The RISEnergy project offers industrial and academic researchers easy, seamless, and free-of-charge access to a selection of the best scientific infrastructures and services related to renewable energy technologies in Europe.
This project supports research and innovation activities across a wide range of renewable energy technologies, including biomass, concentrated solar power, energy storage, hydrogen, information and communication technology, materials for energy, ocean energy, photovoltaics, offshore wind, and smart grids.
Researchers and innovators can gain access to RISEnergy’s state-of-the-art facilities through the Transnational Access (TA) programme which offers opportunities to work on these research areas via a transparent evaluation process and common access modalities.
The full list of the RISEnergy Research Infrastructures (RI) can be found here.
Transnational Access to all RISEnergy RI(s) is provided to the User(s) free of charge. Detailed information on the application procedure for accessing the project’s research infrastructure services can be found here.
For successful applications, provisions for covering travel and subsistence expenses for TA are available through RISEnergy and reimbursed according to the normal internal rules and procedures of the project.
RISEnergy will reimburse the costs of up to two researchers per proposal. If a larger number of researchers is required to achieve the objectives of the TA project, this must be justified in the application form.
RISEnergy covers the following costs of the User(s):
- Travelling cost (for a full overview, please refer to this document).
- Accommodation (for a full overview, please refer to this document).
- Per diem rates: These cover the additional costs incurred by the User(s) during their participation in the TA compared to the usual expenses at home. These costs include expenses at the access location, such as meals and local transportation (bus, tram, metro, taxi, parking fees, tolls, etc.).
- Other eligible expenses: If any other expenses, not mentioned above, should be covered by RISEnergy, a justification has to be sent 6 weeks before the access starts.
RISEnergy does not cover the following costs of the User(s):
- Visa and insurance cost
Application submission
The submission of the TA application to access the project’s RI(s) is simple and fully automated via the RISEnergy website. Applicants must complete the provided template which is available directly on the site. Furthermore, the following guidelines must be observed:
- Applications must be submitted while a call for access is open.
- Applications received after the deadline of the call will need to be resubmitted during the next suitable call.
- For each project, applicants are required to complete the application form, which contains all necessary information such as a description of the work to be carried out, names, nationalities, and home institutions of the applicants. Changing to the travelling persons after acceptance is allowed but must be justified.
- If possible, the planned visit and duration of stay may be discussed between the visiting researcher(s) and the Access Provider before submitting the application. To contact them, please visit the RI Platform
- All applications must be submitted electronically here
Moreover, the application form for TA access should be fully completed by the applicants and it must include the following information:
- A detailed description of the proposed research and, when applicable, any other funding available for (part of) the project.
- Information on the potential travelling Users(s) for which the access is required, including their names, nationalities, positions, organisations, employers, experience and any other relevant information.
- Timeframe of the intended research.
- The RI(s) to which access is requested.
- Required assistance and services, such as sample storage conditions, related to the access.
- Applicants must declare the contents of any chemicals, substances or equipment they might want to bring with them to test at any of the RISEnergy facilities. Neither the RI personnel nor the RI(s) itself will be held liable for any damage to or loss of users’ instruments, apparatus, or test equipment, regardless of whether such damage or loss was caused directly or indirectly by their negligence.
- Agreement to comply with all applicable legal obligations, e.g., Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), travel and visas, and local rules.
- Proof of any required insurance.
- Requirements regarding confidentiality, intellectual property, access rights and dissemination of the results.
- Potential risk(s) related to the access.
Applicants may be requested to provide additional information as required by the Access Provider to evaluate the application.
Application review
After the call is closed, the submitted applications will be reviewed by the Selection Panel. Applications will be primarily evaluated in accordance with the European Commission’s principles of “scientific quality, relevance, and uniqueness” and prioritised based on their scientific and technological excellence and their appropriateness towards the objectives of RISEnergy and the concerned RI(s).
For some calls, additional assessment criteria (for example, Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of research) might be applicable. This will be communicated in the respective call.
The main aspects that will be evaluated in the application include:
- The alignment of the application (including the research objectives) with the objectives of RISEnergy and the related TA call (including any prioritised research objectives).
- The significance, innovation and potential results.
- The required time for the research.
- The match between the respective RI(s) and the content of the application,
- The extent to which the conceptual experimental framework, design, methods, and/or analyses are adequately developed, well integrated, and appropriate to the objectives of the application.
- The capabilities, track record and experience of applicants.
- Requirements for scientific and technical support.
- Efficient use of the RI(s) and resources.
- Previous use of any RI(s).
- Any reasonable objections from the Access Provider.
