PF: The 8-year research experience should be declared in Part A of the submission form. Where can an applicant declare a maternity leave?

When applicants enter a PhD award date more than 8 years ago, another table opens in which they can then enter the respective days.

PF: Can the start date of a fellowship be extended beyond the typical REA timeframe (without losing the grant) if a maternity leave is the reason for the delayed start date?

It is possible to postpone the actual start date without losing the grant. The initial start date in the contract cannot be further away than the legally allowed date, but it can be further postponed then with an amendment. The researcher needs to contact the project officer and explain the situation.

PF: How long after starting a fellowship can a researcher go on maternity leave?

There are no limitations as to when the researcher can go on maternity leave during the fellowship.

An issue might be the employment contract. Some employment contracts stipulate that for paid parental leave the researchers need to have been employed for a set period of time. This doesn’t mean they can’t take the leave, just that it isn’t paid.