Fund for research in the economic and social field
The Ministry of University and Research has published the 2024 FRES call – Fund for research in the economic and social field. The call, in its second edition, finances public and private research projects dedicated in particular to territorial areas with a lower level of development and to the economic and social consequences linked to the Covid-19 health emergency.
Eligible subjects
Foundations, associations, research organizations and any other entity, even jointly, which on the date of submission of the application:
a) has obtained recognition of legal personality;
b) is registered in the section of the National Research Register called "Private research bodies, institutions and organisations", established pursuant to article 1, paragraph 553, of law no. 30 December 2020. 178, by Ministerial Decree n. 564 of 28 April 2021;
c) as an alternative to point b), has started the registration procedure in the section of the National Research Register called "Bodies, institutions and private research organisations" and is in possession of the corresponding APPLICATION CODE referred to in the CERTIFICATE OF APPLICATION ACQUISITION issued from the dedicated platform. In this case, admission to the procedure is in any case to be understood with reservations and conditional on the positive outcome of the registration procedure, without prejudice to the eligibility requirements set out in the previous letters a) and b);
d) is non-profit.
Projects presented jointly may include a maximum of three subjects among those identified above. Each of these subjects can submit only one application.
In the case of joint projects, the lead entity will have to bear the majority of the project expenses, i.e. no less than 60% in the case of two entities and no less than 40% in the case of three entities. It remains understood that in the latter case the two partner entities must individually support a share of less than 40%.
What it finances
to. expenses for staff (employees and non-employees) involved in project activities. Scholarships or research grants do not constitute recognizable costs;
b. expenses for tools and equipment, as long as they are functional and necessary for the realization of the project. In the hypothesis of use of tools and equipment that are already available to the beneficiaries, the eligible expenses correspond to the depreciation quotas corresponding to the quota of use in the research project, calculated according to the principles of good accounting practice. In the case of functional instruments and equipment purchased exclusively for the achievement of the project objectives, the expenditure deemed eligible can also be understood as that incurred for the purchase of new instruments and equipment. In this case, it will be necessary to provide a declaration from the beneficiary at the time of presentation of the project and all useful documentation to demonstrate that the purchase is necessary for the realization of the project. The expense for the purchase of tools and equipment strictly functional to the project cannot exceed a maximum of 7% of personnel expenses. The expense for tools and equipment must also be understood as referring to the depreciation quotas which, therefore, may be cumulated with the expenses incurred for the purchase of functional instruments and equipment and purchased exclusively for the achievement of the project objectives.
c. expenses for scientific consultancy services or technical-scientific assistance used exclusively for the purposes of the project;
d. other operating costs such as, but not limited to, consumables; And. general expenses which must not exceed 10% of personnel costs.
Facilitation
The overall financial endowment is equal to 23,672,101.05 euros.
The projects must have a minimum value of 400,000.00 euros (four hundred thousand/00) and a maximum value of 1,000,000.00 euros (one million/00);
The minimum contribution recognized for projects admitted to financing cannot be less than 50% of the concession request;
Duration
The projects are to be carried out over a maximum period of 24 consecutive months. The start must be between the date of publication of the final ranking of the projects deemed eligible and 45 days following its publication. The deadline for starting the project can be deferred by a maximum of 30 days, in case of justified reasons.
Presentation
From 12:00 on 20 March 2024 and no later than 12:00 on 24 April 2024.
