2024 call: ICOS-ERIC and ACTRIS-ERIC Headquarters

Guidelines and template for action plan

The action plan is submitted as a PDF appendix on the tab ‘Action plan’ in the online services. Remember to convert the word file as a PDF (Save as -> .pdf) before attaching it in the application form. Name the attachment file as follows: Action_plan_yoursurname.pdf.

Read the call text carefully and familiarise yourself with the review guidelines, review form and principle of responsible evaluation (PDF) before you start writing the plan.

The maximum length of the action plan is 10 pages.

The maximum length of consortium action plan is 10 pages.

The paper size is A4.

The font is Calibri/Carlito 12 pt.

The line spacing is 1.

The margins are 20 mm.

The text is left-aligned.

Do not use paragraph indents.

The font size in tables and figures must be at least 10 pt.

Use a single-column layout when writing the text.

The list of references is included in the length of the action plan. The font size in the list is 10 pt.

All references must be added directly into the text, for example as follows: (author(s), year) or [number]. You must not use footnotes.

The maximum size of the PDF appendix is 50 MB.

The instructions, structure and layout provided must be followed to ensure the equal treatment of applicants. Use the headings provided. The application cannot be submitted if the system detects a deviation in the headings, page configuration or structure.

Write the action plan on this template.

Fill in the sections, according to the practices of your own discipline.

You cannot edit or delete the headings in the template. If necessary, you may add subheadings.

See the How-to guides for the online services on our website for the technical instructions.

Please delete instructions in blue before attaching the action plan in the online system.

Click and write here: Title of the Action Plan

Click and write here: Applicant’s name (and abbreviation of consortium)

1. Significance of the research infrastructure headquarters

In this section describe following aspects:

Describe the international research infrastructure headquarter and the services it offers.

What role do the headquarters play in the Finnish infrastructure and research environment?

How do the headquarters strengthen the existing national and international research environments?

What synergies do you identify with other infrastructure actors?

How do the headquarters interact with the nodes? How is decision-making handled between the HQ and the nodes (with possible changes taken in to account)?

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2. Wide and versatile impact

In this section describe following aspects:

Describe what societal impact and added value the headquarters bring to RDI activities within the academia and beyond, for example:

Expected research results and their anticipated scientific impact

Its effects on business and industry, society and employment as well as connections with business activities and new business initiatives.

Its effects on knowledge and innovation ecosystems.

How will the headquarters influence attraction and retention in the Finnish research, development and innovation (RDI) system locally and globally? How do the headquarters support the research, development and innovation (RDI) ecosystem as a whole? How do the headquarters and its networks contribute to international RDI cooperation?

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3. Headquarters activities

In this section describe following aspects:

Describe the headquarters main operations throughout its lifecycle.

Describe the activities of the headquarters in Finland.

Describe the user base of the international research infrastructure in Finland and how it will be expanded through the headquarters activities.

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4. The green transition and sustainable development

In this section describe following aspects:

What concrete actions does the international research infrastructure have to reach the carbon neutrality target? Has the international research infrastructure assessed or planned to assess its own carbon footprint?

Briefly describe how, in addition to the green transition, the research infrastructure can contribute to one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, either through its activities or through its services. How does it monitor the achievement of the objectives? Read more: Sustainable development principles.

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5. Long-term financial planning

In this section describe following aspects:

Describe the funding base of the research infrastructure headquarters as well as the long-term funding plan for the maintenance and development of the headquarters activities.

Furthermore:

Present the headquarters budget for the past two (2) years and its budget plan through 2030. The budget should distinguish between revenues and expenditures for the past two years and present the projected revenues and expenditures through 2030. Include information regarding other funders

What is the estimated amount of EU funding (research infrastructure, research, or other funding) that Finland will receive through the international research infrastructure and its headquarters?

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