Objetives
The main objective of this action is to increase the success rate of the University of Jaén in the call for Knowledge Generation Projects within the State Plan for Scientific, Technical, and Innovation Research. To this end, two distinct yet complementary lines of action are established:
1. Track A (Improvement): Support teams that, having submitted an application in the immediately preceding call and obtained a favorable scientific evaluation, did not secure funding. This track provides resources to address the identified weaknesses and is intrinsically linked to the Strategic Research Support Service (SAI). Consequently, the SAI serves as the core axis that ensures project readjustment maximizes the chances of success in future calls. Due to its cross-cutting nature—being a common action aligned with the objectives of UJA International R&D&I and UJA Transfer—it is integrated into the Complementary Actions axis (See Action C.1).
2. Track B (Preparation): Encourage and support the preparation of new quality proposals by PIs who are applying to this call for the first time or wish to resume participation after a period of inactivity, ensuring strategic advisory prior to submission.
Conditions
Track A: See Action C.1.
Track B: Incentive for the preparation of new proposals
Target Audience: Teaching and research staff wishing to lead a project in the next Knowledge Generation call who meet one of the following profiles:
- Early-Career/New Profile: PIs applying for a National Plan project for the first time.
- Return Profile: PIs who, having been beneficiaries in the past, have not applied or have not been awarded funding in the last two calls of the State Plan, and require an update on the new evaluation framework and regulations.
- Purpose: Fund expenses associated with the design and drafting phase of the proposal to raise its competitiveness prior to official submission.
Eligible activities include:
- Contracting external consultancy services for critical review, pre-screening of the scientific proposal, impact analysis, or alignment with evaluation criteria.
- Attendance at specific training workshops or scientific networking events directly related to the project topic.
- Preparatory meetings with external teams in the case of coordinated projects.
- Link to the SAI: Requesting this track implies participation in the SAI’s Ex-Ante Analysis Phase. The Research Management Service will validate the suitability of external services to be hired to ensure complementary support.
- Amount: Up to €2,500.
- Schedule: This track will have an early call (first quarter of the year) to ensure execution of preparatory work before the official opening of the AEI call (usually in the last quarter).
Applicant Requirements
Track A: See Action C.1.
Track B: Must not have served as PI of a funded project in the 2024 or 2025 Knowledge Generation calls.
Submission of Applications
Applications must be submitted via the Electronic Secretariat of the University of Jaén, attaching all documentation required in the call.
Evaluation Criteria
Track A: See Action C.1.
Track B: Research track record of the applicant in relation to the proposed topic.
Obligations of Beneficiaries
- Mandatory Submission: The binding commitment to submit the project (improved or new) in the next immediate call for Knowledge Generation Projects of the State Plan.
- Collaboration with the SAI: Participate in monitoring meetings and deliverable validations specified by the Strategic Research Support Service.
- Reimbursement: Failure to meet the obligation to submit the project to the official call will result in full reimbursement of the grant received, except in cases of force majeure duly justified and accepted by the Research Commission.
Track B Call Details