On the basis of Article 32 in conjunction with Article 12 of the Scientific Research and Innovation Activities Act (ZZrID) (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, Nos. 186/21 and 40/23), the first paragraph of Article 9 of the General Act on Procedures for Financing, Co-financing and Evaluating and Monitoring the Implementation of Research Activities (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, Nos. 166/22 and 92/24), hereinafter: General act on (co-)financing procedures), the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency, Bleiweisova cesta 30, 1000 Ljubljana, hereby launches a

Public Call for the (co-)financing of Gravity and Strategic projects

1. Introduction

The Public Call provides information on the application procedure for (co-)financing Gravity projects and the application procedure for (co-)financing Strategic projects.

1.1. Name and registered office of the budgetary funds user

Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency, Bleiweisova cesta 30, 1000 Ljubljana (hereinafter: ARIS).

1.2. Subject of the Call

The subject of the Call for (co-)financing Gravity projects and Strategic projects (hereinafter: Public Call) is the (co-)financing of implementation of the following pilot projects:

1. Consortia projects for the development and introduction of innovative solutions in three scientific fields: humanities and social sciences, natural and technical sciences, and biomedical and life sciences.

ARIS shall (co-)finance the implementation of projects carried out by consortia of researchers aiming at innovative and impactful research (hereinafter: Gravity projects) in the following thematic areas:

• environmental science including the field of energy to combat climate change;
• medical technologies (from genetic identification to the advanced technological detection and treatment of medical conditions);
• advanced GIS technologies in the context of past and present social challenges;
• quantum technologies.

The (co-)financing shall encompass research projects ranked in the TRL 1-3 section of the scale of Technological Readiness Level.

2. Strategic projects of outstanding researchers at three different career stages:

1. A strategic project of above-average researchers at the start of their career (2-7 years after defending their first doctoral thesis) in any scientific field (hereinafter: promising research project);
2. A strategic project of established researchers who strive to consolidate their career independence and set up an excellent research group (7-12 years after defending their first doctoral thesis) in any scientific field (hereinafter: established research project);
3. A strategic project of excellent researchers in any scientific field, with an ambitious and ground-breaking character (hereinafter: ground-breaking research project).

The (co-)financing shall encompass research projects ranked in the TRL 1-3 section of the scale of Technological Readiness Level.

1.3. Background

The Gravity project is intended for a consortium of scientists implementing innovative and impactful research within their respective discipline. The aim of (co-)financing is to promote research consortia that have, in line with the criteria of the Public Call, a potential to reach the absolute top level in the field of research or have already reached that level.Consortia also significantly contribute to the training of talented researchers.

Before publishing a public call^[1], ARIS obtains proposals for thematic areas from the Slovenian Rectors Conference and the Co-ordination of Independent Research Institutes of Slovenia. ARIS submits the proposals to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, which determines the final selected topics of the public call.

In terms of long-term selection of topics, the Gravity call scheme shall provide a balanced percentage of research in accordance with the commitments laid down in the Resolution on Research and Innovation Strategy of Slovenia 2030 (ReZrI30).

The Strategic project is intended for outstanding researchers who deliver promising, established and ground-breaking results at a defined career stage in line with the conditions of the Public Call. The leader of the submitted project is the principal investigator (hereinafter: principal investigator) who forms and leads the project research group and is responsible for its implementation within the scope of the research project.

1.4. Scope of financial resources

1.4.1. Amount of (co-)financing for Gravity projects

The indicative amount of financial resources to carry out Gravity projects under the Public Call shall be EUR 12,000,000.00 for the 2025-2028 period, whereby the (co-)financing depends on the budgetary capacity in an individual year.

The Call will be realised in view of the funding resources available in the budget of the Republic of Slovenia and the ARIS.

Under the Call, the (co-)financing of 4 Gravity projects is planned, as provided in Point 7.1 of the Public Call where the process to assess Gravity projects is described. Each project shall be “(co-)financed up to the amount of EUR 3,000,000.00 for the whole (co-)financing period, which amounts to approximately EUR 1,000,000.00 per project annually or proportionally to the capped amount according to the duration of Gravity projects.

1.4.2. Amount of (co-)financing for Strategic projects

The indicative amount of financing resources to carry out Strategic projects under the Public Call shall be EUR 15,000,000.00 for the 2025-2030 period, whereby the (co-)financing depends on the budgetary capacity in an individual year.

The Public Call will be realised subject to available resources available in the budget of the Republic of Slovenia and the ARIS financial plan.

The (co-)financing is planned to include 6 Strategic projects:

1. two promising research projects, as laid down in Point 7.2 of the Public Call, where the procedure for evaluating Strategic projects is provided, with up to EUR 2,500,000.00 per project for the whole period of (co-)financing, which is approximately EUR 500,000.00 per project annually, or proportionally to the capped amount according to the duration of the promising research project;
2. two established research projects, as laid down in Point 7.2 of the Public Call, where the procedure for evaluating Strategic projects is provided, with up to EUR 2,500,000.00 per project for the whole (co-)financing period, which is approximately EUR 500,000.00 per project annually, or proportionally to the capped amount according to the duration of the established research project;
3. two ground-breaking research projects, as laid down in Point 7.2 of the Public Call, where the procedure for evaluating Strategic projects is provided, with up to EUR 2,500,000.00 per project for the whole (co-)financing period, which is approximately EUR 500,000.00 per project annually, or proportionally to the capped amount according to the duration of the ground-breaking research project.

1.4.3. General information on (co-)financing

ARIS shall (co-)finance Gravity and Strategic projects up to 100% of the eligible costs of the pilot project, except for the cost of purchasing research equipment, which ARIS shall (co-)finance in accordance with the provisions of Point 6 of this Public Call.

The dynamics of (co-)financing Gravity and Strategic projects will be stipulated (in accordance with the contract on (co-)financing the measure between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and ARIS) by the contract on (co-)financing and implementation of scientific research activity between ARIS and the awarded applicants depending on the implementation plan for the Gravity and Strategic projects and availability of budgetary resources.

2. Purpose of the Public Call and its impacts

2.1. Gravity projects

Gravity projects bring together excellent researchers from one or several disciplines to form consortia, enable innovations and provide excellence, and consolidate the international position of the Slovenian research.

Consortia rank among the best in the world in their field of research or have a potential to reach that level in accordance with the criteria of the Public Call. The Gravity project focuses on the promotion of innovative research, significantly contributes to world-class research, has clear potential to make scientific breakthroughs, and contributes to the realisation of the Slovenian national research programme.

