2026 Mid-term evaluation of 2022–2029 CoE programme

Guidelines and template for research plan

The research plan is submitted as a PDF appendix on the tab ‘Research plan’ in the online services. Remember to convert the Word file into PDF format (Save as -> .pdf) before attaching it in the application form. Name the attachment file as follows: Plan_yoursurname.pdf.

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

The maximum length of the plan is 8 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 research 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 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 the instructions in blue before attaching the plan in the online services.

Click and write here: Title of plan

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

Accomplishments during the 2022–2025 CoE term

Describe the following aspects (approx. 2 pages):

How the Centre of Excellence has achieved its goals for the CoE period

How the goals promote the objectives of the CoE programme in terms of quality, innovativeness, novelty, impact and renewal

How the added value of the CoE has been reflected in the activities over the past four years.

Insert your text here...

Plan for the 2027–2029 CoE term

Describe the following aspects (approx. 5 pages, incl. subsection ‘Responsible science’):

Objectives of the Centre of Excellence for the remaining period

How they will be implemented and how they are interlinked

The complementary expertise of the CoE’s PIs in relation to the objectives

Description of research environments and how they support the objectives

Collaborators

Roles of collaborators and description of what is achieved through the collaboration

CoE’s plan for activity in applying for EU funding

Plan for CoE’s activities after the end of the funding period (exit plan), and the commitment of the host organisations to the operations during and after the period.

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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.

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.

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References

The list of references (approx. 1 page) is included in the length of the research 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.

List the references here...