Horizon Europe Model Agreement: A Comprehensive Guide

The Horizon Europe program is the biggest EU research and innovation project. It`s a multi-billion-euro program aimed at promoting scientific research and technological development, creating jobs, and boosting the economy. As part of the program`s implementation, the EU has developed a comprehensive set of rules and regulations aimed at guiding the distribution of funds to researchers and businesses across Europe.

One of the critical documents designed to achieve this aim is the Horizon Europe Model Agreement. It is a standardized legal document used to govern the relationship between project partners receiving funding from the Horizon Europe program. The model agreement outlines the terms and conditions of funding, including the rights and obligations of the parties, the allocation of funds, and reporting requirements.

The Horizon Europe Model Agreement also serves as a guideline for negotiating and developing consortium agreements between project partners. This agreement provides a basis for all the partner organizations to align their project goals and clearly define their roles and responsibilities. It also sets out the terms for the exploitation of results and intellectual property developed as part of the project.

Following the publication of the Horizon Europe Model Agreement, there are some key provisions that project partners should be aware of. The first is the requirement for open access to publications and research data generated from the project. This provision ensures that any scientific output of the project is publicly available and can be accessed by anyone, including non-project participants.

The second provision is the requirement for ethics and integrity in research. As part of the program, researchers must comply with the highest standards of professional ethics, including responsible research practices. Also, the partners must be transparent and disclose any conflicts of interest that may arise during the project.

Another key provision of the Horizon Europe Model Agreement is the requirement for gender equality in research. The program places a significant emphasis on promoting gender equality in research and innovation, and all projects must meet these criteria. The goal is to create a more diverse and inclusive research environment, which can generate better research outcomes.

In conclusion, the Horizon Europe Model Agreement is a significant document for project partners receiving funding from the Horizon Europe program. It provides a standard set of rules and regulations to ensure that all parties comply with ethical and professional standards, report appropriately on project activities, and achieve the program`s objectives. By adhering to the Horizon Europe Model Agreement, project partners can collaborate effectively and maximize the potential of the funding they receive.