Academic impact^[2]

Academic impact is the impact of research in its respective field, related research fields, or the broader scientific community.

Societal impact^[3]

The societal impact can be generally defined as any cultural, economic, industrial, environmental and/or social change that is (partially) a result of knowledge and skills obtained through the proposed research. New knowledge and insights arising from scientific research can significantly contribute to solving current and future societal issues, for example in the field of energy transition, health and care services, climate change, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, biotechnologies, linguistic sciences, space, etc. The application of knowledge increases the potential societal impact of the research and is therefore considered an important aspect of the ARIS strategy.

Application of knowledge

ARIS defines the application of knowledge as an interactive process with an important societal impact. Through interaction and co-ordination between researchers and potential users, the possibilities to apply knowledge increase, and with them the societal impact as well. By implementing its policy to apply knowledge, ARIS facilitates the potential contribution of research to solve societal issues, namely by promoting productive collaboration with societal stakeholders during the development and implementation phase of research. ARIS carries this out in a way that corresponds with the purpose of the (co-)financing instrument.

Adapting the approach to apply knowledge

According to the purpose of the (co-)financing instrument, applications with a high potential to achieve societal and academic impact will be selected. The primary objective of the (co-)financing instrument provides a method used by ARIS to facilitate the application of knowledge in different phases of the Gravity project (application, implementation, project completion), and the efforts required from consortium members.

The Public Call supports the approach of impact outlook.^[4] By including this approach, which is covered by the criterion “Societal and academic impact” – Point 4.1.1.4 of the Public Call under the process of evaluation, ARIS encourages applicants to focus on identifying and exploring opportunities for societal impact.

2.2. Strategic projects

Strategic projects enable excellent researchers employed with at least 50% of the full-time capacity at a research organisation abroad or outside the territory of the Republic of Slovenia on the day the Public Call is published and at least 5 years in the period preceding the date of its publication, and who demonstrate the best results at their defined career stage in line with the criteria of the Public Call, to carry out promising, established and ground-breaking scientific projects. To carry out the project, the principal investigator forms and leads a project research group, assumes responsibility for planning and implementation of the project, and is provided autonomy in terms of implementing the project. During the project implementation, the principal investigator has an option to transfer the research project from one host institution to other host institution in accordance with Point 3.2.3.

3. Conditions of the Public Call

3.1.  Gravity projects

3.1.1.    Entities who are eligible for application to the Call

As consortium leaders or consortium partners, research organisations (hereinafter: ROs) may participate in the public call, where providers are organised in a consortium, if they are entered in the Database of providers of scientific research activity managed by ARIS (hereinafter: RO Register) and are recipients of stable funding on the day of publishing the public call, during the entire period of the public call and during the entire period of financing in accordance with the contract on financing, or are a public research institution funded on the basis of a work programme or financial plan.

3.1.2. General requirements for applicants and project leaders

All participating ROs in the consortium shall be members of the consortium. The Gravity project shall be implemented by a project group consisting of at least six excellent researchers (principal investigators) employed with the consortium members, who together constitute the scientific leadership of the consortium.

The consortium applicant shall be the leader of the consortium. The leader of the consortium shall be the representative of the consortium and the first point of contact, and shall submit the application in the electronic system for the submission of applications with ARIS. The leader of the Gravity project shall be one of the principal investigators employed with the leader of the consortium. All other ROs in the consortium who are eligible applicants in accordance with Point 3.1.1 of the Public Call shall be consortium partners.

3.1.3. Available capacities and employment

Members of the project group must have available capacities as regards FTE to carry out the research project (the maximum permitted capacity for full-time employment is 1700 effective research hours or 1 FTE) and must be employed with the RO that carries out the project in the consortium. The minimum annual workload of all researchers who are included in the project group is 170 effective hours of research work. The minimum annual workload of technical assistants who are part of the project group is 34 effective hours of research work. The project leader and excellent researchers must be employed with at least a 20% full-time capacity at the research organisation in the Republic of Slovenia carrying out the research project. The respective condition must be fulfilled at the time of signing the contract on (co-)financing and implementing the scientific research activity.

The project leader and principal investigators must participate in the project group throughout the implementation of the Gravity project, except in cases provided in Article 77 of the General Act on Procedures for (Co-)Financing.

3.1.4. Requirements for applicants

Consortium

A consortium of ROs (hereinafter: Consortium) participating in the Public Call, will have concluded a consortium agreement governing the settlement of mutual rights and obligations among the respective ROs. The consortium shall be composed of the leader of the consortium and at least two consortium partners, i.e., at least three members. The respective condition must be fulfilled upon submitting the application to the Public Call. If the application for (co-)financing is awarded, each individual leader of the consortium and consortium partner signs a contract on the (co-)financing and implementation of scientific research activity with ARIS in accordance with the consortium agreement.

ROs that are not ROs in accordance with Point 3.1.1 of the Public Call may also be included in the consortium as associated partners not (co-)financed by ARIS. Associated partners conclude an agreement on mutual co-operation with the consortium which defines mutual responsibilities and the method of integrating the associated partner. ARIS does not sign a contract on the (co-)financing and implementation of scientific research activity with associated partners. The contribution of associated partners to the project is not subject to the evaluation procedure nor a subject of assessment in annual reports; however, the contribution may be reported. The application must indicate potential associated partners, establish their contribution to the Gravity project, and provide the nature of involvement of the associated partner in the project.

ROs fulfilling the condition referred to in Point 3.1.1 may apply to the Public Call once, or additionally once more for every 100 research FTEs according to the report on the research hours for 2023 submitted to ARIS (hereinafter: PRH), regardless of whether they act as consortium leaders or partners. ROs fulfilling the condition referred to in Point 3.1.1 and that are universities may apply to the Public Call as many times as is the number of thematic areas called under Point 1.2.a, except for the universities that may apply more than four times taking into account the condition referred to in the first sentence of this paragraph.

If ROs submit more applications to the Public Call than allowed for in the previous paragraph of the Public Call, the selection procedure considers the applications submitted first, while other applications are rejected by the decision of the ARIS director or a person authorised by the director.

The connection with the priority research fields of the applicant submitting an application to the Public Call must be substantiated in the motivation letter attached to the application. If there is no motivation letter, the application is rejected. The motivation letter shall be undersigned by the representative of the applicant.

