Text consolidated by Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) with amending regulations of: 6 December 2016 [shall come into force from 13 December 2016]; 19 September 2017 [shall come into force from 29 September 2017]; 8 January 2019 [shall come into force from 11 January 2019]; 2 April 2019 [shall come into force from 5 April 2019]; 12 May 2020 [shall come into force from 19 May 2020]. If a whole or part of a paragraph has been amended, the date of the amending regulation appears in square brackets at the end of the paragraph. If a whole paragraph or sub-paragraph has been deleted, the date of the deletion appears in square brackets beside the deleted paragraph or sub-paragraph.

Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 50 Adopted 19 January 2016

Regulations Regarding the Implementation of Activity 1.1.1.2 "Post-doctoral Research Aid" of the Specific Objective 1.1.1 "To Increase the Research and Innovative Capacity of Scientific Institutions of Latvia and the Ability to Attract External Financing, Investing in Human Resources and Infrastructure" of the Operational Programme "Growth and Employment"

Issued pursuant to
Section 20, Clauses 6 and 13 of the Law
on the Management of European Union Structural
Funds and the Cohesion Fund for
the 2014-2020 Programming Period

I. General Provisions

1. This Regulation prescribes:

1.1. the procedures by which Activity 1.1.1.2 "Post-doctoral Research Aid" of the Specific Objective 1.1.1 "To increase the research and innovative capacity of scientific institutions of Latvia and the ability to attract external financing, investing in human resources and infrastructure" of the Operational Programme "Growth and Employment" (hereinafter - the Activity) shall be implemented;

1.2. the objective of the Activity;

1.3. the financing available to the Activity;

1.4. the requirements for the project applicant of the European Regional Development Fund;

1.5. the eligibility conditions of aided activities and costs;

1.6. the conditions and procedures for the application of simplified costs;

1.7. the conditions for a unilateral notice of termination of a project implementation agreement.

2. The following terms are used in this Regulation:

2.1. research application related to non-economic activity - a research application that conforms to the following criteria:

2.1.1. the research application is implemented by a scientific institution that conforms to the definition of research organisation referred to in Sub-paragraph 2.11 of this Regulation;

2.1.2. activities limited in scope or activities of non-economic nature are implemented in the research application;

2.2. research application related to economic activity - a research application that conforms to one or all of the following criteria:

2.2.1. the research application is implemented by a scientific institution that does not conform to the definition of research organisation, or by a micro, small, medium-sized or large enterprise registered in the Enterprise Register of the Republic of Latvia;

2.2.2. economic activities are implemented in the research application;

2.3. activity of non-economic nature - activity of a research organisation which does not fall within the scope of activity specified in Article 107(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (Official Journal of the European Union, 30.03.2010, C 83/47), including:

2.3.1. education activities in order to achieve an increase in the number and qualification of the staff;

2.3.2. independent research and development to obtain more knowledge and better understanding, including joint research and development by involvement of the research organisation in efficient co-operation;

2.3.3. distribution of research results without exclusivity and discrimination, including using teaching, free access data bases, open publications, or open source software;

2.3.4. activities related to knowledge and technology transfer, if:

2.3.4.1. the activities related to knowledge and technology transfer are performed by a division of the research organisation or a subsidiary undertaking of the research organisation (such commercial company in which the participation share of the parent undertaking exceeds 50 per cent or in which the parent undertaking has majority of votes and which conforms to the definition of the research organisation referred to in Sub-paragraph 2.11 of this Regulation), the research organisation together with other research organisations or the research organisation with third parties, concluding contracts regarding certain services in an open call for proposals;

2.3.4.2. any profit from such activity is reinvested in operating activities of the research organisation;

2.4. efficient co-operation - co-operation conforming to the conditions of Article 2(90) of Commission Regulation (EU) No°651/2014 of 17 June 2014 declaring certain categories of aid compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty (Official Journal of the European Union, 26.06.2014, L 187) (hereinafter - Commission Regulation No 651/2014);

2.5. fundamental research - activities which conform to the definition laid down in Article 2(84) of Commission Regulation No 651/2014;

2.6. undertaking in difficulty - an enterprise which conforms to the definition laid down in Article 2(18) of Commission Regulation No 651/2014;

2.7. activity limited in scope - an economic activity of a research organisation which conforms to the following criteria:

2.7.1. it is closely related to the operation of the research organisation and use in the field not related to the economic activity;

2.7.2. the same resources (for example, materials, equipment, labour force, and equity capital) are consumed for it as for activities not related to the economic activity;

2.7.3. the financial capacity assigned thereto each year does not exceed 20 per cent from the total annual financial capacity of the relevant structure;

2.8. transparent aid category - type of aid which conforms to Article 5(2) of Commission Regulation No 651/2014 and which is issued in the form of a grant;

2.9. post-doctoral researcher - a Latvian or foreign scientist who has obtained a doctoral degree not earlier than five years (in the first and second round of selecting research applications) or not earlier than 10 years (in the third and subsequent rounds of selecting research applications) before the final date for the submission of a research application. This time period may be extended for a period of two years, if the person has a justified reason:

2.9.1. parental leave;

2.9.2. temporary work disability;

2.9.¹ international post-doctoral researcher - a Latvian or foreign scientist who has obtained a doctoral degree before the final date for the submission of an international research application, or scientific staff with at least four years of full-time equivalent research experience before the final date for the submission of an international research application;

2.10. large enterprise - an enterprise which conforms to the definition laid down in Article 2(24) of Commission Regulation No 651/2014;

2.11. research organisation - an authority which conforms to the definition laid down in Article 2(83) of Commission Regulation No 651/2014;

2.12. research application - an individual aid project for research, training, and networking which is submitted and, by employing a post-doctoral researcher, implemented by a scientific institution or a small (micro), small, medium-sized or large enterprise (hereinafter - the enterprise);

2.12.¹ international research application - an individual aid project for research, training, and networking which is submitted by a scientific institution in selection of international research applications and is not related to economic activity, is implemented by a scientific institution and in which an international post-doctoral researcher is employed;

2.13. intensity of public funding - total amount of the funding from the European Regional Development Fund and of the funding from the State budget in per cent from the total eligible costs of the project;

2.14. industrial research - activities which conform to the definition laid down in Article 2(85) of Commission Regulation No 651/2014;

2.15. economic activity - any activity which includes the offering of goods or services on the market, including lease of research infrastructure, services implemented upon assignment of enterprises, or contractual research;

2.16. micro, small and medium-sized enterprise - an enterprise which conforms to the definitions laid down in Annex 1 to Commission Regulation No 651/2014;

2.17. technology rights - the know-how and other rights or their combination, including applications of the abovementioned rights or registration applications conforming to the definition laid down in Article 1(b) of Commission Regulation (EU) No 316/2014 of 21 March 2014 on the application of Article 101(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to categories of technology transfer agreements (Official Journal of the European Union, 28.03.2014, L 93) (hereinafter - Commission Regulation No 316/2014);

2.18. scientific staff - a senior research scientist, a researcher, and a scientific assistant;

2.19. scientific institution - a scientific institute registered in the Register of Scientific Institutions of the Republic of Latvia (public agency, derived public person, or legal person governed by private law) or an institution of higher education.

[19 September 2017; 2 April 2019]

3. The purpose of the Activity is to develop the skills of new scientists and to increase the scientific capacity, ensuring the possibilities for new scientists to start a career in scientific institutions and with enterprises, as well as broadening of research competences, renewal of human resources, and increase in the number of qualified specialists.

