11. December 2015
1 Funding purpose and legal basis
1.1 Funding purpose
The purpose of the funding is the internationalization of research, education and innovation through the promotion of strategic project funding as part of German-Moroccan cooperation in science and technology.
This funding programme is carried out under the German Federal Government's Strategy for the Internationalization of Science and Research (BMBF) and the BMBF's International Cooperation Action Plan with the aim of promoting joint research projects of mutual interest, thus contributing to intensified scientific and technological cooperation (STC) with Morocco.This programme is also a part of the Moroccan strategy 2015-2030 for Higher Education and Scientific Research in terms of the development of international cooperation.
Funding will be provided for research projects which enable innovation through international cooperation in the priority areas specified below. The aim is to generate added value for the participating partners by pooling the knowledge, experience, research infrastructures and other resources of both sides. The programme supports international cooperation between researchers in Morocco and Germany within joint research projects. The funded projects are also expected to prepare the submission of applications for further funding with the BMBF and other funding providers such as Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) or the European Union (EU).
Special importance is attached to the scientific expertise of the Moroccan and German partners involved in the joint projects. A major focus of this programme is on supporting close cooperation between companies and university and non-university research institutions, the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and a sustainable contribution to the value chains in the specified priority areas.
1.2 Legal basis
On the German side.
Project grants will be awarded in accordance with these funding regulations, the BMBF's standard terms and conditions for grants on an expenditure or cost basis and the administrative regulations under Sections 23 and 44 of the Federal Budget Code (BHO). There is no legal entitlement to funding. A decision on the award of funding will be made after due assessment of the circumstances and within the limits of the budget funds available.
The funding under these regulations fulfils the requirements of Commission Regulation (EU) No. 651/2014 of 17 June 2014 declaring certain categories of aid compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (General Block Exemption Regulation – GBER) (OJ L 187 of 26.6.2014, p. 1). The funding is therefore compatible with the common market within the meaning of Article 107(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and exempt from the obligation to inform under Article 108(3) TFEU.
In accordance with Article 1, 4. (a) and (b) of the GBER, undertakings which are subject to an outstanding recovery order following a previous Commission decision declaring an aid illegal and incompatible with the common market are ineligible for funding.
On the Moroccan side.
Project grants will be awarded according to the following legislative and regulatory texts:
Dahir n°1-00-199 du 15 safar 1421 (19 mai 2000), portant promulgation de la loi n° 01-00 portant organisation de l’Enseignement Supérieur, de la Recherche Scientifique et de la formation des cadres ;
Dahir n°1602625 du 19 moharrem 1423 (3 avril 2002) portant promulgation de la loi n° 61-99 relative à la responsabilité des ordonnateurs, des contrôleurs et des comptables publics;
Loi n° 69-00 relative au contrôle financier de l’Etat sur les entreprises publiques et autres organismes ;
Décret royal n°330-66 du 10 Moharrem 1387 (21 avril 1967) portant règlement général de la comptabilité publique tel qu’il a été modifié et complété ;
Décret n°2-07-1235 du 5 Kaada 1429 (04 novembre 2008) relatif au Contrôle des dépenses de l’Etat ;
2 Object of funding
The aim of this call is to build up or intensify bilateral scientific cooperation between German and Moroccan institutions initiated by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Moroccan Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Executives’ Training under the "Programme Maroco-Allemand de RechercheScientifique" – PMARS III).
Essentially, the call is designed to promote scientific cooperation in the area of education and research between German and Moroccan institutions. In addition, the call supports the preparation of joint project proposals that are to be submitted under European research framework programmes. Preference will be given to application-oriented projects, projects coordinated by junior researchers and projects that include partners from industry and small and medium-sized businesses.
The call focuses on the following fields of research:
- Water and environment,
- Food and agricultural sciences,
- Renewable energies and energy efficiency,
- Biomedical research (e.g. infectious diseases, oncology, metabolic disorders, neurosciences),
- Humanities and social sciences to master societal challenges.
