicja Grzegorzek Carrascosa (Co-founder of Polite Europe) to tackle one of the most complex issues facing SMEs in EU projects: understanding eligibility rules. The episode digs into the distinctions between SME owners and employees, how their time can be charged in projects, and the two main reimbursement routes — actual costs and unit costs — while highlighting the critical impact these choices can have in audits. Alicja gives a detailed understanding of real-life scenarios across EU countries (including Spain, France, and Belgium), how holding structures and grey zones complicate compliance, and why it's vital to document decisions and consult with project officers, National Contact Points, and auditors. The episode offers not just clarity but also strategies for de-risking participation in EU projects — a must-listen for SME owners, grant consultants, and public facilitators supporting them.Time codes:00:02:14 Introduction00:06:20 Fly in00:08:19 SME eligibility issues 00:20:07 Practical advice for SMEs 00:31:44 The toughest challenge
Getting EU funding for your research project idea is great, but the process from project idea to submission of the full proposal is rough and tough. 20.000 proposals are submitted every year and every single one of these preparations goes through many challenges. Most of these challenges have the same overall characteristics, that can be minimized or eliminated by being aware of them already when starting the proposal process. This podcast is for proposals preparers looking for tips, tricks, advice or just an audible pad on the shoulder to deal with the unavoidable tough work
Ireland