Connecting
You to EU

Expertise in Engagement, Funding, and Advocacy

What are the challenges?

Engaging with the EU for funding opportunities and lobbying can be a complex process for both EU and non-EU stakeholders. These challenges often stem from regulatory, structural, and competitive barriers that hinder access to resources and strategic influence. Below are just some of these challenges:

  • Complex Application Processes: The application procedures for EU funding programs like Horizon Europe are highly detailed, requiring substantial administrative effort and expertise. This complexity can discourage smaller organizations or those new to the EU framework.

  • High Competition: EU funding is highly competitive, with consortia often including well-established institutions. This makes it difficult for newcomers or less prominent organizations to secure a place in winning proposals.

  • Knowledge Gaps: Many organizations lack awareness of available funding opportunities, eligibility criteria, and best practices for developing competitive proposals.

  • Resource Constraints: Preparing proposals requires significant investment in time, expertise, and financial resources, which can be a barrier for smaller institutions or under-resourced researchers.

  • Regulatory and Legal Barriers: Non-EU organizations, particularly post-Brexit UK institutions, face additional administrative hurdles, such as compliance with EU-specific rules and regulations. This includes negotiating grant agreements and navigating eligibility limitations.

  • Collaboration Challenges: Building partnerships with EU-based institutions can be challenging for non-EU organizations, especially if they lack existing networks or face skepticism from potential collaborators.

  • Limited Access to Policymakers: Influencing EU research priorities requires proximity to Brussels-based institutions and familiarity with EU lobbying mechanisms, which many organizations lack.

  • Insufficient Representation: Non-EU countries and smaller EU member states often struggle to have their voices heard in shaping research agendas, as larger member states or multinational consortia dominate the lobbying landscape.

  • Complex Policy Ecosystem: Understanding the EU’s multifaceted decision-making processes, including the roles of the European Commission, Parliament, and Council, can be daunting for organizations without prior experience.

  • Brexit-Related Disruptions: UK organizations have lost some formal lobbying influence within EU institutions post-Brexit, making it harder to advocate for favorable research policies or priorities.

About me

Hi there! I am your friendly guide to making sense of the EU maze. With years of international experience under my belt, I’ve helped *universities, academics, and businesses turn EU complexities into exciting opportunities. Think of me as your EU decoder, here to help you unlock funding, boost your income, and build partnerships that matter.I am an experienced expert evaluator for the European Commission, assessing Research & Innovation projects, including Missions, Erasmus+, and COST. This insider knowledge gives me a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in EU programs.I know the EU landscape can feel like alphabet soup, but that’s where I come in. Whether it’s figuring out how to access funding, connecting with the right people, or building strategies that deliver results, I have done it all—and I am here to share our know-how with you.Let’s simplify the EU, so you can focus on what you do best: researching, growing, innovating, and making an impact. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Nova Nexus

Services Tailored for You

  • Developing tailored strategies for your institution’s long-term engagement with EU research and innovation ecosystems.

  • Strategic insights into aligning institutional priorities with EU funding agendas.

  • Delivering workshops and training sessions to enhance your staff’s understanding of EU funding mechanisms and proposal development.

  • EU Funding Advisory and Guidance

  • Proposal Development

  • Guidance on building impactful narratives and value propositions for consortia applications.

  • Representation of your organisation in the Brussels ecosystem.

  • Facilitation of Partnerships and Networks.

My Courses

I demystify Horizon Europe by addressing challenges, which you are facing head-on by offering the workshops and guidance on the following topics:

  • How are EU funding works programmes made and how you can benefit from them?

  • Low hanging fruits: how to identify the most suitable funding for your idea.

  • How to prepare a competitive proposal and get ahead of the competition.

  • Proposal writing challenges: tips to overcome them.

  • Consortium building strategies: how to understand who you need for your proposal to be successful.

  • Budgeting and Financial Management: how to prepare a realistic budget and navigate cost categories.

  • Proposal Evaluation Insights

  • Policy Alignment and Impact

Some of my previous and current
collaborators

  • The University of Birmingham

  • The University of Wolverhampton

  • West Midlands European Service

  • EuroTech Universities Alliance

  • Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

  • École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

  • Technion – Israel Institute of Technology

  • Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

  • Technical University of Munich (TUM)

  • Climate Change Solutions Ltd

Collaborate with me

I am excited to collaborate with you to identify the best ways for your EU engagement strategy and to create a bespoke training session or a course tailored to your needs or those of your organization. Building on the topics above and incorporating others as needed, I’ll work closely with you to ensure it’s exactly what you’re looking for. Feel free to reach out—I will be delighted to discuss your ideas!