4. Within the scope of the Activity, such research applications and international research applications are aided which contribute to achieving the objectives of the Strategy for Smart Specialisation of Latvia, implementation of growth priorities, or development of specialisation fields.

[19 September 2017]

5. The target group of the Activity is scientific institutions, scientists, institutions of higher education, enterprises registered with the Enterprise Register of the Republic of Latvia.

6. The following supervision indicators should be achieved within the scope of the Activity:

6.1. outcome indicators:

6.1.1. by 31 December 2018:

6.1.1.1. the number of new researchers in aided units (the full-time equivalent) - 66;

6.1.1.2. the number of scientific publications for the development and publishing of which aid within the scope of research applications was provided - 192;

6.1.1.3. the number of new products and technologies which may be marketed and for the development of which aid within the scope of a research application was provided - 41;

6.1.1.4. the private investments which supplement the State aid for innovations or research and development projects - EUR 640 000;

6.1.1.5. the number of enterprises which co-operate with research institutions - 25;

6.1.2. by 31 December 2023:

6.1.2.1. the number of new researchers in aided units (the full-time equivalent) - 118;

6.1.2.2. the number of scientific publications for the development and publishing of which aid within the scope of research applications was provided - 1087;

6.1.2.3. the number of new products and technologies which may be marketed and for the development of which aid within the scope of a research application was provided - 195;

6.1.2.4. the private investments which supplement the State aid for innovations or research and development projects - EUR 897 429;

6.1.2.5. the number of enterprises which co-operate with research institutions - 76;

6.1.2.6. the number of new researchers (the full-time equivalent) who have broadened competence within the scope of the project, including processes for career development and staff renewal - 113;

6.2. the financial indicator - by 31 December 2018 certified expenditures in the amount of 9,721,734 euros;

6.3. specific outcome indicators:

6.3.1. by 31 December 2018 a project application has been developed and submitted in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie action "Co-funding of Regional, National and International Programmes (COFUND)" of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020" (hereinafter - the COFUND project), and it has received a score above the quality threshold;

6.3.2. by 31 December 2023 at least 70 per cent of the aided new researchers are involved in activities of scientific communication;

6.4. contribute to achieving the following joint indicators of the specific objective:

6.4.1. the average number of scientific publications per one full-time equivalent of scientific staff per year - 0.48;

6.4.2. external financing attracted by the State and higher education sector for scientific research work - 160 160 000 euros.

[19 September 2017; 8 January 2019; 2 April 2019; 12 May 2020]

7. The Activity shall be implemented in the form of a limited selection of project applications.

8. The functions of the responsible institution within the scope of the Activity shall be carried out by the Ministry of Education and Science (hereinafter - the responsible institution).

9. The total eligible funding available for the Activity is EUR 51 029 231, including funding from the European Regional Development Fund - EUR 43 374 846, co-funding from the State budget - EUR 5 136 885, and national private co-funding - EUR 2 517 500. The total eligible funding planned for implementation of research applications is EUR 47 913 758, including funding from the European Regional Development Fund - EUR 40 726 694, co-funding from the State budget - EUR 4 669 564, and national private co-funding - EUR 2 517 500.

[12 May 2020]

9.¹ If the Research Executive Agency of the European Commission approves the COFUND project developed and submitted by the beneficiary referred to in Paragraph 12 of this Regulation and grants funding for its implementation, the funding available for implementation of the Activity shall be EUR 58 814 231, including funding from the European Commission - EUR 5 310 000, funding from the European Regional Development Fund - EUR 43 374 846, co-funding from the State budget - EUR 7 611 885, and national private co-funding - EUR 2 517 500. The funding planned for the implementation of project applications is EUR 54 834 758, including funding from the European Commission - EUR 4 725 000, funding from the European Regional Development Fund - EUR 40 489 544, co-funding from the State budget - EUR 7 102 714, and national private co-funding - EUR 2 517 500.

[12 May 2020]

9.² The funding planned for the implementation of the COFUND project is EUR 11 422 800, including funding from the European Commission - EUR 5 310 000 and co-funding from the State budget - EUR 2 475 000. The funding for the Activity 1.1.1.2 "Post-doctoral Research Aid" is EUR 3 637 800, formed by the funding from the European Regional Development Fund - EUR 3 092 130, funding from the State budget - EUR 363 780, and own funding of the international research applicant - EUR 181 890. Of the total aforementioned funding, EUR 10 558 800 are planned for the implementation of international research applications, and EUR 864 000 - for the beneficiary.

[19 September 2017]

10. The Activity shall be implemented in one round of selecting project applications for the whole funding planned for the Activity.

11. The co-operation authority shall take a decision to approve, conditionally approve, or reject a project application within two months from the final date for submission of a project application which has been specified in the regulation of the selection of project application.

II. Requirements for a Project Applicant

12. A project applicant within the scope of the Activity is the State Education Development Agency which, after a project implementing agreement has been entered into, is also the beneficiary of the financing from the European Regional Development Fund (hereinafter - the beneficiary).

13. The project applicant shall prepare a project application according to the requirements specified in the regulation of the selection of project applications and submit it to the co-operation authority. The following documents developed by the Latvian Rector's Council, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Latvian Council of Science, and the Association of State Scientific Institutes and co-ordinated with the Ministry of Education and Science shall be appended to the project application:

13.1. the procedures and order for selecting research applications;

13.2. the documents of the first selection round of research applications:

13.2.1. the regulation of the selection of research applications;

13.2.2. the criteria for evaluation of research applications and methodology for application thereof;

13.2.3. the sample form of the research application and methodology for completion thereof.

14. The beneficiary:

14.1. shall announce the first call for the selection of research applications within two months after a project implementation agreement has been entered into;

14.2. shall develop and after co-ordination with the Ministry of Education and Science approve the rules of procedures of the commission for evaluation of research applications;

14.3. shall organise a scientific quality evaluation of research applications that will be carried out by the experts included in the database of experts of the European Commission, applying the evaluation approach and principles of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie action "Individual Fellowships" of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020";

14.4. shall assess research applications and take a decision to approve research applications, including providing for the procedures in the selection regulation by which research applications shall be evaluated if they have received the same number of points;

14.5. accumulate data regarding research applications in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding establishment and use of the information system for the management of European Union Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund.

[19 September 2017]

15. The beneficiary shall enter into contracts with research applicants regarding implementation of research applications. In addition to the information specified in the laws and regulations regarding the procedures by which the institutions involved in the management of European Union Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund shall ensure preparation of planning documents and introduction of such funds in the 2014-2020 programming period, the following information shall be included in the contract:

15.1. the type of the research application (research application related to economic activity or related to non-economic activity), aided activities, and the values to be achieved of the indicators referred to in Sub-paragraphs 6.1.2, 6.2, and 6.4 of this Regulation;

15.2. the planned amount of the total and public funding, the total eligible costs and their distribution according to the types of investments;

15.3. the procedures by which the quality of aided activities to be implemented by the research applicant shall be controlled and the scientific quality shall be evaluated;

15.4. the procedures by which checks shall be performed at the location where the research application is implemented, including providing for a possibility for the co-operation authority to perform checks at the location where the research application is implemented;

15.5. the rights, obligations, responsibility of the research applicant and the procedures for providing reports, including involvement in activities of scientific communication;

15.6. the procedures by which an advance payment shall be granted to the research applicant, as well as the procedures for extinguishing and recovery of the advance payment disbursed;

15.7. the procedures by which the parties involved shall amend or terminate a contract on the implementation of a research application.

16. The beneficiary shall co-ordinate the draft contract referred to in Paragraph 15 of this Regulation with the Ministry of Education and Science prior to entering into contracts with research applicants.

