In the framework of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions, a new call has been opened for the submission of proposals on 6 January.

The Research and Innovation Staff Exchange call (H2020-MSCA-RISE-2015) aims at developing international and inter-sectoral collaboration through the exchange of research and innovation staff, knowledge sharing and bringing ideas from research to market.

The action involves different categories of actors, both from the academic and non-academic sectors. In the latter, the participation of SMEs is encouraged.

A consortium consists of at least three independent participants established in at three different countries. In addition to this minimum requirements, actors based outside Europe can also participate in the proposal.

A RISE exchange can take three forms:

1. Inter-sectoral dimension: involving participants from the academic and non-academic sector in Europe only (Member States and Associated Countries). All staff exchanges must be between different sectors (academic to non-academic and vice versa).
2. International dimension: involving participants from any sector in Europe and outside Europe.
3. Combination of inter-sectoral and international dimension.

All areas of research and technological development are covered by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.

Project should be designed to take advantage of the complementary expertise of participants so to create synergies between them. In addition to advancing research and innovation knowledge in a particular area, RISE projects are also expected to create additional benefits for the staff in terms of enhancement of skills and transfer of knowledge.

Staff members that can be seconded are: early-stage researchers; experienced researchers; administrative, managerial and technical staff supporting the research and innovation activities of the project.

The minimum size for a project is not explicitly defined, however the maximum fixed is equal to 540 person-months of secondment (corresponding to a maximum co-funding amount of €2.43 million).

This call for proposals has a budget of €80 million and is open until 28 April 2015.

Further information can be found in the section of the Participant Portal dedicated to the call:
http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/opportunities/h2020/calls/h2020-msca-rise-2015.html