Modification of the consortium in the event of objective circumstances

If on the side of one of the consortium members, due to objective circumstances, such as:

• bankruptcy;
• disqualification;
• non-fulfilment of conditions to obtain funds from the Public Call;

the inclusion of the respective member in the consortium is not possible, although it has been included in the application, it is possible to change the composition of the consortium after the submission of the application to the Public Call and before concluding the contract on (co-)financing, or after concluding such contract, in particular under the following conditions:

• that the application to the Public Call was submitted by an eligible applicant and all other conditions for the application to obtain funds in the Public Call are met (it is verified if the application to the Public Call has already been submitted and the contract on (co-)financing has not been concluded yet);
• that after modification of the consortium, all conditions for the application to obtain funds in the Public Call must be met;
• that the amended consortium agreement must be composed in a way such that the description of works and the financial scope of the whole project remain unchanged, meaning that the change may only refer to the composition of the consortium, distribution of tasks and amount of financial (co-)financing for an individual consortium member.

Requirements for consortium members

The consortium applying for the Public Call must not include consortium members that:

• have already obtained funds for the same purpose from the funds of local, national or European budgets, or are in the process of obtaining (co-)financing from the respective funds (prohibition of double funding);
• are subject to receivership, bankruptcy procedure, liquidation procedure or compulsory dissolution, have ceased business activity or are insolvent in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Operations, Insolvency Proceedings and Compulsory Dissolution Act;
• include an owner or owners who are being prosecuted in relation to money laundering and terrorist financing as per the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act.

3.2.  Strategic projects

3.2.1. Entities who are eligible for application to the Call and basic conditions for principal investigators

Host institutions may submit an application for a project of the principal investigator who is employed with at least 50% of full-time capacity with a RO abroad or outside the territory of the Republic of Slovenia on the day of the publication of the Public Call or at least 5 years up to the date of the respective publication, which is demonstrated with relevant evidence, and who will be no later than upon concluding the contract on (co-)financing and implementing scientific research activity employed with a RO in the Republic of Slovenia entered in the RO Register and also a recipient of stable funding or a public research institute financed on the basis of a work programme and financial plan. The principal investigator must be employed at least for 850 FTE in the submitted project in the case of concluding the contract on (co-)financing and implementing scientific research activity. Members of the project group must have available capacities as regards FTE to carry out the project (the maximum permitted capacity for full-time employment is 1700 effective research hours or 1 FTE). The minimum annual workload of all researchers who are included in the project group, except for the principal investigator, shall be 170 effective hours of research work. The minimum annual workload of technical assistants who are part of the project group is 34 effective hours of research work.

The principal investigator, who does not yet have an assigned researcher's record number, must (in order to gain access to the Digital Forms web portal) complete and submit a form for obtaining a researcher's record number to the ARIS in time, which must be accompanied by a statement on the intention of employment, signed by the applicant and the principal investigator.

a)       Promising research project

A host institution is entitled to submit an application for a promising research project, namely for the principal investigator who defended their first doctoral thesis 2-7 years before the closing date of the Public Call and who demonstrated research excellence and great scientific research potential at an early stage of their career in accordance with the criteria of the Public Call. The principal investigator must be employed with an RO abroad, and must be employed in with at least 50% of the full-time capacity and for at least 5 years up to the date of the publication of the Public Call, and must be appointed “Assistant Professor” or have a comparable title in the respective country, proven by a certificate and recommendation signed by the respective RO. In the application, the principal investigator must demonstrate the breakthrough character, ambition and feasibility of the research project. The principal investigator of a promising research project has already demonstrated the ability to conduct independent research, for example by issuing at least one relevant publication as the principal author, or without the inclusion of a mentor(s) in accordance with Point 4.2.1.1 of the Call.

b)       Established research project

The host institution may submit an application for an established research project, namely for the principal investigator who defended their first doctoral thesis 7-12 years before the end date of the Public Call and who, in line with the criteria of the Public Call, demonstrates research excellence and a high scientific research potential at the stage of their career, while they were still establishing themselves as the head of an independent research group or programme. The principal investigator must be employed with a RO abroad with at least 50% of full-time capacity on the day of the publication of the Public Call, and must be appointed “Associate Professor” or have a comparable title in the respective country for a period of at least 5 years up to the publication of the Public Call, proven by a certificate and signed recommendation of the respective RO. In the application, the principal investigator must demonstrate the breakthrough character, ambition and feasibility of the research project. The principal investigator of an established research project has already demonstrated a high level of research independence in accordance with the Point 4.2.1.1 of the Call.

c)       Ground-breaking research project

An application for a ground-breaking project may be submitted by a host institution, which submits the application of a project leader (principal investigator) who is an established excellent researcher and has already conducted several cutting-edge research projects as a leader in line with Point 4.2.1.1 of the Call. The principal investigator must be employed with a RO abroad with at least 50% of the full-time capacity on the day of the publication of the Public Call and must be appointed “Full Professor” or have a comparable title in the respective country in the period for at least 5 years up to the publication of the Public Call, proven by a certificate and signed recommendation of the respective RO. In the application, the principal investigator must demonstrate the ground-breaking character, ambition and feasibility of the research project. The principal investigator of a ground-breaking research project has the status of an active high-level expert and has conducted a large number of important research achievements in accordance with Point 4.2.1.1 of the Public Call.

3.2.2.    Host institution

The application to the Public Call shall be submitted by a host institution where the principal investigator is or will be employed.

According to the needs of the Strategic project, the principal investigator chooses members of the project research group who will conclude an employment agreement with the host institution before the signing of the contract on (co-)financing and implementation of scientific research activity.

In the statement, which is a mandatory attachment in the on-line application form, the host institution must confirm its support to the principal investigator and connection with the Strategic project. The statement signed by a representative of the host institution or a person authorised by the representative must also contain a commitment to provide research autonomy for the principal investigator.

The research autonomy of the principal investigator shall include:

• managing research and financing the Strategic project and monitoring relevant decisions on the allocation of funds or co-operating in drawing up the financial plan;
• independent publications as a principal author and inclusion of only those co-authors who have significantly contributed to the work under the application;
• selection of the research group members of the Strategic project, including doctoral candidates and others, and supervision of their work;
• access to appropriate premises and equipment for conducting research;
• an option to transfer the Strategic project to a different host institution.

3.2.3.    Transferring a Strategic project to a different host institution

The possibility to transfer a project to a different host institution means that the principal investigators, in justified cases, can request a transfer of the whole project to another host institution that meets the conditions referred to in Point 3.2.2 of the Public Call, provided that the project objectives remain attainable despite the transfer. The principal investigators shall send ARIS an application for transferring the project and state the reasons for the transfer of project to the other host institution. The host institution, to which the principal investigator would like to transfer the project, must sign a statement in accordance with Point 3.2.2 of the Public Call, which must be attached to the application for the transfer of the project by the principal investigator. ARIS may approve or reject the application for the transfer of the project and shall notify the principal investigator and both relevant host institutions of its decision. The transfer of the project to a different host institution shall not be possible during the last year of the implementation and (co-)financing of the project.