Furthermore, the projects should contribute to achieving the following cooperation objectives:
- Scientific exchange between the partner countries and international networking in the above thematic priority areas,
- Preparation of follow-up activities (e.g. application for funding under national programmes, Horizon 2020 and similar programmes),
- Promotion of junior researchers,
- Capacity-building of scientific partners in the two countries.
The following indicators will be used to measure the achievement of objectives:
- Number of projects coordinated by junior researchers,
- Involvement of SMEs/industry,
- Number of joint publications,
- Networking with players from government and industry,
- Application-oriented results such as collaborations with industry, applications for patents/ property rights/ inventions,
- Joint follow-up projects,
- Cooperation agreements between the participating partners.
3 Funding recipients
On the German side.
Recipients of funding may be universities or non-university research institutions as well as commercial companies that are active in Germany, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)* - as well as other institutions which provide contributions to research and fulfil the funding purpose and funding prerequisites. Research institutions which receive joint basic funding from the Federal Government and the Länder can only be granted project funding to cover additional expenditure on top of their basic funding under certain conditions.
On the Moroccan side.
Recipients of funding are primarily public universities. Other Moroccan institutions of higher education and/or scientific research could also benefit from PMARS if they support themselves the participation of their researchers. These institutions should provide the engagement letter to contribute in funding the selected projects.
4 Prerequisites for funding
Each project will have two co-leaders, one from Germany and another from Morocco. The electronic applications must be submitted by only one co-leader using “PT-Outline”, while the signed paper (hard) copy proposal should be submitted by each of them to the relevant institutions: DLR Project Management Agency on the German side, and Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Executives’ Training on the Moroccan side. This applies even if more than two institutions or research-oriented SMEs from one country are taking part. The involvement ofjunior researchers is expressly welcome. The project coordinator must submit the application to the International Bureau of the BMBF on the German side and to the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Executives’ Training on the Moroccan side. This must be done simultaneously, since proposals that are only submitted in one country cannot be considered.
In their own interest, applicants should familiarize themselves with the EU's Framework Programme for Research and Innovation in the context of the planned national project. They should check whether the proposed project includes specific European components which make it eligible for exclusive EU funding. Furthermore, they should check whether an additional application for funding can be submitted to the EU in the context of the intended national project. The result of such checks is to be described briefly in the national application for funding.
On the German side.
For collaborative projects only:The terms of cooperation between the partners in a collaborative project must be laid down in a cooperation agreement. Before a funding decision can be taken, the cooperation partners must prove that they have reached a basic agreement on certain criteria stipulated by the BMBF. For further details, please refer to BMBF form 0110, which can be found at: https://foerderportal.bund.de/easy/easy_index.php?auswahl=easy_formulare&formularschrank=bmbf#t6 – under "AllgemeineVordrucke und VorlagenfürBerichte", in German only) .
5 Type, scope and rates of funding
Funding will be awarded in the form of non-repayable project grants.
On the German side.
Funding for the German partner(s) will be provided as non-repayable project grants which usually amount to a maximum €100,000 (including a 20% flat rate if appropriate) for a maximum period of 36 months.
Grants for commercial companies will be calculated on the basis of the eligible project-related costs, up to 50% of which can as a rule be covered by government grants, depending on the project's relevance to application. The BMBF’s policy requires an appropriate own contribution of at least 50% towards the eligible costs incurred.
Grants for universities, research and science institutions and similar establishments will be calculated on the basis of the eligible project-related expenditure (in the case of the Helmholtz centres and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (FhG) the eligible project-related costs), which can be funded up to 100% in individual cases.
The following are envisaged as eligible expenditures/costs for grant funding:
- Travel and stays by German and foreign researchers and experts
The costs/expenditure for travel to and from the project partner's location including the necessary visa (if by air: economy class; usually up to €750) will be covered by the sending country; per diem allowances will be provided by the host country.
The following applies to funding for stays by foreign project researchers and experts:
Stays in Germany will be funded with a fixed rate of €104 per day or €2300 per month. Contributions to health insurance and, if applicable, other types of insurance are included in this allowance and must be paid by the foreign partner.
