Exchange Grants
The purpose of Exchange Grants offered by NinE is to encourage networking between scientists with a focus on developing an integrated quantification of nitrogen fluxes in Europe. To be considered suitable for funding, applications should match one or more of the Programme’s objectives. Depending on the progress in NinE in integrating the science of nitrogen issues, later calls may also include focus on specific gaps in understanding.
Application procedure
The deadlines for submission of applications are 15 January, 15 May and 15 October each year.
Application forms should be submitted online Application Form
If you wish to apply for support for a visit of 15 days or less, please use the Short Visit application form.
Applicants should be prepared to complete online:
- details of their own institute and of their host’s institute (address, contact details)
- the title of their planned project
- planned starting date of visit and duration (in weeks)
- estimated travel costs (maximum 500 EUR).
Applicants will also need to have ready to upload a document (.pdf or .doc format, not exceeding 5MB) with the following information:
- A short description (approx. 1000 words) of the proposed project work and the aim of the visit, indicating the scientific motivation and justification, the relevance to NinE themes, planned time schedule, detailed work plan, and expected results or benefits of the proposed project
- A curriculum vitae of two A4 pages
- Five most recent publications
- A letter of recommendation from someone familiar with the applicant’s work
- A letter of acceptance from the host at the receiving institute
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please note that you may encounter problems with the online application form if you are using Netscape as a browser. If this happens, please change to Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. You will also need to enable your computer to accept cookies while completing the form.
Evaluation of applications
The evaluation of applications will be coordinated by the Grants sub-committee of the NinE Scientific Steering Committee, which will make recommendations for approval by the SSC. Applications will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:
a) Undertake work applicable to NinE
b) Apply to stay in a European country other than the country of origin
c) Return to the institute of origin upon termination, so that the applicant’s institute may also benefit from the broadened knowledge of the visiting scientist.
d) The scientific quality of the project and its relevance for achieving NinE aims
e) The CV of the applicant and the scientific quality of the hosting group
Priority will be given to applicants who come from or intend to visit countries that financially support the Programme (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom). Priority will be give to applications where both the origin and the host institute are located in countries supporting the programme.
Level of support
ESF Exchange Grants are supported with a weekly subsistence allowance of 400 EUR plus actual travel expenses up to a maximum of 500 EUR. Travel will be refunded on the basis of actual costs and on the basis of APEX-type airfares and 2nd class train travel.
The grants do not cover insurance, taxes or retirement scheme contributions.
A first payment of 80 per cent of the allowance will normally be made in advance of the visit. Final payment of the grant is subject to the submission of a final scientific report, original travel tickets and a signed host statement form(s), and to approval of the report by the NinE Steering Committee. Reports should normally be submitted within one month of completion of the visit.
Acknowledgement of support
Grantees must acknowledge the support of the ESF NinE Research Networking Programme in publications resulting from their work in relation to Short Visit or Exchange Grants.
