Memories from FP7 Mid-term evaluation conference

We organised a free conference ,-called FP7 Mid-Term Evaluation-to allow for a discussion on lessons learnt from the first half of FP7 and make  conclusions to bring with us for the next half and even into the next framework programme, now we know Horizon 2020.

Two days of presentations and interactive discussions – very good speakers covered the many areas of FP7: financial, Intellectual Property Rights, SMEs perspective, evaluation procedure and much more.

(The presentations are downloadable if you are interested!)

The main conclusions were, that we still have a lot of opportunities in FP7 and we still have to get used to and  understand the rules and their changes implemented in this programme, such as the consequences of the remote and two-stage evaluations, or the simplification measures in average personnel costs, etc. Simplification that need clarification now. Just have a look at the Financial Guidelines which grew to more than 100 pages over the past years.

In the evening we went for a boat trip on the Danube – to enjoy a guided tour and good Hungarian food and wine and of course each others company. The perfect occasion for networking and making new contacts.

And the weather was just perfect!

We all learnt a lot during these days and it was of course very nice to meet so many people!

Gabriella