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 prop...
#164 A conversation about the European university alliances
Episode siteIn this episode of The Grant, I dive deep into the European university alliances through the lens of YUFE – Young Universities for the Future of Europe. Guest Mara-Valerie Schegk, Secretary General of the YUFE Alliance, shares her insider perspective on how YUFE evolved from a bold vision sparked by Emmanuelle Macron’s Sorbonne speech in 2017 into a vibrant, cross-border collaboration of 10 young universities. From joint degrees and lifelong learning initiatives to engaging citizens and nurturing early-career researchers, YUFE exemplifies how university alliances can drive systemic change in European higher education. The episode also unpacks the broader landscape of the 65 European university alliances, spotlighting both the opportunities and the immense amount of alliances suddenly operating. We explore the tensions between Erasmus+ funding and the growing ambition of alliances to operate across research and education. Maria-Valerie and I offer candid reflections on funding sustainability, institutional commitment, and the strategic shift from project-based thinking to long-term integration. If you're curious about the future of European universities—and how they’re navigating complex Brussels dynamics—this conversation is for you.Time codes:00:01:49 Introduction00:05:39 Fly in on university alliances00:11:29 YUFE and Its mission 00:28:27 European universities alliances 00:38:30 The research funding challenge 00:53:44 The role and impact of alliances 01:04:37 Policy and future perspectives01:16:32 The toughest challenge
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#163 Shorts - Attention on SoMe (3): Monitor and learn
Episode siteIn the final episode of this batch of the Communication Shorts Series, we dive into how to measure and refine social media engagement strategies. We stress that social media is an ongoing conversation rather than a one-time announcement, requiring consistent monitoring and response. The episode explores how to track audience interactions, respond to comments effectively, and use real-time data to adjust communication strategies. The hosts also address ethical considerations when prompting audience engagement, cautioning against superficial tactics that may appear disingenuous.The discussion extends to community building and conversion optimization. We emphasize the value of turning passive followers into active participants by fostering discussions and encouraging meaningful interactions. The episode also includes insights on how to respond to criticism professionally, the benefits of repurposing past content in timely contexts, and how AI tools can enhance engagement tracking. Ultimately, this episode rounds out the series by offering a strategic approach to maintaining and growing digital influence in the EU funding communication landscape.Time codes:00:02:53 Introduction to monitor, analyze and learn00:03:41 Monitor and respond00:15:22 Analyze performance
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#162 Shorts - Attention on SoMe (2): Engaging and concise language
Episode siteThis episode focuses on crafting compelling, concise, and engaging messages for social platforms. Casper stresses that the first two sentences of a post are crucial, as they determine whether an audience will continue reading. We recommend using attention-grabbing hooks such as surprising statistics, provocative questions, or emotionally compelling statements. The discussion also covers structuring posts with simple, direct language while avoiding technical jargon that might alienate a broader audience. Additionally, we highlight the importance of a clear call to action to drive engagement and conversions.Beyond text, the episode explores the role of visuals in amplifying a message’s impact. Whether using images, infographics, or videos, we discuss how visuals enhance readability and make posts stand out in crowded feeds. We also touch on the algorithmic advantages of using faces in social media posts and the growing relevance of AI-generated content. The episode concludes with practical tips on how to integrate text and visuals seamlessly to maximize audience retention and interaction.Time codes:00:02:54 Introduction to engaging and concise language00:04:01 Use an engaging hook00:12:43: Keep it concise00:16:23 Use visuals00:25:54 Encourage engagement and include calls to action
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#161 Shorts - Attention on SoMe (1): Be strategic
Episode siteIn this episode, we explore how to leverage social platforms effectively to communicate EU funding projects. We discuss the importance of viewing social platforms as tools rather than media, emphasizing strategic audience engagement over mere visibility. Further, we highlight how to use relatable language, compelling narratives, and audience-specific messaging to increase impact. Additionally, the episode underscores the significance of platform-specific content adaptation, where different channels require different tones and messaging styles to resonate with their respective audiences.The conversation also delves into timing and audience targeting as key factors for effective communication. Casper explains the benefits of strategic posting, emphasizing when professionals engage most actively on platforms like LinkedIn. We also discuss hashtags, how to research effective tags, and the importance of mirroring the communication style of your audience to build credibility. Ultimately, the episode provides a structured approach to making social media a strategic asset rather than a passive broadcasting channel.Time codes:00:02:45 Introduction00:04:36 Fly in on How to get attention on social platforms00:06:15 Use social platforms as tools rather than media00:12:23 Know your audience00:17:57 Timing can be crucial00:29:51 Use hashtags wisely
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#160 Introduction to the Widening Programme - The Widening Series (1)
Episode siteIn episode #160 of The Grant Podcast, I kick off the new Widening Series, focusing on the Widening Programme under Horizon Europe. Co-hosting this series is Thomas Brent, a former science policy journalist and Widening expert, now working at CERN. Together, we dive into why the Widening Programme exists, its objectives, and how it addresses the research and innovation gap between high-performing and low-performing EU countries. Our guest for this first episode is Ian Gauci Borda, Malta’s National Contact Point and Programme Committee member, who provides a comprehensive introduction to the programme’s structure, goals, and challenges.This episode unpacks the origins of Widening, exploring how it was designed to increase participation from underrepresented EU countries in Horizon Europe while maintaining excellence standards. We also examine the political debate surrounding its future, including proposals to move Widening funding to the Cohesion Fund and the resistance from the EU-15 widening countries. Ian shares insights on the impact of Widening so far, key funding instruments like Teaming, Twinning, and ERA Chairs, and how some countries like Cyprus have successfully leveraged the programme to strengthen their research capacities.Time codes:00:01:41 Introduction00:06:04 Fly in on the Widening Programme00:09:56 Introduction to the Widening Programme00:20:40 Structure of the Widening programme00:29:28 Experiences in the programme00:48:51 Perspectives for the programme
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