3.3. Requirements for applicants

The Public Call must not include applicants, who:

• have already obtained funds for the same purpose from the funds of local, national or European budgets, or are in the process of obtaining (co-)financing from the respective funds (prohibition of double funding);
• are in receivership proceedings, bankruptcy procedure, liquidation procedure or compulsory dissolution procedure, have suspended their business activities, or are insolvent in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Operations, Insolvency Proceedings, and Compulsory Dissolution Act;
• include an owner or owners who are being prosecuted in relation to money laundering and terrorist financing in accordance with the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act.

The applicant cannot submit an application for the project, the leader of which was at the same time the leader of a Gravity or Strategic project.

4. Application evaluation criteria

4.1. Gravity projects

The Gravity projects submitted shall be evaluated on the basis of the criteria, indicators and benchmarks indicated in Points 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 of the Public Call.

4.1.1. Criteria and indicators

The Gravity projects shall be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• scientific excellence of researchers;
• scientific excellence of application;
• quality and efficiency of the implementation;
• societal and academic impact.

4.1.1.1. Scientific excellence of researchers

The indicators for evaluation according to the scientific excellence criterion are:

• exceptional achievements;
• proven ability to think independently and creatively;
• ability to draw up a proposal of research and manage research.

In performing the evaluation under the above-stated indicators, the following criteria are followed:

• the consortium includes innovative researchers with high international reputation who can significantly contribute to the development of their discipline or multi-disciplinary integration;
• the composition of the consortium at the group and individual level, and expert knowledge and experience of included researchers comply with the planned substance and realisation of the proposed research project;
• the principal investigators of the consortium have demonstrated their ability to lead and inspire teams and partnerships, and together comprise a balanced team;
• the consortium pays a lot of attention to the education and introduction of a new generation of research leaders who are able to maintain high-level and innovative lines of research, which is being realised with measures, such as the plan for career development of talented researchers at the medium level.

4.1.1.2. Scientific excellence of application

The justification according to internationally comparable knowledge and competencies in the entire knowledge development process shall be evaluated.

The indicators for evaluation of the application according to the scientific excellence criterion are:

• clarity of concept, including the interdisciplinary aspect, and the appropriateness of the objectives;
• suitability of proposed research methodology for achieving objectives;
• ambition, innovation potential and exceptional nature of the application (e.g., exceeding current knowledge, new concepts and approaches).

In performing the evaluation under the above-stated indicators, the following criteria are followed:

• the research project is very complex, addresses a topical issue and focuses on specific innovations in the respective scientific field; the research project focuses on new topics and has a potential to realise ground-breaking achievements at the international level;
• the research project is focused, has optimum scientific coherence and includes all aspects relevant to the main research question; the potential of the whole project is greater than a sum of its parts;
• the research project is well-devised in terms of theoretical and methodological soundness and in terms of planning and realisation;
• compact consortia may form in scientific research fields where the bar for innovative research is placed lower, and thus it must be assessed whether the scientific objectives of the project and required size of the consortium are suitable given the internal needs of the respective field.

4.1.1.3. Quality and efficiency of implementation

The actual feasibility of the research project in the foreseen period of (co-)financing is assessed, as well as the appropriateness, ability and willingness of the consortium to carry out the project.

The indicators for evaluation according to the “quality and efficiency of the implementation” criterion are:

• suitability and efficiency of the work plan, including the appropriate assignment of tasks and allocation of funds;
• suitability of project partners and project group;
• suitability of management considering the risks or exceeding current knowledge.

In performing the evaluation under the above-stated indicators, the following criteria are followed:

• organisational structure and consortium management are clear and logical and provide an excellent framework for developing the project idea; continuity of leadership is provided for the entire duration of the project;
• the project has been transparently and logically placed in appropriate institutions, responsibilities have been suitably and clearly allocated; agreements required for implementing the project have been included in the consortium agreement; the consortium provides for the appropriate monitoring of progress and has a clear mechanism defined for adapting the project, as applicable; dispute settlement and risk management is arranged;
• the consortium significantly contributes to the training of talented scientists;
• the consortium has adequate instruments for strengthening scientific interaction and mutual co-operation;
• the strategy for managing data and ethical aspects of work is regulated in detail;
• diversity or representation of different groups according to gender and other personal characteristics in the consortium reflects the diversity of the specific field; any uneven representation must be properly explained; the consortium must adopt specific and appropriate measures to address issues of gender and other diversity, and indicate in the application how these issues are dealt with;
• planned financial resources, including persons to be employed and necessary investments, must be closely related to the research project and duly justified; persons to be employed must be key for implementing the research project, while the investments must be necessary where there are no other comparable options for using the equipment available.

4.1.1.4. Societal and academic impact

The evaluation indicators under the societal and academic impact criterion (the societal concept includes economic impact) are as follows:

• strengthening the competitiveness and growth of organisations by developing innovations that meet the needs of European and global markets;
• all other environmentally and socially important impacts, including impacts on cultural development (not included in the other indicators);
• efficiency of the proposed measures for applying and disseminating the Gravity project results (including the management of intellectual property rights), public presentations (popularisation) of the Gravity project and the management of research data;
• expected impacts of the Gravity project;
• strengthening of innovation and integration of new knowledge.

In performing the evaluation under the above-stated indicators, the following criteria are followed:

• the consortium decides whether to focus on achieving an academic impact, societal impact or a combination of both; the assessment under this criterion depends on the consortium’s selection; the applicant explains in its application the reasons for focusing on academic and/or societal impact;
• the academic impact is an impact of research on the respective research field, related research fields, or the broader scientific community. The societal impact may be in general defined as every cultural, economic, industrial, environmental and/or societal change which is (partially) a result of knowledge and skills obtained through the proposed research;
• although the applicant can choose to focus on societal and/or academic impact, it is expected to also think about opportunities offered in relation to the form of impact not chosen. This can mean that the applicant indicates in its application that (unforeseen) opportunities relating to the impact may be used by others, and describes its task in making this possible.

The academic impact includes inter alia:

• potential and suitability of research results for its own discipline and related disciplines;
• Potential and suitability of research results for a broader scientific field, whereby the research co-operation between different ERC domains (SH, LS, PE) is of particular importance.

