Frequently Asked Questions
Are there funds for only one cluster project per area under topic INFRADEV-4-2014/2015, or is there room for more than one cluster proposal to be supported? How do they relate to ESFRI projects and e-infrastructure topics? Could Integrating Activities be
Posted by Georgia Tzenou on 14 March 2014 10:46 AM
Unlike under the corresponding call under FP7, the topic “Implementation and operation of cross-cutting services and solutions for clusters of ESFRI and other relevant research infrastructure initiatives” does not restrict clusters to follow the thematic areas of the ESFRI roadmap 2010. The scope of this topic states that “Proposals must be centred and built around ESFRI projects in a specific thematic area that is broad enough to gather critical mass” (p. 10 of the “European research infrastructures” part of the Work Programme 2014-20154). The thematic areas quoted (“e.g. Biomedical Science, Advanced Light Sources, Astronomy, Environment and Earth Sciences”) are merely examples, and the list is non-exhaustive.
There is thus no restriction on eligibility of several projects under the same thematic area. Several clusters in the same thematic area could in particular be possible if they address different commonalities between different sets of ESFRI (and potentially national/regional) research infrastructures.
Based on the specific challenge and expected impact of the topic, the experts will consider the “risk of fragmentation, lack of interoperability… and parallel development of divergent solutions to same problems” in case of a very focused proposed cluster (and possibly several clusters per area) or, conversely, the feasibility of the proposed common activities to implement “common ready-to-use services, systems, standards etc.”, to ensure interoperability etc. in case of a very broad cluster.
A practical suggestion is to cross-check the possible activities (listed in part C of “Specific features for Research Infrastructures” of the WP) and assess the most appropriate option for each relevant activity. This should help identify the best concept overall.
How do clusters relate to ESFRI projects?
As stated under the scope, “This topic will contribute to the construction and operation of the research infrastructures identified in the ESFRI roadmap, therefore proposals must be centred and built around ESFRI projects in a specific thematic area that is broad enough to gather critical mass”. In particular, the needs of the participating ESFRI projects will drive the scope of the proposal.
How do clusters relate to e-Infrastructure topics?
As stated under the scope, “This topic is complementary with topics EINFRA-1-2014, Big research data, and EINFRA-9-2015, Virtual Research Environments - VRE: EINFRA-1-2014 addresses services that are potentially transversal and generic, VREs integrate data, network and computing resources for interdisciplinary communities whereas INFRADEV-4-2014/2015 address interoperability of services and common solutions for cluster of ESFRI and other research infrastructure initiatives in thematic areas.”
However, as “proposals should build upon the state of the art in ICT and e-infrastructures for data, computing and networking and work in cooperation with e-infrastructure service providers”, specific expertise similar to the one present in the e-Infrastructure topics might be necessary to achieve some of the activities planned by the cluster.
Could Integrating Activities be involved in clusters?
As stated under the scope, “Consortia should include key participants of the involved infrastructures initiatives as well as other partners needed to develop the required solutions. Proposals should build upon the state of the art in ICT and e-infrastructures for data, computing and networking and work in cooperation with e-infrastructure service providers.” The evaluation experts will carefully assess the appropriateness of the allocation of tasks and resources as well as the complementarity of the participants.
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