The European Commission invites students who are currently enrolled in a master's program, in any discipline, at a university in EU member states to become "Young Observers" in the evaluation of the Horizon Europe proposal.

The selected students have a unique opportunity to observe and follow the proposal evaluation process carried out by independent experts from the inside, which enables them to gain new knowledge about the evaluation processes and the possibilities of EU funding programs. This initiative is being promoted as part of the European Year of Youth 2022.

As part of the European Year of Youth 2022, Master's students in the EU are invited to become "Young Observers" in the evaluation of Horizon Europe proposals.

This means that the elected will have the opportunity to see how the EU selects projects for funding.

What are the benefits of being chosen as a young observer:

• • You will observe the work of independent experts who evaluate the proposals. This is a unique opportunity to experience first-hand how the EU budget is used for Horizon Europe, by selecting the best proposals in a fair and impartial evaluation process in a highly competitive environment.
• • You will receive knowledge and support to develop skills relevant to evaluating proposals, gaining an insider's view and news of EU funding program opportunities, which you can use later in your career.
• • If you are selected and successfully participate, you will receive a 'Young Observer' certificate awarded by the European Commission.
• • You will play a key role in testing this new initiative by providing feedback to the European Commission and participating in follow-up activities to encourage young people to get involved in research.

European Year of Youth 2022The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people have strongly affected their lives, education and careers. The European Year of Youth 2022 is dedicated to them.It will strengthen efforts to include youth priorities in relevant EU policy areas and at all levels of the EU decision-making process. Special emphasis is placed on the need to support young people with fewer opportunities in order to gain relevant knowledge and experience and be active and engaged citizens.At all levels, whether national, regional or local, the European Year of Youth aims to support young people to engage in opportunities that can stimulate their personal and professional development. Eligible applicants: Students currently enrolled in a master's program, in any discipline, at a university in an EU member state can apply to this initiative. Students from disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds or who belong to vulnerable and marginalized groups are especially encouraged to apply. If you are eligible, you can apply by completing your profile on the Horizon Europe Funding and Tenders Portal, following the Apply Now instructions Apply

You should also include a brief description of your motivation for becoming a young observer explaining why you should be selected, as well as a letter of recommendation from your mentor/professor.The process of selecting young observers is continuous until the call for proposals closes on December 14, 2022. Young observers will be invited at different times, according to the evaluation schedule. Apply now to increase your chances. If you are selected as a young observer, you will be invited to participate in the evaluations of the Horizon Europe calls, which take place from September 2022. The evaluations cover all fields of science in a broad sense, from social sciences and humanities to natural sciences and engineering.

You will participate from the beginning of the evaluation of the relevant call to the recommendation of the funded proposals in the so-called 'panel meeting'.Evaluations take place online, but in limited cases an evaluation meeting can be held on-site in Brussels. In case of on-site participation, travel and accommodation expenses and per diems are covered by the European Commission. As training, you will have an introductory seminar that will cover all aspects of the evaluation, including practical training and ethical issues (confidentiality, conflict of interest, code of conduct, etc.) to help you become adequately familiar with the process and the topics being evaluated.From the very beginning of your observation of the evaluation process, you will be connected with a mentor from the European Commission, who will accompany you throughout the process. 

Source: EC