Access conditions to ARI projects

Eligibility of research team 

Only research teams conducting their research in the Member States of the Community and Associated States (http://cordis.europa.eu/fp6/stepbystep/who.htm) are eligible to benefit from access to the Infrastructure.

Non-European teams need to use their own funds to cover travel, subsistence and use of the facilities. Nevertheless, in some cases, non-European citizens can also have access to the Infrastructure, provided they take part in the research team and work on the same project. However, this has to be negotiated with the Commission.

Only research teams that are entitled to disseminate or arrange the dissemination of the knowledge they have generated under the project can apply for access to the Infrastructure. Proprietary research (meaning research where results are not generally available to the public or only made available under confidentiality arrangements) cannot be supported.

An exception to this rule may be made only in the case of a research team from an SME (Small and medium-sized Enterprise), which wishes to use the Infrastructure for the first time. This SME must meet the following criteria:

  • have fewer than 250 employees,
  • have either an annual turnover not exceeding Euro 40 million or an annual balance-sheet total not exceeding Euro 27 million,
  • conform to the criterion of independence as defined in the Commission Recommendation 96/280/EC (O.J. L07, of April 30, 1996, p.4.)

Research teams conducting their research in France, are not eligible to benefit from access to the Infrastructure.

Applicants who have carried out their normal research activity for more than 18 months in France, in the 2 years immediately prior to the publication of Call for proposals cannot apply for access to the Infrastructure to continue their work in France.

Following each Call for proposals or other publication of access offered, the user groups must submit their project using a specific application form. Project proposals are selected through an independent peer review procedure. Selection will be on the basis of scientific merit taking into account the interests of the Community and priority will be given to research teams who have not previously used the Infrastructure and who are working in countries where few such research facilities exist.

Within 3 months of completion of the project in Ifremer , the appointed user group leader should send a short report to the Ifremer co-ordinator summarising the activities carried out through this project and highlighting any preliminary results.

All publications reporting activities carried out at the Infrastructure should acknowledge that the work was supported by the ARI Programme from the European Union through contract NR HPRI-CT-2001-00156.

What is covered by ARI GRANT ?

For applicants from EU Member States or Associated States, the following expenses are covered:

  • use of specialised facilities and fees concerning the working of laboratories,
  • logistical, scientific and technical support (including training courses, if necessary),
  • international travel expenses such as ferry, bus, train and plane tickets by Economy fare class only,
  • local travel to and from the field station,
  • subsistence costs related to daily expenses.

The grant doesn't include no salaries. Appointed users should make their own insurance arrangements.