The societal impact includes inter alia:

• added value of the Gravity project for the societal impact;
• potential for short-term and long-term social impacts;
• vision of ways in which the proposed solutions may have a societal impact,
• plan to establish productive interactions^[5].

Under this criterion, a good score can be achieved if the application is focused on the academic impact, societal impact or a combination of both. The assessment under this criterion depends on the selected focus; one form of impact is not better or worse than the other.

4.1.2. Scores

Scores for evaluation according to individual criteria are whole points ranging from 0 to 5, except for the total score of an individual criterion in accordance with Point 7.1, which can be a decimal number.

The total number of points available is 20.

The score is given according to the criteria and in words, taking into account the indicators and criteria from Point 4.1.1.

The total score according to the criteria may be complemented by a score of oral presentation referred to in Point 7.1 of the Public Call. In this case, the total number of available points is 25.

4.2. Strategic projects

The Strategic projects submitted in the application shall be assessed based on the criteria, indicators and benchmarks stated in Points 4.2.1 and 4.2.2 of the Public Call.

4.2.1. Criteria and indicators

Strategic projects shall be assessed according to the following criteria:

• scientific excellence of researchers;
• scientific excellence of application;
• quality and efficiency of the implementation.

4.2.1.1. Scientific excellence of researchers

The indicators for evaluation of the researchers according to the scientific excellence criterion are:

• outstanding achievements relating to the research field or objectives, as defined in the project;
• proven ability to think independently and creatively;
• ability to draw up a proposal of research and manage research.

In performing the evaluation of the Strategic projects under the above-stated indicators, the following criteria are followed:

• the principal investigator of a promising research project has so far demonstrated the ability to conduct independent research, for example by issuing at least one significant publication as the principal author or without inclusion of a mentor(s);
• the principal investigator of an established research project has so far demonstrated a high level of research independence, for example at least five significant independent scientific publications or publications as a principal author;
• the principal investigator of a ground-breaking research project has the status of an active high-level expert and has conducted a large number (10 or more) of important research achievements;
• significant scientific publications and research achievements of the principal investigator represent a significant contribution to the research field addressed by the project;
• scientific achievements of the principal investigator published so far demonstrate their independence, creativity and ability to manage research.

4.2.1.2. Scientific excellence of application

The indicators for evaluation of the application according to the scientific excellence criterion are:

• clarity of the concept;
• appropriate consideration of important research challenges;
• suitability of proposed research methodology for achieving objectives;
• ambition and exceptional nature of the objectives (e.g., exceeding current knowledge, new methods and approaches).

In performing the evaluation under the above-stated indicators, the following criteria are followed:

• the research project is very complex, addresses a topical issue and focuses on specific innovations in the respective scientific field; the research project focuses on new topics and has a potential to realise important or ground-breaking achievements at the international level;
• the research project is focused, has optimum scientific coherence and includes all aspects relevant to the main research question; the potential of the whole project is greater than the sum of its parts;
• the research project is well-devised in terms of theoretical and methodological soundness and in terms of planning and realisation.

4.2.1.3. Quality and efficiency of implementation

The actual feasibility of the project in the foreseen period of (co-)financing is assessed, as well as the appropriateness, ability and willingness of the principal investigator and project research group to carry out the project.

The indicators for evaluation according to the “quality and efficiency of the implementation” criterion are:

• suitability and efficiency of the work plan, including the appropriate assignment of tasks and allocation of funds;
• suitability of the principal investigator and project research group;
• suitability of management considering the risks or exceeding current knowledge.

In performing the evaluation under the above-stated indicators, the following criteria are followed:

• work plan and organisational structure are clear and logical and provide for an excellent framework for developing project idea;
• the project is transparently and logically placed, and responsibilities are suitably and clearly allocated;
• the principal investigator provides for appropriate monitoring of progress and has a clear mechanism defined for adapting the project, as applicable; dispute settlement and risk management is arranged;
• adequate instruments are in place for strengthening scientific interaction and mutual co-operation;
• the strategy for managing data and ethical aspects of work is regulated in detail;
• diversity or representation of different groups according to gender and other personal characteristics in the research group reflects the diversity of the specific field; any uneven representation must be properly explained; the principal investigator must adopt specific and appropriate measures to address issues of gender and other diversity, and indicate in the application how these issues are dealt with;
• planned financial resources, including persons to be employed and necessary investments, must be closely related to the research project and duly justified; persons to be employed must be key for implementing the research project, while the investments must be necessary where there are no other comparable options for using the equipment available.

4.2.2. Scores

Scores for evaluation according to individual criteria are whole points ranging from 0 to 5, except for the total score of an individual criterion in accordance with Point 7.2, which can be a decimal number.

The total number of points available is 15.

The score is given according to the criteria and in words, taking into account the indicators and the criteria from Point 4.2.1.

The total score according to the criteria may be complemented by a score of oral presentation referred to in Point 7.2 of the Public Call. In this case, the total number of points available is 20.

4.3. The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA)

DORA is a global initiative aimed at improving the method of assessing research and researchers. It includes recommendations for financiers of research, research institutions, scientific journals and other clients.

DORA strives to reduce uncritical application of bibliometric indicators and prevent unconscious bias in assessing research and researchers. The primary consideration of the DORA initiative is that research must be assessed on the basis of its achievements (independently, on a case-by-case basis) and not according to alternative criteria, such as the journal where the research is published.

In assessing the scientific achievements of the applicant, ARIS uses a broad definition of scientific contribution.

Factors, such as the impact factor of the journal or h-index, are not relevant for the assessment of applications. The applicant must not indicate them in their application. However, in addition to publications, the applicant may also indicate other scientific products, such as data sets, patents, software and programming code, etc.

5. Start, period and method of (co-)financing

The anticipated start of (co-)financing the implementation of Gravity and Strategic projects is 1 July 2025, depending on the funds available in the budget of the Republic of Slovenia and the ARIS financial plan, as well as other objective circumstances that may affect implementation of the Call. Any changes of the expected start date of (co-)financing the implementation of Gravity and Strategic projects will be communicated to the applicants while the Call is in progress.

ARIS will (co-)finance the selected Gravity projects by 30 June 2028.

ARIS will (co-)finance the selected Strategic projects by 30 June 2030.

If an application is selected for (co-)financing within the scope of the Gravity project, the final recipients of funds for implementing the Gravity project are all consortium members that are applicants in accordance with Point 3.1.1 of the Public Call. Consortium members are jointly liable for the obligations arising from the Gravity project.