17. The beneficiary shall plan funding for the research applicant within the scope of the project for the performance of the aided activities referred to in Paragraph 33 of this Regulation.

18. In order to assess the scientific quality of research applications, the beneficiary shall ensure selection of appropriate experts included in the database of experts of the European Commission or equivalent database of foreign scientific experts, using the following selection criteria:

18.1. the expert has doctoral degree in science;

18.2. the scientific qualification of the expert conforms to the field or subfield of science of the particular research application;

18.3. the previous evaluation competence and work experience of the expert conforms to the field or subfield of science of the particular research application;

18.4. the expert carries out evaluation independently, he or she does not represent the institutions of the research applicant, and his or her actions do not contain circumstances that could result in a conflict of interests.

[2 April 2019]

19. The beneficiary shall ensure evaluation of the scientific quality of the mid-term and final results of research applications for the supervision of the implementation of a research application in conformity with the following conditions:

19.1. the evaluation shall be performed by experts included in the database of experts of the European Commission or equivalent database of foreign scientific experts who meet the criteria referred to in Paragraph 18 of this Regulation;

19.2. the beneficiary shall develop and co-ordinate the standard forms of evaluation with the responsible institution by including therein the requirement for the expert to evaluate and justify the extent to which the planned results of research applications have been achieved (by also expressing the outcome of evaluation in percentage);

19.3. the conclusions and recommendations of the mid-term result evaluation shall be evaluated by the beneficiary, the research applicant, and the responsible institution, if necessary, agreeing upon amendments to the working plan of the research application;

19.4. the evaluation of the scientific quality of final results shall be used for making of a decision on the achievement of the objective and planned results of the research application. On the basis of the final evaluation on the level of achievement of the planned results of the research application, the beneficiary shall take the decision to recover the disbursed financing according to the contract on the implementation of research applications.

[2 April 2019]

III. Requirements for a Research Applicant

20. A research applicant is a scientific institution or a micro, small, medium-sized or large enterprise registered with the Enterprise Register of the Republic of Latvia which establishes employment legal relations with a post-doctoral researcher and ensures access to infrastructure and human resources for the implementation of the research necessary within the scope of the research application. The research application may be implemented individually or in partnership with a scientific institution, higher education institution, or enterprise of a foreign country or Latvia (hereinafter - the co-operation partner) which admits the post-doctoral researcher and ensures access to the infrastructure or human resources. The co-operation partner may gain economic advantages and intellectual property rights arising from the activities carried out by the co-operation partner within the scope of the research application.

[12 May 2020]

21. If the research application is implemented in partnership with a scientific institution, higher education institution, or enterprise of a foreign country or Latvia, the research and co-operation partner shall, after approval of the research application, conclude the co-operation contract providing therein conditions for the substantive, technical and financial co-operation, rights, obligations and liability of the parties, and also right to the results of the research application (including intellectual property rights) in proportion to the contribution of each co-operation partner in the implementation of the research application, and access to the infrastructure and other resources of the co-operation partner for the implementation of the necessary research within the scope of the research application.

[12 May 2020]

22. The following requirements shall be brought forward for the research applicant and co-operation partner:

22.1. the outstanding recovery order referred to in Article 1(4)(a) of Commission Regulation No 651/2014 does not apply to them;

22.2. they are not in financial difficulty in accordance with Sub-paragraph 2.6 of this Regulation;

22.3. if any of the fields in which the research applicant or co-operation partner is operating is not eligible for aid, and the research applicant or co-operation partner applies for the implementation of a research application in aided field, the research applicant shall, within the scope of the research application, clearly separate activities in aided fields and financial flows related to the implementation thereof from activities and financial flows of other fields during implementation of the research application and for three years after implementation of the research application, if the research applicant conforms to the definition of a micro, small or medium-sized enterprise, and for five years after implementation of the research application, if it conforms to the definition of a large enterprise or if the research applicant implements a research application related to non-economic activity;

22.4. if the research applicant performs both economic activities and activities of non-economic nature, it shall separate the types of activities and their costs, financing and revenue in order to efficiently prevent cross-subsidisation of economic activity.

23. The research applicant shall prepare a research application and, within the time period specified in an open call for research proposals, submit to the beneficiary an individual research application for each research of a post-doctoral researcher in accordance with the regulation for the selection of research applications, including submitting a description of the scientific part, the curriculum vitae (CV) of the post-doctoral researcher in English language.

[2 April 2019]

24. The research applicant may submit one or several research applications within the scope of an open call for the selection of research applications.

25. The research applicant:

25.1. prior to submission of research applications to the beneficiary, may develop procedures for the selection of post-doctoral applications in accordance with the human resources development plan and the research programme of the institution;

25.2. shall submit a research application to the beneficiary and implement it in co-operation with the post-doctoral researcher, ensuring that both parties reach an agreement regarding the content of the research application, the conditions for technical and financial co-operation, the rights, obligations, and liability of the parties, the conditions for the use, introduction, publicity, and marketing of results of the research application;

25.3. [2 April 2019];

25.4. shall attract a full-time post-doctoral researcher for the implementation of the research application, performing accounting of working time regarding the functions fulfilled and the time worked by the post-doctoral researcher.

[19 September 2017]

26. The research applicant may also submit, within the scope of the Activity, a project for attraction of a foreign post-doctoral researcher which was submitted in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie action "Individual Fellowships" of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020" and received a score above the quality threshold in the abovementioned evaluation of project applications, however, did not receive funding for project implementation. In such case conformity with the following conditions must be ensured in order to apply for funding within the scope of the Activity:

26.1. the research application contributes to achievement of the objectives of the Strategy for Smart Specialisation of Latvia referred to in Paragraph 4 of this Regulation or to implementation of growth priorities;

26.2. the total funding of the research application does not exceed the maximum total eligible amount of funding of the research application indicated in Paragraph 47 of this Regulation and the limitations of costs referred to in Paragraph 48;

26.3. [2 April 2019].

27. The experts included in the database of experts of the European Commission shall not be attracted repeatedly for the evaluation of the scientific quality of the research applications and international research applications referred to in Paragraph 26 of this Regulation, but the evaluation of the scientific quality of the project made by experts and received within the scope of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie action "Individual Fellowships" of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020" shall be used.

[19 September 2017]

28. The research application and international research application referred to in Paragraph 26 of this Regulation shall be submitted based on the sample research application form referred to in Sub-paragraph 13.2.3 of this Regulation, the outcome of the evaluation of the experts included in the database of experts of the European Commission referred to in Paragraph 27 of this Regulation on the scientific quality of the project, the decision of the European Commission to approve the project, and a copy of the project application submitted within the scope of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie action "Individual Fellowships" of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020" shall be appended thereto.

[19 September 2017]

29. In order to ensure that the conditions referred to in Paragraphs 58 and 62 of this Regulation are fulfilled and to prevent the risk of double financing, the research applicant shall ensure accounting of the total working time and the performed work of the employee involved in the research application according to the sample form for accounting of working time developed by the beneficiary, in conformity with the following conditions for accounting of working time:

29.1. information regarding all tasks carried out by the scientific employee involved in the research application in the institution of the research applicant and of the co-operation partner (if applicable) is included in the accounting of working time;

29.2. the directly related category of research is indicated for each activity related to the research.

30. The post-doctoral researcher involved in implementation of a research application and the international post-doctoral researcher involved in implementation of an international research application shall provide a statement that he or she does not receive remuneration concurrently within the scope of this Activity and within the scope of Activity 1.1.1.1 "Applied Direction Researches", Activity 1.1.1.3 "Innovation Grants for Students", and Activity 1.1.1.5 "Aid to International Cooperation Projects in Research and Innovations" of the Specific Objective 1.1.1 "To increase the research and innovative capacity of scientific institutions of Latvia and the ability to attract external financing, investing in human resources and infrastructure" of the Priority Action "Research, Technology Development and Innovations" of the Operational Programme "Growth and Employment".

