Ivano Malavolta, an assistant professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, discusses the benefits of working on EU grants, emphasizing structured research, career development, and networking opportunities. He provides advice on preparing for grant applications, maintaining focus during the process, and fostering continuity in collaborations post-project. Key strategies include becoming an expert in your field, frequent communication with collaborators, and pursuing follow-up projects.

1. The H2020 experience
Ivano Malavolta
Assistant professor
Computer Science Department
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
i.malavolta@vu.nl

2. Hello
Assistant Professor
PD-2
PD-1
PhD
Master
Bachelor
2002 2005 2008 2012 2014 2016 2021
NOW
Ivano Malavolta
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3. Why working on EU grants?
▣ Gives structure
□ research
□ career
▣ Hands-on gym for leadership skills
□ PhD and postdocs supervision
□ interaction with peers
▣ It’s the engine of your research
▣ Networking “multiplier”
□ international collaborations
■ companies
■ other scholars 3
Ivano Malavolta

4. [Before] Get yourself ready
▣ Make yourself visible
□ national associations
□ key visits
□ …
▣ Publications on the topic
□ become “the expert” on the topic
□ pilot studies
▣ Master the call your are targeting
□ attend informative events/workshops
□ study the call (several times)
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Advices
Ivano Malavolta

5. [During] Keep focus
▣ Do not get involved in too many WPs
▣ Make it intersecting with your activities
□ both research and education (if possible)
▣ Set the rhythm with frequent touch-base meetings
□ ++ personal ties
▣ The first collaborators are in your Department
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Ivano Malavolta
Advices

6. [After] Seek continuity
▣ Seek the people you enjoyed the most working with
▣ Keep track of points for follow-up projects/proposals
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Ivano Malavolta
Advices

7. Questions?
Ivano Malavolta
Assistant professor
Computer Science Department
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
i.malavolta@vu.nl