Strategic Research Cluster
The Horizon 2020 Space Strategic Research Clusters on Electric Propulsion and Space Robotics are a system of grants connected among them, aiming at a common long-term objective. The Commission considers that such an objective is best achieved through a multi-annual structured approach.
The SRC system of grants considers two type of grants:
The PSA is a Coordination and Support Action
Operational Grants can be:
EPIC, as the PSA of the H2020 Space Strategic Research Clusters on Electric Propulsion was funded as response to COMPET-3 2014, meanwhile the first Operational Grants will be funded in response to the call topic in the 2016 Work Programme COMPET-3-2016. Subsequent Operational Grants will the funded in future Work Programmes.
Within each SRC the beneficiaries of each awarded grant are deemed to collaborate for the purposes of the cluster with the beneficiaries of the other awarded grants.
Each individual grant within the SRC (either the PSA or Operational Grants) will follow the general principles of H2020 in terms of proposals, evaluation, selection process and legal obligations. However, to ensure the effectiveness of the SRC’s operation overall, some specific provisions are necessary.
The Commission has applied to the first call for Operational Grants (COMPET-3-2016) the concept of “Complementary Beneficiaries” and “Complementary Grants”. The intention being that all grants within an SRC, including the PSA are complementary to each other. In order to ensure a smooth and successful implementation of this Strategic Research Cluster (SRC), the beneficiaries of complementary grants (“complementary beneficiaries”) shall conclude a written “Collaboration agreement“. The respective options of Article 2, Article 31.6 and Article 41.4 of the Model Grant Agreement will apply.
The Collaboration Agreement shall be the frame for collaboration between the SRC grants.
For more information on the concept of a Strategic Research Cluster and the Collaboration Agreement, please use the links to the European Commission information pages provided in our Related Links section.