[19 September 2017]

31. In the first, second and third selection round, the research applicant shall conclude a contract with the beneficiary on the implementation of the research application for a period not exceeding 36 months. In the fourth selection round, the research applicant shall conclude a contract with the beneficiary on the implementation of the research application for a period not exceeding 30 months, but without exceeding the end date for the implementation of the research application - 30 June 2023.

[12 May 2020]

31.¹ The research applicant shall commence implementation of the research application within six months after the decision to approve the research application was taken.

[2 April 2019]

IV. Aided Activities

32. Within the scope of the Activity the beneficiary shall ensure implementation of research aid measures for post-doctoral researchers, selection and evaluation of research applications, and monitoring of fulfilment of contractual obligations, implementing the following activities:

32.1. ensure the development and submission of a project application in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie action "Co-funding of Regional, National and International Programmes (COFUND)" of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020" in order to attract funding for research and development of training and career;

32.2. ensure surveying and attraction of foreign post-doctoral researchers to scientific institutions or enterprises of Latvia;

32.3. draw up and implement a strategy for involvement of aided post-doctoral researchers in activities of scientific communication;

32.4. ensure organisational aid for implementation of training measures for post-doctoral researchers;

32.5. at least once a year, while the funding is available, ensure selection and evaluation of research applications, in conformity with Sub-paragraph 14.3 of this Regulation;

32.6. ensure advisory and methodological aid to research applicants in all stages of implementation of a research application:

32.6.1. in issues related to employment and accounting of working time;

32.6.2. in issues related to finances and procurement procedures;

32.6.3. in issues related to preparation and implementation of a research application, including conformity with the Strategy for Smart Specialisation of Latvia;

32.7. ensure information and publicity measures regarding implementation of the project and research applications of the beneficiary;

32.8. ensure entering into contracts with research applicants regarding implementation of research applications;

32.9. ensure planning and granting of the funding necessary for implementation of research applications;

32.10. perform supervision of implementation of research applications, including:

32.10.1. check the conformity of research applications related to non-economic activity with the criteria referred to in Sub-paragraphs 2.1 and 2.4 of this Regulation;

32.10.2. ensure evaluation of the scientific quality of the mid-term and final results of research applications that will be carried out by experts included in the database of experts of the European Commission;

32.11. ensure control of implementation of research applications at the location where research applications are implemented during the period of implementation and the period of post-monitoring;

32.12. establish an electronic platform for submitting research applications and reports;

32.13. ensure management and implementation of projects.

33. A post-doctoral researcher may implement the following aided activities within the scope of a research application:

33.1. research which includes one of the following categories:

33.1.1. fundamental research;

33.1.2. industrial research;

33.2. acquisition, approval and defence of such technology rights (non-tangible assets), which arise from the activity carried out in Sub-paragraph 33.1 of this Regulation (hereinafter - the protection of technology rights), if applicable;

33.3. knowledge and technology transfer - publishing of scientific publications and articles, presenting of research results in conferences and seminars, as well as implementation of other knowledge transfer measures;

33.4. the following activities in relation to the post-doctoral researcher involved in implementation of a research application:

33.4.1. broadening of competences (training);

33.4.2. international mobility and networking;

33.5. guiding and reviewing of bachelorʼs, masterʼs and doctoral theses, participation in commissions of final theses;

33.6. preparation of research or innovation projects for submission in Latvian and international calls for project proposals;

33.7. involvement of the society in processes of the research application and raising their awareness of project results which are not related to the intellectual property rights.

[2 April 2019]

34. The amount of funding planned for the implementation of the fundamental research referred to in Sub-paragraph 33.1.1 of this Regulation shall not exceed 20 per cent from the total amount of eligible funding provided for implementation of research applications referred to in Paragraph 9 of this Regulation. If all funding planned within the scope of the relevant round of selection of research applications is not acquired for implementation of the fundamental research referred to in Sub-paragraph 33.1.1 of this Regulation, it shall be redirected to research applications, within the scope of which the industrial research referred to in Sub-paragraph 33.1.2 of this Regulation are implemented.

35. The activities referred to in Paragraph 33 of this Regulation shall be eligible, if they are commenced:

35.1. within the scope of a research application related to non-economic activity after submitting a research application to the beneficiary;

35.2. in the first and second round of selecting research applications within the scope of a research application related to economic activity;

35.2.1. after submitting a research application to the beneficiary, if the beneficiary conforms to the definition of a micro, small or medium-sized enterprise;

35.2.2. after entering into a contract or agreement with the beneficiary regarding implementation of a research application, if the research applicant conforms to the definition of a large enterprise;

35.3. in the third and fourth round of selecting research applications after submitting the research application to the beneficiary if a research application related to economic activity is being implemented.

[2 April 2019]

V. Financing Conditions for the Beneficiary

36. Within the scope of the Activity the following types of costs shall be planned for implementation of the project of the beneficiary:

36.1. direct eligible costs which are directly connected with implementation of the project of the beneficiary and are necessary for achievement of results, and this connection is clearly comprehensible and provable;

36.2. indirect eligible costs which are not directly connected with achievement of project results of the beneficiary, however, aid and ensure corresponding circumstances for implementation of aided activities and achievement of results.

37. The direct eligible costs of the project of the beneficiary referred to in Sub-paragraph 36.1 of this Regulation shall include the following items of costs:

37.1. direct eligible costs of the staff (remuneration costs of the project management and project implementation staff) in accordance with the Law on Remuneration of Officials and Employees of State and Local Government Authorities, except overtime hours;

37.2. work remuneration of the experts included in the database of experts of the European Commission who will carry out the evaluation of the scientific quality of the initial, mid-term and final results of the research application;

37.3. costs of service (work performance) contracts for implementation of the aided activity referred to in Sub-paragraph 32.12 of this Regulation which does not exceed five per cent of the total funding available to the beneficiary;

37.4. purchase of the equipment (office furniture and hardware, software and licences) necessary for the creation of new working places or renewal of existing working places in the amount of not more than 3000 euros per one working place throughout the period of the project implementation. If the staff is employed at normal working hours, the purchase costs of equipment of the working place shall be eligible in the amount of 100 per cent. If the staff is employed part-time, the purchase costs of equipment of the working place shall be eligible in proportion to the distribution of the load in percentage;

37.5. costs of translation and other services which are justified and connected with the project implementation;

37.6. costs connected with organisation and implementation of seminars, informative events, discussions, and conferences, including rental payment of premises (if it is necessary to rent premises for implementation of project activities of the beneficiary outside the legal and actual residence address of the beneficiary) and costs for ensuring handout materials;

37.7. transport costs (payment for fuel, lease of vehicles, purchase of transport services, use of the public transport);

37.8. costs of development and publishing of informative and methodological materials;

37.9. costs of official journeys and work trips for the project management and implementation staff in accordance with the laws and regulations laying down the procedures by which expenses connected with official journeys shall be reimbursed;

37.10. costs of health examinations provided for in the laws and regulations regarding mandatory health examinations, compensation for means of vision correction, health insurance for project management and project implementation staff, if health insurance is provided for in the institution of the beneficiary. If the project management and project implementation staff is employed at normal working hours, the health insurance costs shall be eligible in the amount of 100 per cent. If the project management and project implementation staff is employed part-time, the health insurance costs shall be determined according to the part-time load. If the principle of part-time eligibility is applied to remuneration of the project management and project implementation staff, the health insurance costs shall be determined in proportion to the distribution of remuneration in percentage. Health insurance costs shall be eligible only for the time period when the project management and project implementation staff is employed in the project for implementation of the aided activities referred to in Paragraph 32 of this Regulation;

37.11. the costs of information and publicity measures of the project in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding the procedures by which the requirements for communication and visual identity shall be ensured in introduction of the European Union Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund in the 2014-2020 programming period;

37.12. the funding for the implementation of research applications.