Per diem allowances of 750 dirhams for seven days per year will be paid by the Moroccan side to researchers from Germany staying in Morocco. - Workshops
Funding will be provided to cover the following expenditure and/or costs related to the organization of workshops: Accommodation of guests, transfers within Germany, provision of workshop documents, hospitality (usually up to €30 per person and meal including beverages) and rental of venue. The exact amount depends on the size of the event and the number of foreign guests. In such cases, no per diem allowances will be provided (see a) above). - Project-related resources and equipment
Funding for project-related resources (such as consumables, office supplies, appliances, literature) can be provided to a limited extent.
- Staff for conducting scientific activities or research
The project-related cost of or expenditure on student assistants and administrative and/or research staff is eligible for funding.
As a rule, no funding will be provided to cover the entire or part of the cost of the participating institutions‘ regular basic equipment.
On the Moroccan side.
The eligible expenditures/costs for grant fundingare :
- Per diem allowances for German partners visiting Morocco will normally be funded for a maximum period of 7 days per year by the Moroccan funding provider with a fixed rate of 750 MAD per day
- Travel to and from the project partner's location will be covered by the country sending the researchers.
6 Other terms and conditions
On the Germanside.
The Nebenbestimmungen für Zuwendungen auf Kostenbasis des BMBF an Unternehmen der gewerblichen Wirtschaft für Forschungs- und Entwicklungsvorhaben (Auxiliary Terms and Conditions for Funds Provided by the BMBF to Commercial Companies for Research and Development Projects on a Cost Basis – NKBF 98) will be part of the notification of award for grants on a cost basis.
The Allgemeine Nebenbestimmungen für Zuwendungen zur Projektförderung (ANBest-P) (General Auxiliary Conditions for Grants Provided for Projects on an Expenditure Basis) and the Besondere Nebenbestimmungen für Zuwendungen des BMBF zur Projektförderung auf Ausgabenbasis(BNBest-BMBF 98) (Special Auxiliary Terms and Conditions for Funds Provided by the BMBF for the Promotion of Projects on Expenditure Basis) will form part of the notification of award of grants on an expenditure basis.
7 Procedure
7.1 Involvement of a project management organization and request for documents
On the German side
The following project management organization is currently entrusted with the implementation of the funding activity on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF):
DLR Projektträger
im Deutschen Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR)
Europäische und Internationale Zusammenarbeit
Heinrich-Konen-Straße 1
53227 Bonn, Germany
Internet: http://www.internationales-buero.de
Contact persons (at the International Bureau):
For thematic information, please contact:
Mr Dr. Oliver Dilly
Phone: +49 2 28/38 21-14 70
Fax: +49 2 28/38 21-14 90
E-mail: oliver.dilly@dlr.de
For administrative information, please contact:
Mr Valéry Anton
Phone: +49 2 28/38 21-18 48
Fax: +49 2 28/38 21-14 90
E-mail: valery.anton@dlr.de
On the Moroccan side.
The programme is jointly monitored by the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Executives’ Training (Directorate of Scientific Research and Innovation) and the National Centre for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST).
Mailing address:
Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur, de la Recherche Scientifique et de la Formation des Cadres;
Direction de la Recherche Scientifique et de l’Innovation
BP 4500, Rue Idriss Al Akbar, Hassan, Rabat, Marokko
Contact persons:
At the Directorate of Scientific Research and Innovation:
Mme Hind EL Gadari
Responsable du Service de l’Evaluation et du Suivi des Programmes de Recherche
Phone: +2 12/5 37 21 76 47/44/49
Fax: +2 12/5 37 21 76 70/50
E-mail: elgadarivet.h@gmail.com
and
At the National Centre for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST):
Pr Salwa Bennani (Responsable de la Coopération )
CNRST. Angle Avenue Allal El Fassi et Avenue des F.A.R.
Rabat. Maroc
Tél: +2 12/5 37 56 98 20 und + 2 12/6 00 01 94 33
Fax: +2 12/5 37 56 98 21
E-mail: bennani@cnrst.ma
Applicants are recommended to contact the project management organization for advice on applications. The organization will provide further information and details.
7.2 Submission of applications for funding and decision-making procedure
The application procedure consists of two phases.
