Principal researchers must be academics who are affiliated to a research centre located in a contracting state to the European Patent Convention (EPC). This research centre will act as the applicant for the research proposal. Non-academics can participate as co-researchers.
Principal researchers cannot submit multiple proposals for one stream. They can, however, submit separate proposals for different streams.
They are free to join other applications. However, the Scientific Committee will try to avoid selecting the same teams twice for different research schemes.
Firstly, we encourage applicants to submit proposals involving collaboration between different academic teams and institutions. In addition, we also expect the research proposals to generate useful and relevant results for the EPO. This includes, for instance, the production of datasets and indicators that could be further employed by the EPO for its own analyses and studies, as well as results relevant for the European patent system. Interested EPO departments will therefore help select the projects and supervise their progress, and may provide advice, suggestions and input, where appropriate.
All eligible expenses approved in the project proposal are reimbursed. No co-funding is required.
Project expenses should conform to the approved budget proposal in section 8.7 of the application form. The budget lines can only be adjusted in exceptional cases, backed by solid reasons and subject to prior EPO approval.
A request for amendment should be sent as soon as changes are foreseen. An amendment agreement may follow.