Upon the application for Gravity projects, the consortium leader and consortium partners must attach a concluded consortium contract indicating and defining the rights and obligations of individual consortium members.

If an application is awarded (co-)financing within the framework of Strategic projects, the final recipient of funds for implementing the Strategic project is the host institution in accordance with Point 3.2.2 of the Public Call.

Control of the project implementation shall be carried out in accordance with the General Act on Procedures for Financing and Co-financing, and shall be defined in detail in the contract on (co-)financing and implementation of scientific research activity.

6. Eligible costs and method of (co-)financing the project

Eligible costs for Gravity and Strategic projects

Eligible costs are as follows:

1.)     Labour cost of the project group members for carrying out work on the project that must be specified in accordance with the labour legislation and collective agreements and shall include:

• basic salary, supplements, and performance awards,
• employer’s contributions to paid salaries, and
• reimbursement of work-related costs that include reimbursement for meals during work, cost of commuting, expenses related to working from home, annual holiday allowance and the premium for collective supplementary insurance for public officials (hereinafter: labour costs);

2.)     Costs of material and services directly required for the implementation of the project which include:

• direct cost of material encompassing mainly the costs of purchasing material, semi-finished products and small tools, and
• direct costs of services encompassing mainly travel costs, costs of organising conferences and other activities to disseminate research results, costs of publications, also with open access, copyright works and other services (hereinafter: costs of material and services), and

3.)     The purchase of research equipment required to implement the project.

The contractor may earmark 50% of the allocated resources of the Public Call project for the purchase of equipment. The said resources can be used to cover 60% of the purchase value, while 40% of resources must be provided from their own means.

Non-deductible portion of VAT shall be deemed an eligible cost.

Overtime hours shall not be deemed an eligible cost.

Method of (co-)financing

To implement the project, the applicant shall draw up a financial plan which defines the amount of labour costs and direct costs of material and services, and the scope of purchase of research equipment.

In drawing up the plan for Gravity projects, the applicant shall take into account that the Public Call envisages the total amount of funds as EUR 3,000,000.00 and annual funds amounting to EUR 1,000,000.00 or a proportional part according to the duration of the project in an individual calendar year.

In drawing up the plan for Strategic projects, the applicant shall take into account that the Public Call envisages the total amount of funds as EUR 2,500,000.00 and annual funds amounting to EUR 500,000.00 or a proportional part according to the duration of the project in an individual calendar year.

In using funds for labour costs and direct costs of material and services, deviations from the plan under economic purposes are allowed in the amount of 10%. If a higher deviation is required, the contractor of the project must ask ARIS for a higher deviation and justify its request. ARIS approves or rejects the request for deviation on the basis of the assessment of the amount of actual costs that the contractor defines in the application, and notifies the contractor.

The dynamics of (co-)financing is expected to be even for labour costs and costs of material and services.

If all funds for the current year are not used at the end of the calendar year, it is permitted to show short-term deferred revenue within the period of implementing the project in accordance with the applicable law governing the field of accounting or applicable Slovenian Accounting Standards as to preserve the structure and purpose of the funds. The contractor shall submit an annual financial report on the form signed by ARIS. Documents and evidence shall be kept at the registered office of the contractor and must be provided at the request of ARIS or be available for consultation at the registered office of the contractor. Control of the intended use may also be carried out by a reviewer authorised by ARIS. Before the final 20% of funds for the implementation of the project are transferred, the contractor must submit a final financial report. The contractor is eligible for the remaining amount of funds, if they demonstrate the use for the intended purpose for the whole amount of the allocated funds. If the contractor demonstrates a lower amount of intended use, the (co-)financing is carried out up to the amount of the demonstrated intended use of the funds.

(Co-)financing of the purchase of research equipment shall be performed according to the actual purchase. The contractor may claim purchase costs only up to the amount defined in the applicable financial plan of the project for an individual year. In claiming (co-)financing for the purchase of research equipment, it should be taken into account that the claim for payment and evidence on the purchase of research equipment must be submitted no later than 31 October in the year for which the purchase is planned, otherwise the right to (co-)financing is lost.

The contractor is required to record the project costs in a separate cost centre and notify ARIS of the cost centre code.

The contractor may claim only costs not yet financed from the sources of local, national or European budgets or other public funds.

7. Application selection procedure

The application selection procedure comprises the following steps:

• review of the fulfilment of administrative conditions of the application;
• expert review conducted by two reviewers;
• review of assessments by scientific editors;
• meeting and consultation of members of the external expert body (option of oral presentation);
• deciding on the selection of applications.

The procedure for selecting applications shall be managed in accordance with the General Act on Procedures for Financing and Co-financing and this Public Call.

The assessment procedure shall include all timely and formally complete applications that meet all conditions of the Public Call.

Applications are assessed by two reviewers and an external expert body.

7.1. Application assessment procedure for Gravity projects

Two reviewers and an external expert body assess the applications of Gravity projects on the basis of the criteria, indicators and benchmarks referred to in Point 4.1.1 of the Public Call.

If a submitted Gravity project does not reach the threshold which is 4 points for an individual criterion as referred to in the first paragraph of Point 4.1.1 of the Public Call, it cannot be included in the selection for (co-)financing.

The external expert body accepts a total score of an individual application according to individual criteria and for each of the four thematic areas specified in Point 1.2.a of the Public Call, draws up a draft priority list of applications classified in descending order given the total scoreof individual criteria according to the following order: scientific excellence of application; scientific excellence of researchers; societal and academic impact; quality and efficiency of the implementation. The first decisive criterion for top ranking in the priority list of applications is the scientific excellence of application; in the case of the same score in this criterion, the next decisive criterion for ranking is the scientific excellence of researchers; if the scores are also tied in this criterion, the next decisive criterion is societal and academic impact; in the event of the same score in this criterion, the next decisive criterion is quality and efficiency of the implementation. The external expert body adopts the overall score of an individual application under an individual criterion by taking into account the score of the individual criterion by the first reviewer of the individual application, and the score of the individual criterion by the second reviewer of the individual application, and as the overall score of the individual criterion of the individual application adopts the average score of both reviewers for an individual criterion. The overall score of an individual criterion can be a decimal number. In the event of a large number of applications achieving the same number of points in all individual criteria and that could be placed in the selection for (co-)financing, the integral part of the assessment procedure is an oral presentation (interview) conducted by the external expert body. At least half of the members of the external expert body attend the oral presentation, where the participation of a member from the scientific field of application is mandatory. The oral presentation shall be assessed with a consolidated score graded with whole points from 0 to 5. The oral presentation assessment in the event of a large number of applications achieving the same number of points in all individual criteria and that could be placed in the selection for (co-)financing is decisive for the placement of applications to the top of the priority list of applications. The draft priority list of applications shall be referred for consideration to the Scientific Council of ARIS (hereinafter: SCA). The SCA adopts the proposal of the decision on the selection of applications, by which it proposes one application from each of the four thematic areas provided in Point 1.2.a of the Public Call for (co-)financing, namely the application ranked the highest in the respective field in the priority list of applications.

