The League of European Research Universities (LERU) has submitted its proposals for the Horizon 2020 simplification survey launched by the European Commission.
The LERU response addressed various topics of Horizon 2020 simplification, focusing on pressing administrative and financial issues, but also investigating possible conceptual changes that could contribute to further simplification of Horizon 2020 project application and management.
In addition to other proposals for Horizon 2020 simplification, LERU called for the simplification of the preparation stage, the revision of the evaluation system, and the clarification of the third party engagement.
Futhermore, LERU also called the EC to introduce the reimbursement of personnel cost that are based on actual costs, and to increase pre-financing, which LERU finds as being ‘too low’.
Kurt Deketelaere , Secretary-General at LERU, said: “LERU is looking forward to discuss these comments and recommendations with the European Commission and other stakeholders in the field. We have been pleased with the original simplification approach and its implementation, but more can be done to KISS – Keep it Simple and Straightforward – Horizon 2020.”
LERU is an association of twenty-one leading research intensive universities in Europe that share the values of high-quality teaching within an environment of internationally competitive research.
Horizon 2020 is research and innovation funding programme set up by the European Commission.
Image: kurtdeketelaere.be