The funding decisions were taken based on the recommendations of the Steering Committee. Supported by experts from abroad, the committee assessed the 123 submitted pre-proposals. Thirty-five project leaders were then invited to submit a full proposal. After a second assessment process, 27 projects were approved. As some aspects set out in the implementation plan are not yet covered, the Steering Committee will launch a second call in mid-April.

The submission deadline for research proposals is 15 June 2012.