Entitled How to Prepare Proposals for European Calls: A Practical and Effective Approach in the Writing and Implementation Phases, the programme was designed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and practical skills in developing competitive proposals for European funding schemes. It focused on supporting academics and researchers in addressing the challenges of designing and implementing research projects while fostering collaboration across the EU-CONEXUS alliance.
The programme also provided an opportunity to build networks with academics from partner institutions, explore interdisciplinary research opportunities and develop ideas for future European-funded collaborations.
SETU participants represented a range of disciplines and included Dr Christa de Brun, Lecturer in English Literature and Drama; Dr Anthony O’Dwyer, Lecturer in Copyright Law; Dr Jenny O’Connor, Lecturer in English and Communications; Dr Méabh Savage, Lecturer in Social Care; Norah Storey, Lecturer in Finance; Dr Otman Elafi, Lecturer in Management and Financial Accounting; Dr Abdul Shahid, Lecturer in Business Information Systems; and Dr Richard Burke, Lecturer in Finance. The BIP was funded through EU-CONEXUS, SETU’s International Office and SETU’s Faculty of Business.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr Christa de Brun said the programme created valuable opportunities to establish new professional connections and explore future research collaborations. Working with colleagues from different institutions and disciplines encouraged discussions on shared research interests, societal challenges and potential EU-funded projects.
“The collaborative nature of the programme highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary and cross-sector perspectives from the earliest stages of project development,” she said. “It also reinforced the value of sustained collaboration, stakeholder engagement and clear communication in developing competitive European proposals.”
Dr Abdul Shahid said the programme helped establish valuable academic relationships that could lead to future collaboration.
“We worked closely with colleagues from Klaipėda University throughout the programme, providing an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss shared research and teaching interests,” he said. “We explored possibilities including joint research projects, academic exchanges, collaborative teaching initiatives and future grant applications. We look forward to building on these connections.”
For Dr Jenny O’Connor, the programme strengthened her understanding of European funding opportunities linked to her research interests.
“I am part of a research group focusing on women’s health, and the programme has given me a much clearer understanding of the structure and expectations of funding programmes such as Horizon Europe. I hope to build on this knowledge as we develop future funding applications.”
Dr Otman Elafi said the mobility experience provided fresh perspectives on international collaboration, interdisciplinary research and student engagement.
“Working alongside academics from across Europe demonstrated the importance of integrating research and teaching while developing sustainable international partnerships,” he said. “The experience highlighted new approaches to collaborative research, staff exchange and resource sharing, all of which will inform my future work at SETU.”
The programme provided participants with practical experience in developing European funding proposals while creating opportunities to engage with colleagues from partner universities across the EU-CONEXUS alliance. The connections made and knowledge gained during the week will help inform future research collaborations, funding applications and academic partnerships at SETU.