In the event that no application is placed into the selection for (co-)financing in an individual thematic area, or no application has been submitted, more than one application can be placed in the selection for (co-)financing in other thematic areas, namely an additional application that was ranked the highest in the priority list of applications according to the thematic area is placed, taking into account the threshold referred to in the second paragraph of this Point of the Public Call.

Upon the proposal by the SCA, the ARIS director adopts the decision on the selection of applications, with which he or she decides whether or not an application is selected for (co-)financing.

7.2. Application assessment procedure for Strategic projects

Two reviewers and an external expert body assess the applications of Strategic projects on the basis of the criteria, indicators and benchmarks referred to in Point 4.2.1 of the Public Call.

If a submitted Strategic project does not reach the threshold which is 4 points for an individual criterion as referred to in the first paragraph of Point 4.2.1 of the Public Call, it cannot be included in the selection for (co-)financing.

The external expert body accepts a total score of an individual application according to individual criteria and for each of the three career stages referred to in Point 1.2.b of the Public Call, draws up a draft priority list of applications classified in descending order given the total score for individual criteria according to the following order: scientific excellence of researchers; scientific excellence of application; quality and efficiency of the implementation. The first decisive criterion for top ranking in the priority list of applications is the scientific excellence of researchers; in the case of the same score in this criterion, the next decisive criterion for ranking is the scientific excellence of application; if the scores are also tied in this criterion, the next decisive criterion is quality and efficiency of the implementation.The external expert body adopts the overall score of an individual application under an individual criterion by taking into account the score of the individual criterion by the first reviewer of the application, and the score of the individual criterion by the second reviewer of the application, and as the overall score of the individual criterion of the application adopts the average score of both reviewers for an individual criterion. The overall score of an individual criterion can be a decimal number. In the event of a large number of applications achieving the same number of points and that could be placed in the selection for (co-)financing, the integral part of the assessment procedure is an oral presentation (interview) conducted by the external expert body. At least half of the members of the external expert body attend the oral presentation, where the participation of a member from the scientific field of application is mandatory. The oral presentation shall be assessed with a consolidated score graded with whole points from 0 to 5. The oral presentation assessmentin the event of a large number of applications achieving the same number of points in all individual criteria and that could be placed in the selection for (co-)financing is decisive for the placement of applications to the top of the priority list of applications. The draft priority list of applications shall be submitted to be processed by the SCA. The SCA shall adopt a draft decision on the selection of applications under which it proposes two applications for each of the three career stages referred to in Point 1.2.b of the Public Call, namely two applications that are in two different scientific fields (one application in one scientific field and the other application in other scientific field) of three scientific fields: humanities and social sciences, natural and technical sciences, and biomedicine and life science, and are placed the highest in the priority list of applications. If at an individual career stage, there are only applications from one scientific field included in the selection for (co-)financing, two applications in the same scientific field may be proposed for (co-)financing.

In the event that less than two applications are included into the selection for (co-)financing for an individual career stage, more than two applications can be included in the selection for (co-)financing in other career stages, namely the application(s) ranked the highest in the priority list of applications according to the career stage or scientific field, taking into account the threshold referred to in the second paragraph of this Point of the Public Call.

Upon the proposal by the SCA, the ARIS director adopts the decision on the selection of applications, with which he or she decides whether or not an application is selected for (co-)financing.

8. Legal remedies

In accordance with the General Act on Procedures of Financing and Co-financing, an applicant may appeal to the decision of the ARIS director on the selection application within 15 days of receiving the decision. The Management Board of the ARIS issues a decision on the appeal.

A filed objection shall not have the effect of staying the signing of contracts with selected applicants.

9. Other conditions for the assurance of quality

Co-operation

Within the framework of Gravity projects, consortium members will co-operate intensively at least during the lifetime of the project. Consortia are reasonably involved in the organisational structure of participating Ros, and make important contributions to the training of talented researchers. The submitted research project must be connected with the primary research areas of the RO which submitted the application, and the Strategic documents of the Republic of Slovenia.

Data management

The results of scientific research must be repeatable, verifiable and accessible for re-utilisation. In the Digital Age, this means that research data, in addition to publication, must be publicly accessible to the extent possible. ARIS expects that research data arising from projects financed from ARIS resources is publicly accessible to the greatest extent possible to be re-utilised by other researchers. In this regard, the principle “as open as possible, as closed as necessary” is used. The researchers are expected to ensure that data and/or non-numerical results, which constitute a basis for conclusions of the work published within the framework of the project are publicly accessible upon the publication of work. All costs incurred in this regard may be included in the financial plan of the project. Researchers must explain how the data arising from the project will be addressed, namely on the basis of the section related to the management of data in the application, and the plan of data management drawn up after the allocation of resources.

Data Management section

The Data Management section is a part of the application. Before the start of project implementation, researchers are invited to think about how the collected data will be classified and categorised to allow public access. Often, already during the development of data and their analyses, measures must be adopted to enable later storage and dissemination. If all data from the project cannot be made public, for example due to privacy concerns, ethics or evaluation, the applicant must provide reasons in the data management plan.

The Data Management section in the application is not assessed and therefore has no effect on the decision to award the project.

Scientific integrity

In accordance with the Scientific Research and Innovation Activities Act, the project must be carried out in line with national and internationally adopted standards for proper conduct in science. By submitting an application, the applicant undertakes to respect and adhere to the respective principles. In the event of (potential) violation of the said standards during the implementation of the project (co-)financed by ARIS, the applicant must immediately notify ARIS and provide all relevant documents.

Ethics declaration and licence (permit)

The applicant is responsible for establishing whether an ethical review or permit is required for implementing the proposed project. If an ethical review is required, the applicant must ensure that the ethical permit is obtained in time from the relevant institutions or ethics committee. If the project is selected for (co-)financing, the funds are paid under the condition that a required ethical declaration/ethical review or permit has been obtained before the last possible start date of the project. Implementation of the project cannot begin until ARIS receives a copy of the requested ethical review or permit.

