The time and money spent writing applications is through the roof, and once more there are calls for simplification. But how?
Portugal’s former science minister Manuel Heitor during the publication event of the High-Level Group report on the mid-term review of Horizon Europe on October 16, 2024, in Brussels, Belgium. Photo credits: Bogdan Hoyaux / European Union
Former Portuguese prime minster Manuel Heitor’s influential report on the next Framework Programme, FP10, calls for radical simplification of grant application processes and the research community is very much in.
‘Too complicated’ is perhaps the most common complaint when it comes to EU research funding. Deterred by the steep administrative costs, many don’t even bother to apply. Others spend months preparing one application, despite extremely low chances of securing a grant.
This makes for an inefficient programme, with applicants relying on external consultants who take their percentage, eating at already limited research budget. Some…
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