Applying for a grant, moving and working in another country, translating official documents... administration represents a huge part of a Marie Curie fellow's life, so check out Kiran Kumar Chereddy's "five tips" on taking the pain out of paperwork!
Kiran Kumar Chereddy took part in a Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN), wanting to expand his network and develop close professional contacts within the context of a high quality research project.
Tip 1: Claim exemption from a work permit with a scientific visa!
Chereddy comes from India and moved to Belgium to work at the Louvain Drug Research Institute in Belgium. As people coming from a non-EU country can't usually stay in an EU country for more than three months, they need authorisation to stay longer and to work there. However, if you hold a scientific visa, there is no need to ask for a work permit.
As Chereddy advises, be sure that the authorities within your chosen town are fully familiar with the scientific visa. Further information on scientific visas is available here, and if you experience administrative difficulties, use the form available here to facilitate the process.
Tip 2: Get in touch with the National Contact Points!
National Contact Points (NCPs) are present in each EU country. They are financed by governments of the EU Member States and the States associated to the framework programme. They provide mainly:
- Guidance on choosing thematic priorities and instruments;
- Advice on administrative procedures and contractual issues;
- Training and assistance on proposal writing;
- Distribution of documentation (forms, guidelines, manuals etc.);
- Assistance in partner searches.
Chereddy, wanted to know how his salary and allowance were fixed in the context of his project and received a full breakdown showing how his salary was calculated from the NCP.
Tip 3: Stay in close contact with your professor!
Chereddy has several types of cost to cover during his fellowship and was worried about getting reimbursed. He was fortunately in close contact with his professor, who understood his situation and supported him in claiming reimbursements.
Tip 4: Stay informed thanks to Euraxess!
Euraxess provides a complete range of information and support services to researchers. Chereddy recommends this website as a source of information, and as a useful resource should you encounter administrative difficulties.
Tip 5: Familiarise yourself with the Marie Curie terminology!
According to Chereddy, it is crucial to feel comfortable with the Marie Curie terminology, like acronyms, programmes and funding names, etc. Don't worry about this - the Marie Curie Alumni Association website will provide all the information you need to stay on top of all Marie Curie procedures!