Background:
In 2016 the European Space Agency (ESA) introduced the “ESA_Lab@ – Partnering to innovate” initiative as part of ESA’s Basic activities.
Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) – entrusted by the Federal Ministry of Climate Action, Energy, Environment, Mobility, Technology and Innovation (BMK) – supports the establishment of "ESA_Labs@" in Austria. This measure serves goals 5 “Talent and diversity for space”, 3 “Scientific excellence” and 2 “Competitive space sector” of Austria’s Space Strategy 2030+ “People, Climate and Economy – Space is for everyone”.
What is it?
- ESA_Lab@ is a cooperation scheme between ESA and a Partner university to intensify research, development, and outreach. Each participant bears the costs of any expenditure it chooses to incur under such collaboration.
- An ESA_Lab@ should in particular support inspiration, European identity and cohesion to foster the growth of the space sector.
- Eligible participants: exclusively Austrian Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences are eligible to participate in this Call for Expressions of Interest to establishing education partnerships with ESA in the framework of the ESA_Lab@ initiative. Universities can team up with cooperation partners.
How to apply?
- The Guide for Applicants is is available for download here.
- The application form (Expression of Interest) is available for download here.
- Submission: the application form (Expression of Interest) can continuously be submitted to: EoIESALab@ffg.at until 31st December 2024
- Expressions of Interest will be evaluated right away after submission by a Jury composed of ESA experts and the national ESA delegation (FFG and BMK), optionally supplemented by external experts.
- All submitted EoI’s will only be made available to persons involved in the administration of the call, review of proposals and setup of agreements. These persons are subject to strict confidentiality.
- If additional information is required applicants are invited to improve the application once.
- Successful applicants will be invited to conclude a co-operation agreement with FFG.
- After signing the co-operation agreement with FFG, the national ESA delegation will issue a Letter of Support to ESA and applicants will be invited by ESA to conclude a Memorandum of Collaboration to establish an ESA_Lab@.
- The progress of ESA_Lab@ activities will be regularly monitored jointly by ESA and FFG.
Questions?
Please contact FFG regarding the application procedure, selection criteria and co-operation agreement with FFG:
- FFG: Andreas Geisler, andreas.geisler@ffg.at
ESA will be at your disposal with regard to clarifications on running an ESA_Lab@ and the content of the Memorandum of Collaboration:
- ESA: Elisabeth Surgeons, elisabeth.sourgens@esa.int