SE: Can Associated partners linked to a beneficiary host secondments?

Associated partners linked to a beneficiary cannot host secondments in the sense of legal/ contractual link – they cannot handle funding allocated for seconded staff – this is the responsibility of the beneficiary they are linked to.

However, associated partners linked to a beneficiary can host secondments in the sense of the actual work carried out in the premises of such associated partners. Funding for research (etc.) carried out by staff seconded to such associated partners is channeled through the beneficiary they are linked to.

DN: Are secondments between a beneficiary and its linked associated partner allowed?

Applicants can propose such stays – in the form of study visits for example (with a different impact compared to secondments).

DN: Do Associated partners linked to a beneficiary need to be included in part A of the project proposal? If so, are they added as a normal Associated partner?

Yes, Associated partners linked to a beneficiary need to be added in part A of the project proposal. Their links should also be indicated in part A - in the section “Links with other participants” - "same group", "controls", "is controlled by".

Associated partners linked to a beneficiary do not need to provide a letter of commitment. However, it should be clear from part B1 which Associated partners are linked to a beneficiary, and which ones are not (p.13 of the 2022 Doctoral Networks Guide for Applicants).

SE: Should associated partners linked to the beneficiary be added with PIC in form A? Do they have to provide letters of commitment?

In the current text of the Work Programme no letter of commitment is required for Associated partners linked to a beneficiary.

DN and SE: What are the options/ what kind of links are possible to choose from in form A for associated partners linked to a beneficiary?

There are 3 possible links: [Same group] if the legal entity is under the same direct or indirect control as another legal entity; [Controls] if a legal entity directly or indirectly controls another legal entity; or [Is controlled by] if a legal entity is directly or indirectly controlled by another legal entity.