
Welcome to Erasmus+ at DCU
At DCU we collaborate with national, European, and international partners in a wide range of activities and projects funded through the Erasmus+ programme, developing excellence, creativity, and innovation in all fields of education and training. Participation in an Erasmus+ project helps build international networks, brings experience in working with EU funding, and can lead to publications and further research funding.
Erasmus+ Call 2023
The Commission is delighted to launch the call for proposals for 2023 under the Erasmus+ programme. With an annual budget of €4.2 billion, Erasmus+ is increasing its support for inclusion, active citizenship and democratic participation, and green and digital transformations in the EU and internationally.
What is the Erasmus+ programme?
Erasmus+ is the EU’s funding programme for Education, Training, Youth, and Sport. First launched in 1987, the current programme (2021-2027) provides approximately €9 billion of funding for collaborative projects, as well as €20 billion for individual mobility grants for teachers and learners. Most projects are carried out in consortia of universities and other organisations from 3 or more countries, with funding per project ranging from €30,000 to €4 million depending on the Call, the duration of the project, and the number of partners.
Benefits of participating in an Erasmus+ project
Participating in an Erasmus+ project brings valuable experience in national and international collaboration for new researchers, and can be a means of achieving systemic impact at European or international level. Through an Erasmus+ project you can:
- Access funding for a wide range of activities
- Collaborate with trans-sectoral and international partners
- Develop excellence, creativity, and innovation in your field of expertise
- Have a positive impact on your chosen target group
- Gain experience in working with EU funding
The aim of Erasmus+ is to support the educational, professional and personal development of people in education, training, youth and sport, to contribute to sustainable growth, quality jobs and social cohesion, to drive innovation and to strengthen European identity and active citizenship.
The 2021-2027 programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, and the green and digital transitions.
Erasmus+ Project Gallery
Activities supported by the Erasmus+ programme are divided into Key Actions, each of which have a number of sub-actions and distinct Calls for a range of different projects.
KA1 | Learning mobility of individuals | |
KA2 | Cooperation projects among organisations and institutions | |
KA3 | Support to policy development and cooperation | |
JM | Jean Monnet |
Key Action 1 (KA1) is for individual mobilities (e.g. student exchanges, teacher visits, staff training visits) which are managed at DCU by the Placements Office
Key Action 2 (KA2) supports a wide range of projects of varying size and scope from enabling transformation and change at individual, organisational, or sectoral level to achieving systemic impact at European level.
Key Action 3 (KA3) provides support to policy cooperation at EU level.
Jean Monnet Actions support teaching and research in the field of European Union studies worldwide and includes the following sub-actions: Modules; Chairs; Centres of Excellence; Teacher Trainings
The EC’s 5-page Erasmus+ Factsheet (2021) provides an overview of the 2021-2027 programme and an introduction to the programme’s priorities and different actions.
Key Action 2 (KA2) - Cooperation among organisations and institutions
KA2 supports a number of Actions, ranging in size, scope and impact, and presented in three clusters:
- Partnerships for Cooperation
- Partnership for Excellence
- Partnerships for Innovation
This Key Action is expected to result in the development, transfer and/or implementation of innovative practices at organisational, local, regional, national or European levels.
PARTNERSHIPS FOR COOPERATION
This action enables participating organisations to gain experience in international cooperation and to strengthen their capacities, while also producing high-quality innovative deliverables. These projects range in size, scope and levels of funding and cover diverse activities.
Cooperation Partnerships
The primary goal of Cooperation Partnerships is to support the development, transfer, and implementation of innovative practices as well as the implementation of joint initiatives promoting cooperation, peer learning, and exchanges of experience at European level.
Cooperation Partnerships are the most commonly awarded type of Erasmus+ project at DCU. If you are participating in an Erasmus+ project for the first time, a good place to start is as a partner in a Cooperation Partnership, which can be in any of the following fields:
- School education
- Higher education
- Vocational and educational training
- Adult education
- Sport
- Youth
Funding for these projects ranges from €100,000 - €400,000, depending on the number of partners (min 3, max 10) and the duration of the project (1-3 years).
Small-scale Partnerships
Small-scale partnerships are aimed at grassroots organisations, less experienced organisations, and newcomers to the Programme. They are similar in structure to Cooperation Partnerships but with lower grant amounts awarded to organisations, shorter duration, and simpler administrative requirements. While these don't typically involve HEIs experienced in Erasmus+, DCU was a partner in 2 proposals submitted in 2022 in the field of adult education.
PARTNERSHIPS FOR EXCELLENCE
Erasmus Mundus Actions
Erasmus Mundus will constitute one of a number of pillars within the University’s strategy from 2022, principally its T&L and Internationalisation component strategies.
The action aims to foster excellence and world-wide internationalisation of higher education institutions via study programmes – at master course level – jointly delivered and jointly recognised by higher education institutions established in Europe, and open to institutions in other countries of the world.
An Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) is delivered by multiple higher education institutions and run across various countries. The award provides scholarships, for which students from all over the world can apply, and a contribution to institutional costs. It is also a flag of excellence. The EMJM aims to enhance the attractiveness and excellence of European higher education in the world and attract talent to Europe, through a combination of:
- institutional academic cooperation to showcase European excellence in higher education
- individual mobility for all students taking part in the EMJM, with EU-funded scholarships for the best students applying
The Erasmus Mundus Design Measure (EMDM) award provides €55,000 for a 15-month preparation period for designing an EMJM. This offers an opportunity for DCU academics who may wish to coordinate EMJM programmes, to understand and address all of the key issues with these programmes prior to a full application.
Erasmus+ Teacher Academies
The overall objective of this action is to create European partnerships of teacher education and training providers to set up Erasmus+ Teacher Academies that will develop a European and international outlook in teacher education. These Academies will embrace multilingualism, language awareness and cultural diversity, develop teacher education in line with the EU’s priorities in education policy, and contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the European Education Area. Introduced to Erasmus+ under the current programme, 4 proposals were submitted by the Institute of Education in 2022.
Centres of Vocational Excellence
This action supports the gradual establishment and development of international collaborative networks of Centres of Vocational Excellence, contributing to creating skills ecosystems for innovation, regional development, and social inclusion.
European Universities
DCU participates in ECIU (European Consortium of Innovative Universities), which secured funding through the 2018 and 2022 Calls. This action supports the emergence of bottom-up networks of higher education institutions, which will bring cross-border cooperation to the next level of ambition, through the development of joint long-term strategies for top-quality education, research and innovation, based on a common vision and shared values.
PARTNERSHIPS FOR INNOVATION
The aim of projects under this action is to achieve systemic impact at European level. They focus on thematic areas that are strategic for Europe's growth and competitiveness and social cohesion.
Alliances for Innovation
This action is aimed at fostering strategic cooperation between key players in higher education and vocational education and training, business and research. Projects aim to foster innovation and modernisation of education and training systems, supporting the development of the skills, knowledge and competences needed in sectors that are strategic for Europe's sustainable growth.
Forward-looking Projects
This action aims to foster the innovation, creativity and participation required to confront growing and complex societal challenges. Projects address issues such as climate change, the protection of bio-diversity, clean energy, public health, digitalization and automation, artificial intelligence, robotics and data analysis.
Capacity Building (in the field of Higher Education, VET, Youth or Sport)
This action supports international cooperation projects based on multilateral partnerships between organisations active in the field of Higher Education, VET, Youth or Sport. They aim to support the relevance, quality, modernisation, accessibility and responsiveness of institutions and systems, to act as a driver of sustainable socio-economic development, and to promote values as well as educational tools to promote the personal and social development of individuals and build more cohesive communities.
Familiarisation with EU priorities for the E+ programme and the details of the Call
While Erasmus+ is predominantly a 'bottom-up' funding programme, meaning that proposal ideas are developed by the applicants, it is built around a clear set of EU priorities. The priorities that run through every action - known as the horizontal priorities - are: inclusion and diversity; digital transformation; and environment and climate action. While these aren’t necessarily your focus, projects should always support one or more of these priorities. When preparing a proposal, it is important to be familiar with these priorities, as well as those specific to the action under which you are applying.
A good place to start is the Erasmus+ Programme Guide. Part A provides general but essential information relevant to all actions and project types and will give you an understanding of the overall objectives of the Programme. Part B details each different action - here you will find the objectives, eligibility criteria, award criteria, and funding rules for each action.
Finding partners
PIs often develop E+ project ideas with existing contacts. The advantage of this is that you are working with partners whom you know and trust, and your prior collaboration is evidence to support the quality of the partnership.
DCU is one of 13 universities working together in the E+ funded European University alliance, the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU) If you are looking for new contacts to develop a proposal with, there may be advantages in searching for partners within the ECIU consortium. These universities are trusted partners at institutional level, and there are multiple networks and connections running through the consortium which might support your project.
You might be invited to join a partnership because you have the expertise needed. This might be through a mutual contact, or it can be a cold call. The EC application portal includes a partner-search database; access is through links under each Call. These approaches can present valuable opportunities to develop your network and get you known abroad. However, you should feel confident about the quality of the partnership before committing.
Further information and support
EU: Most Erasmus+ actions are 'centralised' meaning that they are managed directly by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) . Applications are submitted through the European Commission’s Erasmus+ projects application portal.
Ireland: Some Erasmus+ actions are 'decentralised', including Partnerships for Cooperation. Projects under this action are managed by National Erasmus+ Agencies. In Ireland, we have 2. Actions in Higher Education are managed by the HEA while Leargas manages actions in Adult Education, School Education, Vocational Education and Training, and Youth. The application portal is still a Commission website.
DCU: Support for staff wishing to apply for Erasmus+ projects is provided by the Erasmus+ Development Officer who is based in DCU Research Support. Contact: Dr Sophie Ball. Oversight of proposals with teaching content is shared with the Office of the Vice-President Academic Affairs.
Recordings and presentations Recordings and copies of the slides of information sessions by Sophie Ball and by the National E+ Agency Leargas can be accessed here.
DCU's Erasmus+ 2021 awards are listed below. Please contact Sophie Ball for details of previous awards. We are currently waiting to hear the outcomes of 2022 applications.
