Building Partnerships in Europe

SNIFFER in Europe 

SNIFFER has accumulated some 20 person years combined experience building good working relationships with networks across Europe and beyond, working in partnership with over 25 organisations from 20 member states that include ministries, research councils, federal agencies, national and independent research agencies and policy institutions. 

SNIFFER is directly involved in 4 projects financed by the European Comission under the ERA-NET (European Research Area Network) scheme. SNIFFER coordinates URBAN-NET (with a focus on urban sustainability), leads a work package on IWRM-NET (integrated water resources management), is a member on CRUE (flooding) and was linked in to SNOWMAN (soil and groundwater pollution). These projects have  opened doors for SNIFFER and it’s members to much wider networks and opportunities, internationally, across Europe and at national and regional levels.

Benefits of European engagement

It makes sense in such economically challenging times to pool resources and efforts and share knowledge and experience to maximise efficiencies and stimulate greater innovation.

Engaging in Europe can:  

• strengthen the position of national and regional partners in European research activities;
• reinforce strategic research cooperation and dialogues with peer groups and policy-makers on important common transnational themes and issues; and increase research capacity at lower cost through access to a wider pool of intellectual and infrastructural assets across Europe.  

Some specific examples include;

• developing best practice and common or comparable datasets, indicators, metrics etc and fast-tracking innovative approaches and methodologies
• engaging in comparative studies, development of key principles, conducting mutual peer-reviews of research outputs, proposals etc.
• optimising synergies and complementarities with other research programmes, networks and fora at transnational, European and international levels

Why SNIFFER? Summary of experience

• SNIFFER recognises that there is a wealth of opportunity in research activities and knowledge transfer that could be more usefully exploited  by UK organisations. SNIFFER  is in a good position to help make this happen. We have the with  knowledge and expertise to help broker and facilitate collaboration in Europe on behalf of research consortia or individual SNIFFER members. This is  demonstrated by; our knowledge of and practical experience in engaging with EC institutions in relation to funding instruments, research and policy development and
• strong working relationships with EC officers and understanding of institutional processes and hierarchies
• hands-on experience of accessing research information systems and good understanding of research policy processes including development of work programmes, influencing and responding to research calls etc.
• High visibility and impact through organising and hosting workshops, conferences and network meetings both in the UK and in Europe, that attract a wide range of stakeholders and internationally renowned experts. 
• A solid track record of securing finances and flexible management  to meet the combined interests and objectives of multipartner consortia.

A SNIFFER service; "The European Gateway"

SNIFFER offers  “The European Gateway” which serves a range of knowledge themes to;

• assist in navigating and identifying appropriate EC funding opportunities,
• support the development of UK research consortia and collaboration with other European partners
• provide help in securingEuropean funds
• locate relevant European professional knowledge networks and national partners, 
• provide targeted and bespoke knowledge and facilitation services on demandservices

For more information contact paul@sniffer.org.uk