38. The indirect eligible costs referred to in Sub-paragraph 36.2 of this Regulation shall be planned as one item of costs, applying the single rate of indirect costs in the amount of 15 per cent from the direct eligible costs of the staff referred to in Sub-paragraph 37.1 of this Regulation.

39. In planning the direct eligible costs of the staff referred to in Sub-paragraph 36.1 of this Regulation, the beneficiary shall ensure that the project management and implementation staff is employed full-time or part-time in the amount of not less than 30 per cent from normal working hours, accordingly carrying out accounting of the working hours of the management and implementation staff for the functions performed and time worked. The maximum amount of the funding for the project management staff costs shall not exceed EUR 56 580 a year.

[19 September 2017]

40. The costs of the beneficiary referred to in Paragraphs 37 (except Sub-paragraph 37.12) and 38 of this Regulation shall not exceed 3,115,473 euros from the total amount of the eligible funding planned for the Activity. The maximum permissible amount of the funding from the European Regional Development Fund shall be 85 per cent from the total amount of costs of the beneficiary, the national funding in the amount of 15 per cent shall be ensured from the State budget resources.

[19 September 2017]

40.¹ If the Research Executive Agency of the European Commission supports the COFUND project developed and submitted by the beneficiary and grants funding for its implementation, the costs of the beneficiary referred to in Paragraphs 37 (except for Sub-paragraph 37.12) and 38 of this Regulation and Sub-paragraphs 80.¹⁰ 1.2 and 80.¹⁰ 2.2 shall not exceed EUR 3 979 473, including funding from the European Commission for implementation of the COFUND project - EUR 585 000 and funding of the Activity 1.1.1.2 "Post-doctoral Research Aid" - EUR 3 394 473.

[19 September 2017]

VI. General Funding Conditions for Research Applicants

41. Within the scope of the Activity the research applicant may implement:

41.1. a research application related to non-economic activity;

41.2. a research application related to economic activity.

42. The maximum eligible amount of funding from the European Regional Development Fund for a research application related to non-economic activity shall not exceed 85 per cent from the total eligible funding of the research application. The necessary co-funding in the amount of 15 per cent from the total eligible costs of the research application shall be ensured from one of the following resources:

42.1. from the State budget funding - in the amount of not more than 10 per cent;

42.2. from other funds at the disposal of the research organisation, including from its economic activity, credit resources, other financial resources, or funding which is granted in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding the procedures by which funds from the State budget shall be provided for the implementation of principal activities of a State scientific institution, or investments in kind the value of which can be audited independently and assessed in accordance with the conditions referred to in Paragraph 43 of this Regulation. The total investment in kind shall not exceed five per cent from the total eligible costs of the research application. The beneficiary shall check the conformity of percentage restriction on investments in kind and record in the item of absolute figures, approving the research application. During the implementation period of the research application the item of budget costs of the research application in which investments in kind are included shall not be reduced in absolute figures, if the following occurs in other items of budget costs of the research application:

42.2.1. savings occur, therefore, the total eligible costs of the research application decrease, however, the objectives and indicators provided for in the project application are achieved;

42.2.2. inappropriately made costs are detected due to ineligibility of which the total eligible costs of research application decrease.

[2 April 2019]

43. Investments in kind for a research application related to non-economic activity may consist of:

43.1. tangible assets:

43.1.1. fixed assets - technological equipment (installations, measuring equipment, regulation devices, laboratory and medical devices, motor transport), the total value of use of which is calculated, taking into account the minimum value of each fixed asset used within the scope of the research application (average costs of use for one working day throughout the period of useful life of the fixed asset) and the time period in which it is planned to use the fixed asset for the performance of the activities intended in the research application. The total value of use of fixed assets shall be determined, using the following formula:

, where

P - the total value of use of fixed assets, in euros;

V_i - the initial value of i-fixed asset (purchase costs or production cost price), in euros;

i - variation of the fixed asset (i = 1, 2, .., n; n - number of fixed assets);

t_i - the time period, in which it is planned to use the fixed asset for the performance of the activities intended in the research application, in working days;

t_Ki - the total period of useful life of the fixed asset, on working days;

43.1.2. the materials granted (physical, biological, chemical, and other materials, trial animals, agents, chemicals, laboratory vessels, medicinal products for research, land areas, components and modules of electronics) the value of which is calculated in proportion to the quantity of materials consumed within the scope of the research application and the market price of materials;

43.2. professional activities related to research within the scope of the research application:

43.2.1. which are performed by scientific staff or scientific technical staff;

43.2.2. if they are not performed during the time period when according to the contracts entered into the person carries out tasks not related to the research application, and remuneration is not received for such tasks within the scope of the research application;

43.2.3. the value of which is determined taking into account the time spent for research and the rates of remuneration and wage according to the remuneration and wage policy of the institution of the research applicant.

44. If a research application related to economic activity is implemented, regardless of the legal status (entity governed by public or private law) or economic type (profit or non-profit scientific institution) the research applicant shall be qualified as the performer of economic activity in accordance with the definition laid down in Article 2(24) of and Annex 1 to Commission Regulation No 651/2014.

45. For a research application related to economic activity:

45.1. aid shall be provided in the form of transparent aid categories (grant);

45.2. the research applicant shall justify, for receipt of the funding, the stimulating impact of the joint public funding in the research application in accordance with the criteria of stimulating impact laid down in Article 6(2) of Commission Regulation No 651/2014.

46. If the research applicant is a scientific institution or an enterprise which is implementing a research application related to economic activity, the amount of private co-funding shall be determined, taking into account the public funding determined in accordance with Paragraphs 49, 58, and 62 of this Regulation and Annex to this Regulation. Private co-funding shall be ensured from the resources at the disposal of the research applicant or from credit resources and other financial resources for which no public aid has been received, including no State or local government guarantee or State or local government credit on preferential conditions has been received.

[2 April 2019]

47. In the first, second and third selection round, the maximum total eligible funding of the research application shall be EUR 133 806.

[12 May 2020]

47.¹ In the fourth selection round, the maximum total eligible funding of the research application shall be EUR 111 505.

[12 May 2020]

48. The following costs shall be eligible within the scope of a research application related to non-economic activity:

48.1. the average maximum monthly costs of a post-doctoral researcher (staff) shall be EUR 2 731 and they shall not exceed EUR 32 772 per year, including the mandatory State social insurance contributions and other social guarantees which are specified in the laws and regulations in the field of labour rights and remuneration;

48.2. costs of one unit according the standard rate specified by Marie Skłodowska-Curie action "Individual Fellowships" of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020" - 800 euros per month, which include:

48.2.1. research costs, including costs of purchase of materials, protection of technology rights and external services;

48.2.2. training costs;

48.2.3. costs of networking measures, including official journeys, conference participation fee and involvement costs in information measures;

48.3. costs for administrative and infrastructure resources of the research applicant used for ensuring implementation of the research application, without exceeding five per cent from the total eligible costs of the research application, until the time when the managing authority co-ordinates the unit cost methodology. The costs shall include the following items of costs:

48.3.1. office supplies, stationery, and lease or purchase of office equipment;

48.3.2. lease or rental of premises, utility payments and maintenance costs of premises (including covering in proportion of the costs for the use of common-use premises of an institution and common-use resources);

48.3.3. costs of telecommunication, Internet and postal services;

48.3.4. maintenance costs of information technologies;

48.3.5. costs for aid of the research applicant and remuneration of the management staff;

48.3.6. costs, which are not included in the costs referred to in Sub-paragraphs 48.1 and 48.2 of this Regulation, but are necessary for achieving the results of the research application.