Nagoya Protocol

The Nagoya Protocol or access to genetic resources and sharing the benefits arising from their use provides a fair and reasonable distribution of benefits stemming from the use of genetic resources. Researchers who use genetic resources from Slovenia or abroad to conduct their research must familiarise themselves with the Nagoya Protocol, as the European Union is legally bound to it as a signatory of this important agreement on international management of biodiversity. ARIS anticipates that researchers will adopt all necessary measures relating to the Nagoya Protocol.

(Co-)financing from other sources

(Co-)Financing from other sources is not mandatory.

10. Open access to reviewed scientific publications and web access to information about the research project

In accordance with Article 41 of the Scientific Research and Innovation Activities Act, all reviewed scientific publications arising from the implementation of Gravity projects and Strategic projects must be published with open access. A reviewed scientific publication must also include information on the (co-)financier or (co-)financiers and the project number in accordance with Article 82 of the General Act on Procedures for (Co-)Financing.

After the application for (co-)financing is selected, the leader of the consortium (under the Gravity projects) or the host institution (under the Strategic projects) must create a web page or subpage on their RO’s website dedicated to the project and enable the dissemination of its results. The minimum requirements of the website content are: a description of the project’s content including basic information about (co-)financing, composition of the project group with links to data in the SICRIS system, the project phases and descriptions of their implementation, bibliographical references arising directly from the implementation of the project, as well as the ARIS logo and logos of other (co-)financiers. Content included in the SICRIS system should be linked and need not be provided in duplicate. The project presentation website must remain active for 5 years following the conclusion of the project. The implementer reports on the establishment of the website in the interim and final report on project results.

11. Submitting the application

11.1. Manner and form of submitting the application

The application to the Call shall be submitted in electronic form via the ARIS web portal: Digital Forms. Login to the Digital Forms web portal is possible with a username and password. The portal may be used by researchers listed in the RO register, the Digital Forms administrators at an RO, RO representatives, authorised RO representatives and additional users. Researchers can obtain a login password themselves on the Digital Forms portal, other users are assigned a password by the Digital Forms administrator at an RO or ARIS.

Applications to the Call for Gravity projects must be submitted by the leader of the consortium, who submits it in the name of all consortium members, whereas Strategic project applications must be submitted by the host institution.

The application shall be completed and submitted on the ARIS-GRAVITACIJA-STRATESKI-2024 application form.

The application for Gravity projects must be electronically signed (a qualified digital signature is not required) by a representative or authorised person of the leader of the consortium and the leader of the research project. The application and individual forms must be completed in Slovenian and English languages.

The application for Strategic projects must be electronically signed (a qualified digital signature is not required) by a representative or authorised person of the host institution and the leader of the research project – principal investigator. The application and individual forms must be completed in Slovenian and English languages.

11.2. Application submission deadline

Applications must be submitted up to and including 30 December 2024 by 2 p.m.

The application of Gravity projects is deemed to be submitted in time, if it is completed and signed on the ARIS Digital Forms web portal by a legal representative of the leader of the consortium or the authorised person of the leader of the consortium and a leader of the research project before the application submission deadline.

The application of Strategic projects is deemed to be submitted in time, if it is completed and signed on the ARIS Digital Forms web portal by a legal representative of the host institution or the authorised person of the host institution and the principal investigator before the application submission deadline.

Applicants are advised not to submit their applications on the final day of the Call, as the server may be overloaded.

12. Date of opening the applications

Applications will be opened in the ARIS premises no later than eight days after the submission deadline. In the case of electronic applications, the opening shall constitute recording the applications received in the electronic application system.

13. Completeness of applications

An official entity shall open only the applications submitted within the prescribed deadline.

The application is deemed valid if electronically signed (a qualified digital signature is not required), submitted on the prescribed forms, in the prescribed format, and contains all required data and annexes specified by this Public Call.

Incomplete and invalid applications not supplemented by the applicants shall be rejected by the ARIS Director’s decision or by the decision of a person authorised by the ARIS Director.

14. Deadline for applicant notification on the outcome of the Call

Applicants shall be notified of the results of the Public Call within eight (8) business days of the decision on the selection of applications.

The list of selected and not selected applications shall be published on the ARIS website no later than eight (8) business days after the day of sent decisions on the selection of applications.

15. Place and address where interested parties may obtain Public Call documentation

Documentation of the Public Call is available on the ARIS website (http://www.aris-rs.si/sl/razpisi/).

Information related to the Call can be found on the ARIS website at http://www.aris-rs.si or obtained at the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency, Bleiweisova cesta 30, 1000 Ljubljana, on weekdays during office hours.

Contact e-mail: ana.martinjak-ratej@aris-rs.si.

Dr. Špela Stres,
Director

Number: 5100-206/2024-22
Date: 30. 10. 2024

Legal basis:

• Scientific Research and Innovation Activities Act (ZZrID) (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 186/21 and 40/23)
   
• General Act on Procedures for Financing, Co-financing, Evaluating and Monitoring the Implementation of Scientific Research Activities (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 166/22 and 92/24)
   
• Regulations on state aids in the field of research activity, No. 007-2/2024-1, published on 7 March 2024

Call documents:

• Application Form:
   Gravity project::
  • ARIS-GRAVITACIJA-strateski-2024-GRAVITACIJA.pdf (submit via the Digital Forms portal)
     
  Strategic project:
  • ARIS-GRAVITACIJA-strateski-2024-STRATESKI.pdf (submit via the Digital Forms portal)

• Annex 1 - Form for granting state aid:
  • ARIS-DP-2024.docx (submit via the Digital Forms portal)
     
• Annex 3 -  Form for the financial plan of project implementation:
  • ARIS-FN-GRAVITACIJA-2025.xlsx (submit via the Digital Forms portal)
  • ARIS-FN-STRATESKI-2025.xlsx (submit via the Digital Forms portal)
     
• Form for obtaining a researcher ID (for principal investigators):

• ARIS-ZOP-02-2023-01.docx (format Word)

• The table of content overlaps between the fields of the ARIS classification and the ERC classification:
  •  Content_overlaps_ARIS_ERC (format Excel)
     
• Research Data Management Plan (NRRP) template:
  • Obrazec_NRPP.docx
     

Amendment to the Public Call for the (co-)financing of Gravity and Strategic projects  (9. 12. 2024)

Amendment to the Public Call for the (co-)financing of Gravity and Strategic projects (extended deadline for submission of applications) (18. 12. 2024)