- The project’s funding limitations for access.
Application results
Applicants will be informed by the relevant RISEnergy personnel regarding the evaluation results. The evaluation and decision process can take up to two months.
For accepted applications, an invitation for access, as well as detailed instructions and documents, will be provided to the applicant within one week after the evaluation process has concluded. For rejected applications, feedback will be provided.
A visual summary of the application procedure
Step-by-step in the RISEnergy TA application process
What is a User and how many people can apply together to the TA call?
A User refers to the researcher, scientist and/or student given access to a RI under the project. If more than one User applies for the same proposal, they may come from the same or different institutions across the EU or its Associated Countries.
RISEnergy will cover the costs for up to two researchers per proposal. If more than two researchers are required to achieve the objectives of the TA project, this must be clearly justified in the application form.
What is the typical duration of RI access per User project?
Transnational Access (TA) typically lasts for up to three months. Note that the effective time at the RI is the most important issue (if needed and duly justified, projects can be split in several short stays lasting max. 3 months in total).
What is the time limit for finishing accesses of TA granted in a TA call?
In general, the visits should be performed and finished as soon as possible after receiving positive feedback and signature of TA agreement. If access needs to be delayed for a long period (more than 6 months), the User and the RI provider must work together to provide a valid reason. If the delay is not in line with the RISEnergy project structure, or if the reason provided is not acceptable, access may not be granted.
How many TA calls are planned in total in RISEnergy? Will there be different topics?
In total seven calls are planned in the frame of RISEnergy, in the timeframe between September 2024 and September 2027. They will be published each 6 months approximately. For each call one or more specific topics might be defined – this will be published on the project website.
How much budget is planned per call?
The first call for proposals was for €2,000,000, with the following calls for around €1,000,000 each, but these amounts are subject to change.
I have two/several project ideas for a same RI / RI installation. Can I submit all of these in the frame of a same call?
Yes, it is possible to submit several project ideas for the same (and of course also for other) RI/ RI installation within a same call, as long as there are fitting the specific call topic. However, each individual idea has to be submitted via an individual application. Also, it should be ensured that TA visits are timely compatible (for that, it is recommended to contact the selected Access Providers to discuss their availabilities).
Do Applicants need to contact the preferred lab during the proposal preparation?
If possible, the planned visit and extent of the stay should be discussed between the visiting researcher(s) and the Access Provider before the application is submitted. To get in contact with chosen Access Provider, please visit the RI platform on the RISEnergy website here (select the chosen RI/RI installation).
Can facility owners suggest project optimization tips, e.g., to reduce the number of days at the facility or reach the project goals in a more efficient way?
Yes, and this is highly recommended! Before submitting any User project application, User(s) should contact the potential RI provider they plan to visit and present their idea. Providers may suggest any adjustments/improvements at this stage. Any improvement / adjustment may also be agreed on before the access start (and even during the access in case of unexpected results or events).
We used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to prepare some parts / adapt our proposal to the application form structure. Does it make a problem?
Applicants are fully responsible for the content of their project proposals. This means also correctness of information and quality of the texts. Also, they should be aware than in case of successful application, they will have to do/should be able to implement described activities.
Which User(s) costs can be covered by RISEnergy ?
The RISEnergy project does not cover visa and insurance costs. More details regarding costs covered in the frame of RISEnergy TAs are available here.
What’s about costs of transporting materials/equipment/systems from the User’s home organization to the host RI and back?
The costs for shipment of materials/equipment/systems from the home to the host organization and back can be reimbursed (to the RI) if such costs have been clearly budgeted by the host RI during the preparation of the RISEnergy project. If the costs are not listed in its initial budget table, authorisation from the European Commission is required. Each case will be treated individually.
The Applicant(s) must indicate the need to cover the transport costs in the TA application. A detailed justification of the request, a list of the equipment/materials/instruments to be shipped and the cost of transport must be included.
Also User(s) may contact the RI to check if such costs are included in the services it is providing.
Will the reimbursement of travel costs to the RI be made directly to the personal account of the User? Are any limitations there? e.g., User to be the main holder of the account?
Users will be reimbursed on personal level. The money transfer will be done on the bank account indicated by the User itself in the cost claim form (i.e., holder may be somebody else).
Can I apply for an RI located in my country?
No, it is not allowed. As a general principle, the User(s) must conduct their own work in a country other than the one where the RI is located.
Can UK users still apply?
Yes, in light of the UK’s association to Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation framework programme for 2021-2027, applicants from this region are welcome.
Can non-EU projects apply?