Faculty or Unit |
School/Unit/Research Centre |
PI |
Acronym and Title |
Action |
AFU |
Age Friendly Unit |
Christine O'Kelly |
COPE: Culture on Prescription in Europe: Health promotion through cultural learning experiences |
Cooperation Partnership: Adult Ed |
FHSS |
Law & Government |
Christian Kaunert |
EUCTIRL: Explaining and Understanding the EU & Counter-Terrorism in Ireland and Globally |
Jean Monnet Chair |
FHSS |
Law & Government |
Christian Kaunert |
EUACADEMY: Virtually Open EU Academy: Continuous Professional Development for Teachers on the EU in Ireland and beyond |
Jean Monnet Teacher Training |
FHSS |
Law & Government |
Christian Kaunert |
EUCTER: EU Counter Terrorism Network |
Jean Monnet Network |
FHSS |
Law & Government |
Edoardo Celeste |
EMILDAI: European Master in Law, Data and Artificial Intelligence |
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters |
FHSS |
Fiontar agus Scoil na Gaeilge |
Emer Ní Bhrádaigh |
RevitaLESE EU: Revitalising EU Long Established Social Economy Organisations |
Cooperation Partnership: VET |
FHSS |
Law & Government / Brexit Institute |
Federico Fabbrini |
REBUILD: Recovery of Europe, Budget of the Union: Integration, Law & Democracy |
Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence |
FHSS |
Theology, Philosophy & Music |
John O'Flynn |
IN-VOICE4Empowerment: Fostering social inclusion in youth through the development of innovative choral pedagogies and digital technologies and practices |
Cooperation Partnership: School Ed |
FSH |
Nursing, Psychotherapy & Community Health |
Daniela Lehwaldt |
AHEAD: Assessment in Healthcare EducAtion goes Digital |
Cooperation Partnership: VET |
FSH |
Nursing, Psychotherapy & Community Health |
Liam MacGabhann |
EEEFCOM: Embedding an Emancipatory Educational Framework in Communities for people marginalised and excluded because of mental health and/or substance misuse issues |
Cooperation Partnership: Adult Ed |
FSH |
Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health |
Sean Healy |
IDEAL 2:0: Inclusive and Equitable sport for people with Autism and Intellectual Disability |
Cooperation Partnership: Sport |
IoE |
STEM Education, Innovation & Global Studies |
Caitriona Ni Cassaithe |
LETHE: (e-)Learning the invisible history of Europe through material culture |
Cooperation Partnership: School Ed |
IoE |
STEM Education Innovation & Global Studies |
Cliona Murphy |
e^4: Higher Educational tools for an Embodied & creative Education on Energy |
Cooperation Partnership: Higher Ed |
IoE |
Anti-Bullying Centre |
Colm Canning |
BEFORE: Anti-Bullying Education For SpORts CoachEs |
Cooperation Partnership: VET |
IoE |
STEM Education, Innovation & Global Studies |
Deirdre Butler |
AI4T: Artificial Intelligence for and by Teachers |
KA3 European policy experimentations |
IoE |
Policy & Practice |
Francesca Lorenzi |
CREATION POP:A creative social prescription approach: promoting wellbeing of persons of older age through creativity-based intergenerational activities |
Cooperation Partnership: Adult Ed |
IoE |
Human Development |
Geraldine Scanlon |
TAC: Teaching AD(H)D Children |
Cooperation Partnership: School Ed |
IoE |
Language, Literacy & Early Childhood Education |
Mathias Urban |
IECSP: Integrated Early Childhood Systems and Policies |
Erasmus Mundus Design Measures |
IoE |
Language, Literacy & Early Childhood Education |
Mathias Urban |
RECOdE: Reflecting Cultures of Education - Transnationality and Cultural Awareness in Early Childhood Education Programs |
Cooperation Partnership: Higher Ed |
IoE |
Inclusive & Special Education |
Neil Kenny |
YAB: Young Ambassadors against Bullying |
Cooperation Partnership: School Ed |
IoE |
STEM Education, Innovation & Global Studies |
Orla Kelly |
APOLE: Outdoor Education meets Risky Play: Teaching, Learning & Adventurous Play Outdoors in Primary Schools |
Cooperation Partnership: School Ed |
IoE |
Policy & Practice |
Trudy Corrigan |
SmartHome4seniors: SmartHome Automation for Seniors using simple DIY solutions |
Cooperation Partnership: Adult Ed |
IoE |
STEM Education, Innovation & Global Studies |
Yvonne Crotty |
KLab4Sus: Kids Lab for Sustainability |
Cooperation Partnership: School Ed |
NIDL |
Open Education |
Eamon Costello |
HIP: Hacking Innovative Pedagogies |
Cooperation Partnership: Higher Ed |
NIDL (ECIU) |
|
Mark Brown |
MicroNet: The establishment of a European transnational peer support and learning network for university micro-credentials |
KA3 EHEA Reforms |
Our Research Newsletter is issued monthly by the Research Support Office with updates about research funding news, successes and current developments inside and outside of DCU.