Implementation of co-funded partnerships: Conflict of Interest
In a note for the attention of the Strategic Programme Committee, DG Research & Innovation has provided information on measures to avoid potential conflicts of interest or unequal treatment of applicants. This is notably relevant in the case of Research Performing Organisations participating as beneficiaries in a Horizon Europe Grant Agreement implementing a co-funded partnership, while at the same time participating in the external calls organised by the partnership. The information is provided in the application templates and in the Annotated Grant Agreement.
It was also noted that any methodology proposed by a consortium on the basis of this guidance to avoid conflicts of interest should ultimately be judged and evaluated by the independent experts that will assess the partnerships’ proposal. The Commission cannot and should not express itself on concrete constructions.