The European Projects Office (OPE)
The European Projects Office (OPE), part of the Office for the Transfer of Research Results (OTRI), is responsible for supporting researchers' participation from Pablo de Olavide University (UPO) in research and innovation initiatives at the European and international levels. This support includes a special focus on the European Union's Research and Innovation Framework Programme, Horizon Europe (2021-2027).
The OPE also serves as a liaison between regional and national stakeholders, aiming to increase participation rates and fundraising for research.
To achieve this, specific objectives have been outlined:
- Enhance leadership and task coordination among UPO researchers in project proposals.
- Improve the success rate of submitted applications.
- Promote the involvement of researchers as expert evaluators in European R&D and innovation programs.
- Facilitate collaboration between research groups and industry partners (academia & industry).
- Support the participation of University spin-offs in European R&D and innovation programs."
The OPE supports researchers in the whole life-cycle of projects: from the dissemination of opportunities to the management and monitoring of projects
Information and Support Services (Pre-award):
- Provision of information and guidance on international funding opportunities for R&D and innovation projects (including calls, grants, events, etc.).
- Training through teaching, organization of seminars, workshops, and conferences.
- Technical advice and assistance for proposal preparation, including drafting, budgeting, review of consortium agreements, submission of proposals, and liaison with representatives.
- Assistance with partner search, including support for researchers in responding to partner search requests, formation of consortia, and dissemination of UPO researchers' profiles.
- Dissemination of funding opportunities to UPO researchers.
Management and Monitoring Services (Post-award):
- Monitoring of the project evaluation (contact with representatives).
- Negotiation of grant agreements with the European Commission (EC).
- Administrative and financial mediation with the EC and/or project partners.
- Support in project coordination.
- Assistance in the preparation of interim and final reports.
- Coordination of project management and financial monitoring.
- Support for project audits.
Additionally, the OPE serves as the Local Contact Point for EURAXESS, the European network for researcher mobility. For more information, please, click here.