7.2.1 Submission and selection of project outlines
In the first phase, project outlines are to be submitted in German by 15 February 2016 at the latest using the online project outline tool "PT-Outline" (https://secure.pt-dlr.de/ptoutline/app/users/login/PMARS2015).
An original printout of the PT-Outline application (Part A) bearing an authorized signature must be submitted by the German partner to the DLR Projektträgerand by the Moroccan partner to the competent Research Ministry within 14 weekdays following the above date. Applications submitted by one side only cannot be considered.
The outline may not exceed ten pages. PT-Outline provides information on how to structure the outline.
The project outlines should contain the following:
- Information on the project coordinator and partners
- Description of the scientific objective of the project
- Information on the state of the art (including the applicant's previous work, experience and findings)
- Assessment of potential for exploitation and application
- Involvementofthirdparties
- Estimated expenditure/costs (prospective funding requirement)
The project outlines received will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria:
- Fulfilment of the formal prerequisites for funding
- Compliance with the funding objectives of the call and the thematic priorities identified in section 2 above.
- Scientific quality and originality of the project
- Relevance to BMBF programmes on the topic
- Qualification of the applicant and the participating partners
- Scientific benefit and applicability of expected results.
In view of the international evaluation of the application and the internationally oriented structure of the funding priority, the project outline must be submitted in English.
Suitable project ideas will be selected for funding on the basis of the above criteria and evaluation. Applicants will be informed in writing of the results of the selection procedure.
Applicants have no legal claim to the return of their project outlines and of any other documents which they may have submitted in this phase of the procedure.
7.2.2 Submission of formal applications for funding and decision-making procedure
For the German side:
In the second phase of the procedure, applicant institutions whose project outlines have been reviewed positively will be invited – where necessary in coordination with the proposed coordinator of the collaboration – to present a formal application for funding, which will be decided on after a final evaluation. Formal applications must be drafted using the "easy-Online" electronic application system. (The link will be supplied in the event of a positive evaluation of the project outline.)
Guidelines, leaflets, further information and auxiliary terms and conditions are available at https://foerderportal.bund.de/easy/easy_index.php?auswahl=easy_formulare&formularschrank=bmbf.
In all cases, it is essential that the formal application includes a German summary of the project description in accordance with the regulations governing grants on the basis of expenditure or cost.
Questions concerning the approval and payment of and accounting for funds as well as proof and examination of proper use and, if necessary, revocation of the award and reclaiming of the funds awarded are governed by the administrative regulations pertaining to section 44 of the Federal Budget Code (BHO) and sections 48 to 49a of the Administrative Procedure Act (VwVfG), unless deviation is permitted under the present funding regulations.
For the Moroccan side:
There will be only one assessment of the proposals (each project proposal will be evaluated by at least two experts) and financial support will be provided to projects reviewed positively from both sides.
It should be noted that Moroccan institutions will cover the costs of two flight tickets for Moroccan partners and Per diem allowances for German partner during his visit to Morocco (for one week).
8 Entry into force
These funding regulations will enter into force on the day of their publication in the Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger).
Bonn, 16. December 2015
German Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Moroccan Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Executives’ Training
* According to the EU’s definition of SMEs: The category of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises consists of enterprises which employ fewer than 250 people and which have either an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million, or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million. Within this category, the following definitions apply: Small enterprises are defined as enterprises which employ fewer than 50 persons and whose annual turnover or annual balance sheet total does not exceed €10 million. Micro enterprises are defined as enterprises which employ fewer than 10 persons and whose annual turnover or annual balance sheet total does not exceed €2 million. In general, most SMEs are autonomous since they are either completely independent or have one or more minority partnerships (each less than 25%) with other enterprises (see 2.3.1, p. 16). If that holding rises to no more than 50%, the relationship is deemed to be between partner enterprises (see 2.3.2, p. 20). Above that ceiling, the enterprises are linked (see 2.3.3, p. 23).
Source: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/enterprise_policy/sme_definition/sme_user_guide_de.pdf and http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/facts-figures-analysis/sme-definition/index_en.htm
