Below are 4 differences in implementing projects under the Horizon Europe program compared to the LIFE program. It is worth noting that there are more differences, such as the different reporting templates, both technical and financial (see LIFE versus Horizon Europe templates), but this post highlights just 4 of the most notable ones.
Monitors
(Project Officer vs. Project Advisor and External Technical Monitoring Expert)
One key difference is the interaction and monitoring carried out by CINEA for LIFE projects, as opposed to the monitoring done by the European Research Executive Agency (REA) for Horizon Europe projects.
In a LIFE project, there are two key points of contact:
- External Technical Monitoring Expert: This person conducts close monitoring of the project and may carry out on-site visits to verify the technical progress of the project. These monitors work for the company ELMEN EEIG, and the project can contact their monitor through the Helpdesk.
- Project Advisor: This role is equivalent to the Project Officer in Horizon Europe projects. They make relevant and final decisions regarding compliance with the Grant Agreement: management of the Grant Agreement Preparation (GAP), approval and launch of Amendments, administrative and legal issues, etc.
In contrast, a Horizon Europe project has only one Project Officer, who is supported by reviewers when evaluating the project’s deliverables and periodic reports.
KPI Webtool in LIFE
LIFE places special emphasis on monitoring and achieving the project’s established KPIs (“Key Performance Indicators”). The first KPI report (“first extract”) should be uploaded in month 9 of the project as a summary of what has been added to the webtool designed for this purpose, while the second (“final extract”) should be uploaded in the final month of the project. These indicators will also be evaluated 5 years after the project ends, in the context of the “After-LIFE Conservation Plan.”
Of particular interest are the comprehensive guide on managing these KPIs and the guide on navigating the web application.
In Horizon Europe projects, there is no exclusive monitoring of KPIs through dedicated webtools. Progress on project KPIs is reported in the periodic reports and different deliverables.
After-LIFE Conservation Plan
The After-LIFE Plan aims to establish how the project’s beneficiary partners will continue measuring, disseminating, and transferring the results achieved. It is a document produced for public dissemination at the end of the project.
- For Best Practice projects, the After-LIFE Plan will indicate how the actions initiated during the project will continue in the years to come, including the long-term management of habitats, areas, or species.
- For pilot or demonstration projects, the After-LIFE Plan must also account for the dissemination and communication actions that will be carried out.
This is a mandatory report in LIFE projects, whereas it is not required in Horizon Europe projects.
Layman’s Report
The Layman’s Report is a 5 to 10-page document aimed at the general public, published at the end of a LIFE project. It summarizes the results and conclusions of the project in a graphical and accessible way.
This document is required in LIFE projects, unlike in Horizon Europe projects.