Yes, it is possible (with the exception of Users coming from the ban list like North Korea and Russia). However, Access for a User(s) not working in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe-associated country is limited to 20% of the total amount of Units of Access provided under the RISEnergy grant. Please note that at a certain time in the project, applications from non-EU or associated countries may not be considered anymore due to this restriction. This information (if applicable) will be published on the call webpage.
Please also note that the RI provider can reject applications if they do not comply with its internal rules.
Can someone from the RISEnergy project partners also apply for TA in the frame of RISEnergy or is it only open to persons from external organisations?
As project participant / member of its partnership you can also apply for TA/VA to RISEnergy RI as long as you apply for an RI in another country (TA).
Can students apply independently or did they have to take approval from professors or universities or research institutes?
Students can apply ‘‘independently’’, but they have to be insured through their institution. As far as we know, all students are insured, so it shouldn’t be a problem. Nevertheless, they have to clarify this with their institution, i.e., with someone who has the authority there.
Furthermore, one of the most important points of evaluation is the scientific excellence of the proposed idea and experiments. Therefore, the support of professors/experienced researchers may be necessary.
Are students as individual applicants without any supervisor/main researcher employed by an organisation involved in the application, eligible?
Any person visiting a RI should be 100% insured. In general, this is only the case if you have a contract. In any case, the RI provider that is chosen for the visit will have to accept to receive the individual person without being under a contract with an organisation. This is difficult if not impossible.
Is it possible to adjust /change the persons who will travel after applications have been submitted and selected for TA?
Yes, it is possible if required and well justified. The project must however be still feasible and implemented with the same quality.
When will I be informed if my proposal was approved?
The evaluation and decision process will typically take up to two months after the TA call closes but may be extended in case a high number of applications has been received. Please note that the starting point of access depends strongly on the Access Provider in question.
Can I resubmit a project application in case it has been rejected?
Yes, but it is really recommended to carefully consider feedbacks from the first review. Also, the project idea should fit with the call topic chosen for resubmission.
What should I do if my proposal is approved?
The evaluation process will typically conclude two months after the call has ended. For accepted proposals, further arrangements for conducting the research project will be initiated. An invitation for access, as well as detailed instructions and documents, will be provided to the applicant within one week after the evaluation process has concluded.
Before the User(s) starts the Access, an agreement between the User(s) and the Access Provider at the RI has to be designed to ensure that certain obligations are met related to conflicts of interest; confidentiality and security; communication, dissemination and visibility; and damages. Considerations must also be made for any additional requests that may take time and delay the start. The template of such agreement will be provided by RISEnergy.
Overall, the starting point of access depends strongly on the Access Provider at the RI(s).
Will an access agreement template be made available?
A template for an access agreement will be sent to the User and the Access Provider as soon as access has been accepted.
Will I have to publicise the results of my TA project?
RISEnergy will publicise TA project results on its website by publishing the associated User(s) reports. For communication efforts coming directly from the TA projects, it must be ensured that all publications (including presentations) which result from the TA at RISEnergy contain the project acknowledgement.
User(s) should also note that the European Commission has the right to publish the list of project titles, User(s) and their home institutions. Additionally, the RISEnergy project reports to the European Commission will contain the names, home institutions and descriptions of the work of the User(s).
Finally, a list of all RISEnergy TA projects including the User(s)’ organisation(s), the research project title, a short description and the RI(s) used will be published on the RISEnergy website.
Will facility scientists be considered as co-authors of any publications?
Scientists from installations receiving User(s) are not automatically considered as co-authors of any publication resulting from the TA/VA occurring in the frame of RISEnergy. However, this issue should be discussed, clarified and agreed on between User(s) before the Access starts, e.g., in the frame of the TA agreement to be signed before the Access start. In any case, it is highly recommended to, at least, acknowledge the RI provider / scientists belonging to the facility in such publication. More details available in RISEnergy deliverable D2.3.
Who will be the owner of the data produced during the TAs?
The knowledge developed within a designated Research Infrastructure during the execution of RISEnergy TA User projects, referred to as “Joint New Knowledge”, shall be jointly owned by the RI provider and the User(s) and shall be considered as Confidential Information. Specific agreements or any deviations to this general rule have to be agreed on between the both parties before the start of the Access provision. More details available in RISEnergy deliverable D2.3.
What happens after the access?
Within 20 working days after the Access is finalised, the User(s) and the Access Provider have to submit technical and financial reports to the RISEnergy relevant personnel and fill in the EU online survey on the TA. More details available in RISEnergy deliverable D2.3.
I still have some questions; how can I contact you?
For further questions, please contact the RISEnergy team here.