2026 call: Flagships selected in 4th Flagship Programme call, interim evaluation

Guidelines and template for research and impact plan

The research and impact plan is submitted as a PDF appendix on the tab ‘Research and impact plan’ in the online services. Remember to convert the Word file into PDF format (Save as -> .pdf) Read the call text carefully and familiarise yourself with the review guidelines, review form and principles of responsible evaluation before you start writing the plan. Name the attachment file as follows: research_plan_yoursurname.pdf.

The maximum length of the research and impact plan is 15 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 part of the research and impact plan and does not count towards the length of the plan, maximum length 2 pages.

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 research and impact 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.

The plan should describe the Flagship progress (first two years of operation), future plans (last 4 years of funding term and beyond), expected outcomes, and evolution of the ecosystem.

Please delete the instructions in blue before attaching the research plan in the online services.

Click and write here: Title of research and impact plan

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

1. Flagship details

Name and abbreviation of candidate flagship; host organisation(s); director and vice director; possible subgroup PI(s)

2. Brief summary of demonstrated scientific excellence and impact in support of economic growth and/or society during first two years of Flagship operation (max 3 pages)

Brief overview of the Flagship activities since kick-off; building on the Flagship goals, self-evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of the Flagship activities during the first two years of operation; reflection on possibly identified needs/changes necessary from the point of view of achieving Flagship goals and added value generation

3. Plan for promoting scientific excellence and impact in support of economic growth and/or society for remaining funding period and beyond (max 8 pages)

Plan for remaining funding period and beyond

Advancement of the Flagship goals and how the plan builds on previous work. Main changes to the original plan with justifications; implementation of the plan, approaches, methods, new initiatives, data, schedule (incl. milestones and deliverables), risk management and mitigation; expected main outcomes by the end of the funding term; strategy beyond the Flagship term and expected outcomes

Responsible science

This subsection is a mandatory part of the plan. All listed points must be fully addressed, as each constitutes a factor in the review and decision-making process. Furthermore, please note that applications will not be processed if any one of the following four elements is missing:

a description of dimensions related to gender equality and nondiscrimination in the research, or a justification if not relevant

a description of how equality and nondiscrimination will be promoted in the composition of the research group and collaborations

a description of how good scientific practice will be followed in the project

a description of how open access to research publications and research data will be ensured.

Read more about responsible science.

Elements to be addressed in this subsection:

State whether dimensions related to gender equality and nondiscrimination are relevant to the proposed research. If relevant, explain how these aspects are integrated into the research plan (e.g. concerning project’s objectives, methodology, analysis and dissemination). If not relevant, justify their non-applicability.

Describe how equality and nondiscrimination will be promoted in the composition of the research group and collaborations.

Describe how good scientific practice will be followed in the project.

Explain how open access to research publications and research data will be ensured.

Consideration of sustainable development goals in project activities

4. Ecosystem and organisation

Links to host organisation’s strategic priorities; description of host organisations’ roles, flagship management and administrative structures; key collaborators and their roles together with a description of active collaborations with the business sector and/or other sectors of society; description of the innovation orientation of the environment; actions to increase the appeal of the competence cluster/research environment; identified needs for changes and strategy for the development of the ecosystem

References

The list of references (no more than 2 pages) is not included in the length of the plan. Please note that the text type, font size and line spacing of the list are the same as elsewhere in the plan.