[6 December 2016; 2 April 2019]

49. The following costs specified in Commission Regulation No 651/2014 shall be eligible for a research application related to economic activity:

49.1. the research costs specified in Article 25(3)(a), (b), (d), and (e), in conformity with the permissible aid intensity of the public funding specified in Paragraph 58 of this Regulation;

49.2. the costs of the protection of technology rights specified in Article 28(2)(a), in conformity with the permissible aid intensity of the public funding specified in Sub-paragraph 62.1 of this Regulation;

49.3. the costs of training aid specified in Article 31(3)(b) and (d), in conformity with the permissible aid intensity of the public funding specified in Sub-paragraph 62.2 of this Regulation.

50. The amount of the public funding for a research application related to economic activity and the average weighted aid intensity of the public funding shall be determined as follows:

50.1. the permissible amount of the public funding for the research category referred to in Sub-paragraph 33.1.1 of this Regulation shall be determined separately according to the intensity of the public funding referred to in Sub-paragraph 58.1 of this Regulation;

50.2. the permissible amount of the public funding for the research category referred to in Sub-paragraph 33.1.2 of this Regulation shall be determined separately according to the intensity of the public funding referred to in Sub-paragraphs 58.2 and 58.3 of this Regulation;

50.3. the permissible amount of the public funding for the improvement of competences of a post-doctoral researcher referred to in Sub-paragraph 33.4.1 of this Regulation shall be determined separately according to the intensity of the public funding referred to in Sub-paragraph 62.2 of this Regulation;

50.4. the permissible amount of the public funding for the aided activity referred to in Sub-paragraph 33.2 of this Regulation shall be determined separately according to the conditions of Sub-paragraph 62.1 of this Regulation.

51. The public funding of the research application granted within the scope of the Activity may not be joined with aid to the same eligible costs which has been provided within the scope of another State aid or individual aid project.

52. The unjustifiably granted public funding shall be deducted from the total eligible costs of the research application and shall be refunded to the beneficiary.

53. The public funding granted to a research application related to non-economic activity shall be refunded in full, if the beneficiary detects during implementation of the research application or five years after expiry of the time period for implementation of the research application that the research application does not conform to the criterion referred to in Sub-paragraphs 2.1 and 2.4 of this Regulation.

53.¹ If the research applicant which is related to economic activity has violated the conditions of Commission Regulation No 651/2014, the research applicant has the obligation to repay the beneficiary all the public funding that has been unlawfully received within the scope of the research application together with interest the rate of which is published by the European Commission in accordance with Article 10 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 794/2004 of 21 April 2004 implementing Council Regulation (EU) 2015/1589 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union by adding 100 basis points thereto from the day when the public funding was disbursed to the research applicant until the day when it was recovered following the method for applying interest specified in Article 11 of Commission Regulation No 794/2004 of 21 April 2004 implementing Council Regulation (EU) 2015/1589 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

[12 May 2020]

54. The following costs of the project and research application of a beneficiary shall not be eligible within the scope of the Activity:

54.1. the costs which have arisen after expiry of the time period specified in the conditions of a project implementation agreement or in the contract regarding research application or payments of which have been made more than a month later after expiry of the time period for implementation of the project or research application of the beneficiary;

54.2. the costs which are not directly related to the activities carried out within the scope of a project or research application of the beneficiary and are not justified by documents corroborating costs or have arisen as a result of non-conformity with the requirements of laws and regulations;

54.3. the costs which do not conform to the principles of justified financial management, particularly monetary value and cost-effectiveness;

54.4. the costs which exceed the restrictions specified for the items of costs referred to in Paragraphs 37, 38, 47, and 48 of this Regulation;

54.5. payment for examination, preparation, reserving, and servicing of a loan, payment for financial transactions, late payment interest, contractual fines and expenses of legal proceedings;

54.6.the costs of opening and maintaining the account necessary for implementation of the project and research application of the beneficiary.

55. Value added tax is eligible costs, if it cannot be recovered in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Republic of Latvia in the field of tax policy.

56. The beneficiary and the research applicant shall cover the increase in costs arisen during the course of implementation of the project and research application of the beneficiary from their own resources. If it is not possible to cover it, savings from other items of the funding of the beneficiary and the research application shall be reallocated. The research applicant shall ensure that the total allocated amount of the funding of the research application related to economic activity is not exceeded and the aid intensity referred to in Paragraphs 58 and 62 of this Regulation is conformed to.

57. Within the scope of the Activity the project costs of the beneficiary shall be eligible, if they conform to the items of costs referred to in this Regulation and have arisen not earlier than from the day when a project implementation agreement was entered into, except the costs referred to in Sub-paragraph 37.1 of this Regulation, which have arisen as a result of the activities referred to in Sub-paragraphs 13.1, 13.2, and 14.2 of this Regulation and are eligible from 1 September 2015.

VII. Funding Conditions for Research

58. The permissible aid intensity of the public funding for implementation of a research application related to economic activity shall be as follows:

58.1. 85 per cent for implementation of fundamental research;

58.2. for conducting industrial research:

58.2.1. 70 per cent for a research applicant which conforms to the definition of a micro or small enterprise;

58.2.2. 60 per cent for a research applicant which conforms to the definition of a medium-sized enterprise;

58.2.3. 50 per cent for a research applicant which conforms to the definition of a large enterprise;

58.3. the aid intensity of the public funding referred to in Sub-paragraph 58.2 of this Regulation may be increased by 15 points by per cent from the total eligible costs of the research application, without exceeding 80 per cent of the total eligible costs of the research application, if public access to the results of industrial research is ensured in at least one of the following ways - distribution of research results in technical and scientific conferences and publicly accessible depositories (databases), free-of-charge access to software.

59. [2 April 2019]

VIII. Funding Conditions for the Protection of Technology Rights and Training

60. Funding for the protection of technology rights and training may be received by a research applicant, which conforms to:

60.1. the definition of a micro, small or medium-sized enterprise, if a research application related to economic activity is implemented;

60.2. the definition of the research organisation referred to in Sub-paragraph 2.11 of this Regulation, if a research application related to non-economic activity is implemented.

61. Funding for the protection of technology rights within the scope of a research application related to economic activity may be received as defined in Article 28(2) of Commission Regulation No 651/2014.

62. The permissible aid intensity of the public funding for implementation of a research application related to economic activity shall be as follows:

62.1. 50 per cent for the aid of protection of technology rights;

62.2. aid for training;

62.2.1. 50 per cent for a research applicant which conforms to the definition of a large enterprise;

62.2.2. 60 per cent, if the research applicant conforms to the definition of a medium-sized enterprise or training is ensured to working persons with disability or employees in an unfavourable situation;

62.2.3. 70 per cent for a research applicant which conforms to the definition of a micro or small enterprise.

[6 December 2016]

63. Such costs shall not be eligible within the scope of the aid for protection of technology rights and training which exceed the maximum permissible aid intensity of the public funding referred to in Paragraph 62 of this Regulation.

