Work package 7: Prepare and commission shared research programmes

Objectives

Adopt a practical and direct approach to increasing cooperation and coordination between European research institutes and researchers by developing jointly managed research programmes in up to 5 key candidate areas identified under WP6 (Note: research budgets will be retained by individual partners; a jointly funded programme will be undertaken in WP8).

Specifically initiate a number of pilot research programmes as examples of practical cooperation between Member States’ national programmes.  In particular, taking advantage of the MariFish network of funders, fast track jointly managed programmes of research, in advance of any EU Framework Programme initiatives.  Joint programmes to include existing work already funded by individual Member States but presently acting in relative isolation, and commissioning new research specifically to form part of the pilot programmes. 

Description of work

Task 7.1 

At a special meeting of the Steering Committee, agree basic principles, common management procedures and protocols to be adopted by those partners agreeing to participate in the pilot programmes as an annex to the MariFish Collaborative Agreement.

Task 7.2 

Meeting between MariFish partners to consider the output from WP6, and to identify up to 5 possible pilot programmes suitable for joint management.  Aided by specialists from research institutes and representatives from the Observer Groups, ICES, EFARO  and EAFE.

Task 7.3 

The five selected pilot programmes to be elaborated by a team of experts in a series of expert working groups.

Task 7.4 

MariFish Steering Committee to consider planned pilot programmes and endorse as appropriate.

Task 7.5 

Agree final pilot programme plans and inception of pilot programmes.  There will be a start-up meeting for each pilot attended by partners participating in the pilot programme. Implementation of 5 pilot projects with six-monthly progress meetings

Task 7.6

Preparation and delivery of review report of pilot projects and S.W.O.T. (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis of adopted approach to co-ordination

Partner Involvement

WP7 is lead by Partner 7 with Partner 13 as the WP Co-Leader.  5 Partners, Partner 16, Partner 1, Partner 13, Partner 12 , and the WP Leader will each take responsibility for developing one of the five selected pilot programmes.  All MariFish partners will be actively involved in commenting, adjusting and endorsing the pilot programme through the SC.