IX. Announcing of a Selection of Research Applications and Preparation and Submission of Research Applications

64. The beneficiary shall announce an open selection of research applications, publishing a notification on submission of research applications in the official gazetteLatvijas Vēstnesis, in the portal of the European Commission "Euraxess" and on the website of the Ministry of Education and Science (www.izm.gov.lv).

65. The notification regarding the first round of selection of research applications shall be announced within two months from the day when a project implementing agreement has been entered into.

66. The following shall be indicated in the notification regarding submission of research applications:

66.1. the total amount of the public funding planned for the selection round of research applications and the amount of the funding planned for implementation of the fundamental research referred to in Sub-paragraph 33.1.1 of this Regulation;

66.2. the final date for the submission of research applications which shall not be less than 30 working days from the day of announcement;

66.3. the place of and procedures for submitting research applications;

66.4. the website on which the documents to be used for the preparation of research applications are published.

67. A research applicant may resubmit a research application which was not aided within the scope of the selection round of research applications, in the next selection of research applications, however, may not submit an identical research application which was previously rejected due to low scientific quality.

X. Conditions for Project Implementation

68. A beneficiary shall implement a project not longer than until 30 November 2023.

69. The Ministry of Education and Science shall perform an evaluation of introduction conditions of the Activity and a mid-term evaluation of aided activities by 31 December 2018, including assess the conformity of the Activity with the most current setting of the Strategy for Smart Specialisation of Latvia and, if necessary, prepare proposals for amendments to introduction conditions of the Activity and aided activities.

69.¹ For a research application the time period of implementation of which does not exceed 12 months, the evaluation of the scientific quality of mid-term results shall not be carried out. The scientific quality evaluation of final results is performed in accordance with the conditions referred to in Paragraph 19 of this Regulation.

[2 April 2019]

70. The territory of the Republic of Latvia is the place of project implementation.

71. The beneficiary shall ensure clear separation of the financial flow of project implementation and types of activities from financial flows and types of activities of other beneficiaries.

72. The beneficiary shall establish a supervisory council for supervision of the project implementation. Representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Economics, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development, the Employers' Confederation of Latvia, and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry shall be included in the composition of the council.

73. An implementer of a research application shall ensure sustainability of the results achieved for at least five years after termination of the research application, including sustainability of the working place created within the scope of the research application and the development of the research direction.

74. If the research applicant is disbursed an advance payment during implementation of the research application, it may be disbursed in parts. The advance payment shall not exceed 30 per cent from the total amount of the public funding granted to the research application. After a contract regarding implementation of a research application is entered into, the beneficiary shall, on the basis of a written request of the research application for an advance payment, ensure the advance payment to the research applicant in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding planning of State budget resources for implementation of projects of the European Union Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund and making of payments in the 2014-2020 programming period.

75. The co-operation authority has the right to unilaterally withdraw from the project implementation agreement in any of the following cases:

75.1. the beneficiary does not fulfil the project implementation agreement, including implementation of the project does not take place according to the deadlines specified in the project or other circumstances have set in which affect or may affect achievement of the objective of the Activity referred to in Paragraph 3 of this Regulation and achievement of the supervision indicators referred to in Paragraph 6 of this Regulation;

75.2. in other cases determined in the project implementation agreement.

76. In implementing the project and research applications, the beneficiary and research applicants shall ensure information and publicity measures as defined in Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006, and in the laws and regulations regarding the procedures by which the requirements for communication and visual identity shall be ensured in introduction of the European Union Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund in the 2014-2020 programming period.

77. The beneficiary shall ensure publishing of information in accordance with Article 9(1) and (4) of Commission Regulation No 651/2014.

[6 December 2016]

78. The beneficiary shall post current information regarding project implementation on its website not less than once in three months.

79. The decision to grant public funding for research applications related to economic activity in accordance with Article 2(28) of Commission Regulation No 651/2014 shall be taken by the time limit specified in Articles 58(4) and 59 of the Commission Regulation No 651/2014.

[12 May 2020]

79.¹ Aid shall be granted from the day when the beneficiary and the applicant submitting a research application related to economic activity have entered into a contract for the implementation of the research application.

[2 April 2019]

80. The beneficiary and research applicants shall ensure accessibility of information for 10 years, counting from the day when the aid was granted, in accordance with Article 12 of Commission Regulation No 651/2014.

X.¹ Requirements for a COFUND Project Applicant, an International Research Applicant and the Funding Conditions for the Implementation of International Research Applications

[19 September 2017]

80.¹ International research applications shall be implemented, if the beneficiary receives a positive evaluation for a COFUND project and the European Commission has granted co-funding for its implementation according to the contract on the implementation of a COFUND project.

[19 September 2017]

80.² The beneficiary shall prepare and submit to the Ministry of Education and Science for coordination the following documentation of the selection rounds of international research applications:

80.² 1. the regulation for the selection of international research applications;

80.² 2. the criteria for the evaluation of international research applications and methodology for their application.

[19 September 2017]

80.³ In addition to that specified in Paragraph 32 of this Regulation, the beneficiary shall implement the following activities:

80.³ 1. in conformity with Sub-paragraph 14.3 of this Regulation, at least once a year, while the funding is available, perform selection and evaluation of international research applications in accordance with the evaluation approach and principles specified in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie action "Co-funding of Regional, National and International Programmes (COFUND)" of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020";

80.³ 2. organise information campaigns and publicity measures for the promotion of international research applications;

80.³ 3. plan and grant the funding necessary for international research applications in accordance with the conditions of the COFUND project and enter into contracts or agreements with international research applicants on the implementation of international research applications;

80.³ 4. implement supervision of international research applications, including monitoring of the implementation of international research applications;

80.³ 5. provide reports to the European Commission on the implementation of the COFUND project.

[19 September 2017]

80.⁴ An international research applicant is a scientific institution of Latvia which enters into employment legal relations with the international post-doctoral researcher and ensures access to the infrastructure and human resources for the implementation of the researches necessary within the scope of the international research application. The scientific institution may implement the international research application individually or in partnership with a foreign scientific institution or a foreign higher education institution which admits the international post-doctoral researcher and, if necessary, enters into employment legal relations with the international post-doctoral researcher for the mobility period, ensuring access to the infrastructure and human resources (can gain economic advantages and intellectual property rights arising from the activities carried out within the scope of the international research application) (hereinafter - the host institution).

[12 May 2020]

80.⁵ If the international research application is implemented in partnership with a foreign scientific institution or foreign higher education institution, the research and host institution shall, after approval of the international research application in accordance with this Regulation, conclude the co-operation contract providing therein conditions for the substantive, technical and financial co-operation, rights, obligations and liability of the parties, and also right to the results of the research application (including intellectual property rights) in proportion to the contribution of each co-operation partner in the implementation of the research application, and access to the infrastructure and other resources of the host institution for the implementation of the necessary research within the scope of the international research application.

[12 May 2020]

80.⁶ The international research applicant shall perform the following activities to be aided:

80.⁶ 1. submit an international research application to the beneficiary in accordance with the procedures specified in the regulation for the selection of international research applications and implement it in co-operation with the post-doctoral researcher by both Parties reaching an agreement on the content of the international research application, the conditions for technical and financial co-operation, the rights, obligations, and liability of the parties, as well as the conditions for the use, introduction, publicity, and marketing of results of the international research application;

80.⁶ 2. attract the international post-doctoral researcher for full-time work, performing accounting of working hours for the functions fulfilled by the post-doctoral researcher and the time worked on implementing the international research application;

80.⁶ 3. enter into a contract with the post-doctoral researcher on the implementation of the international research application for a time period from 12 to 36 months;

80.⁶ 4. provide advisory support to the international post-doctoral researcher in ensuring his or her study and stay needs, including a visa, place of residence, acquisition of the language and culture, solving of issues regarding the family allowance of the post-doctoral researcher, if the international post-doctoral researcher is staying in Latvia or in a foreign country with the family.

[19 September 2017]

80.⁷ The international research applicant shall attract the international post-doctoral researcher, ensuring one of the following possible employment mobilities of international post-doctoral researchers:

80.⁷ 1. from 12 to 36 months the foreign international post-doctoral researcher (including the post-doctoral researcher who has left Latvia for abroad) is hired for work in a scientific institution for the period of implementation of the international research application. The international post-doctoral researcher shall not stay or carry out main activities (work, study, etc.) in the country of the host institution for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before the final date for the submission of an international research application in a call for international research proposals;

80.⁷ 2. from 12 to 36 months, for up to 24 months of which the international post-doctoral researcher who has left Latvia is hired for work in a foreign scientific institution or a foreign institution of higher education. The return in Latvia for work in the scientific institution shall be planned in the amount of 50 per cent from the time during which the international post-doctoral researcher who has left Latvia was employed in the foreign scientific institution.

[19 September 2017]

80.⁸ The international research applicant shall prepare and submit an international research application to the beneficiary in accordance with the requirements specified in the regulation for the selection of international research applications.

[19 September 2017]

80.⁹ The international research applicant may implement a research application related to non-economic activity which conforms to the activities referred to in Paragraph 33 of this Regulation.

[19 September 2017]

80.¹⁰ Within the scope of the Activity, the following costs shall be eligible to the beneficiary for the implementation of a COFUND project:

80.¹⁰ 1. the administrative unit cost of the COFUND project management and international research application specified by the European Commission in accordance with the standard rate specified by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie action "COFUND" of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020" - EUR 650 per month which is formed by co-funding from the European Union - EUR 325 per month in accordance with the rates specified by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie action "COFUND" of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020" for the beneficiary, and co-funding from the State budget - EUR 325 per month to the international research applicant, for each month of implementation of the international research application of the international post-doctoral researcher. The costs shall be divided as follows:

80.¹⁰ 1.1. the costs of remuneration for the aid and management staff of the international research applicant - EUR 325 per month;

80.¹⁰ 1.2. the costs of remuneration for the management and support staff of the beneficiary - EUR 325 per month;

80.¹⁰ 2. the costs of the coordination, implementation, and infrastructure of the COFUND project and international research application specified by the European Commission, in conformity with the unit cost rate specified in Sub-paragraphs 48.3.2, 48.3.3, and 48.3.4 of this Regulation - EUR 341 per month which is formed by funding from the European Regional Development Fund - EUR 289.85 per month or 85 per cent, funding from the State budget - EUR 34.10 per month or 10 per cent, and funding from other resources at the disposal of the research organisation (including from own economic activity, credit resources, and other financial resources) - EUR 17.05 per month or five per cent. The costs shall be divided as follows:

80.¹⁰ 2.1. in the costs of the coordination, implementation, and infrastructure of the international research application - EUR 186 per month;

80.¹⁰ 2.2. in the costs of the coordination, implementation, and infrastructure of the COFUND project of the beneficiary - EUR 155 per month for each implemented month of the international research application by the international post-doctoral researcher;

80.¹⁰ 3. the standard rate of remuneration of the international post-doctoral researcher in accordance with the standard rate of EUR 3675 specified by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie action "COFUND" of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020" which is formed by co-funding from the European Commission - EUR 2625 per month in accordance with the rates specified by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie action "COFUND" of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020", and co-funding from the State budget - EUR 1050 per month, including mandatory State social insurance contributions and other social guarantees which have been specified in the laws and regulations in the field of labour law and remuneration;

80.¹⁰ 4. the mobility unit cost of the international post-doctoral research of the international research application in accordance with the standard rate specified by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie action "Individual Fellowships" of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020" - EUR 600 per month which is formed by funding from the European Regional Development Fund - EUR 510 per month or 85 per cent, co-funding from the State budget - EUR 60 per month or 10 per cent, and funding from other funds at the disposal of the research organisation (including from own economic activity, credit resources, and other financial resources) - EUR 30 per month or five per cent from outbound mobilities which include:

80.¹⁰ 4.1. mobility;

80.¹⁰ 4.2. costs of networking activities, including official journeys, conference participation fee and costs of involvement in information activities;

80.¹⁰ 5. unit cost of the international research application in accordance with the standard rate specified by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie action "Individual Fellowships" of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020" - EUR 800 per month which is formed by funding from the European Regional Development Fund - EUR 680 per month or 85 per cent, funding from the State budget - EUR 80 per month or 10 per cent, and funding from other funds at the disposal of the research organisation (including from own economic activity, credit resources, and other financial resources) - EUR 40 per month or five per cent which include research costs, including acquisition costs of materials attributable to research, study costs, costs of the protection of technology rights and external services;

80.¹⁰ 6. unit cost of the family allowance of the post-doctoral researcher - EUR 500 per month which is formed by funding from the European Regional Development Fund - EUR 425 per month or 85 per cent, funding from the State budget - EUR 50 per month or 10 per cent, and funding from other funds at the disposal of the research organisation (including from own economic activity, credit resources, and other financial resources) - EUR 25 per month or five per cent, if the international post-doctoral researcher is staying in Latvia or abroad together with his or her family, in accordance with the standard rate specified by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie action "Individual Fellowships" of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020".

[19 September 2017]

80.¹¹ The maximum total eligible funding of the international research application shall not exceed EUR 236 376.

[19 September 2017]

XI. Closing Provision

[6 December 2016]

81. For research applications the calls for the selection of which have been announced prior to approval of the unit cost methodology, the costs of the administrative and infrastructure resources of the research applicant used for ensuring implementation of the research application may be applied in one of the following types of costs:

81.1. the costs referred to in Sub-paragraph 48.3 of this Regulation of administrative and infrastructure resources of the research applicant used for ensuring implementation of the research application, without exceeding five per cent from the total eligible costs of the research application;

81.2. the unit cost in accordance with the standard rate specified in the unit cost methodology coordinated with the managing institution.

[19 September 2017]

Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma

Minister for Education and Science Mārīte Seile

 

Annex
Cabinet Regulation No. 50
19 January 2016

Calculation of the Average Weighted Intensity of a Research Application Related to Economic Activity of the Activity 1.1.1.2 "Post-doctoral Research Aid" of the Specific Objective 1.1.1 "To Increase the Research and Innovative Capacity of Scientific Institutions of Latvia and the Ability to Attract External Financing, investing in Human Resources and Infrastructure" of the Operational Programme "Growth and Employment"

No.	Part of the project	Research applicant		Activity of the research application	Eligible costs (EUR)	Intensity of the public funding (IP %)
		category of the enterprise	name		[A]	[B]
1.	Research application related to economic activity	small enterprise	research applicant No. 1 (name)	fundamental research		85
2.				industrial research
3.				aid for training
4.				protection of technology rights		50
5.				project part No. 1	0	0.000

Note. Conforms to the conditions of Paragraphs 50, 58, and 62 of Cabinet Regulation No. 50 of 19 January 2016, Regulations Regarding Implementation Activity 1.1.1.2 "Post-doctoral Research Aid" of the Specific Objective 1.1.1 "To Increase the Research and Innovative Capacity of Scientific Institutions of Latvia and the Ability to Attract External Financing, investing in Human Resources and Infrastructure" of the Operational Programme "Growth and Employment".

Minister for Education and Science Mārīte Seile

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