Purpose
European Reference Networks (ERNs) support knowledge sharing and stimulate collaboration between Rare Diseases Healthcare Professionals across Europe.
The ERN-EYE will train up to 24 professionals from various EU Countries during the 2023-27 Exchange Programme, funded by the European Commission.
The next promotion will commence in March 2025.
Content
The Programme aims to enhance the capacities of the network. The thematic scope includes medical practice and skills but also the organisational aspects of a network. Individual research and personal development are considered as secondary benefits of the participants.
The priorities of the programme are:
- Clinical Aspects – Advancing medical expertise, best practices, and patient care strategies;
- Psychosocial Support to patients – Strengthening approaches to mental health and emotional well-being within healthcare units; and
- Organisational Strengthening – Enhancing the efficiency, the collaboration and the resilience of network structures.
By fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building, the programme aims at creating a more effective and interconnected professional network.
Timeline and Milestones
The deadline for the submission of the candidacy act is 30 April 2025.
- Call for trainees: open between 15 March and 30 April 2025
- Review process: May 2025
- Results: June 2025
- Expected starting date for the short exchanges: 2025-2026
Candidacy Act
Potential participants are kindly invited to fill the candidacy act as well as to submit a cover letter and a CV on Framaform. Framaform will close on 30 April 2025 EOB.
The cover letter should describe objectives and expected outcomes of the candidate.
Eligibility
In their act of candidacy, participants are expected to meet the following eligibility criteria.
- Applicants are employees of one of ERN-EYE members
- The host centre should be a full member of ERN-EYE
- This exchange programme is not a way to attend courses, symposia, meetings or congresses
- This exchange programme is a one-time opportunity and cannot be extended or split into several segments
- This exchange programme cannot be used to prolong an exchange programme funded by other organisations or programmes
Evaluation of the Applications
ERN-EYE will review applications based on the benefits for the trainee and the host institution. The evaluation process considers the following selection criteria:
- Geographical Scope – Preference will be given to applicants from healthcare providers (HCPs), ensuring a balanced distribution across different European regions.
- Professional Groups – The programme is open to a diverse range of professionals, including medical specialists, nursing staff, laboratory personnel and other relevant healthcare professionals.
Covered Expenses
ERN-EYE will proceed with the following reimbursements after the visit based on the EC unit cost for travel rules.
Trainees will receive:
- reimbursement of the travel expenses on actual cost basis to a maximum amount set by the EC unit cost for travel rules calculated depending on the distance between the place of work or residence and the address of the host centre;
- reimbursement for the accommodation on actual cost basis, up to a maximum amount reimbursable. The maximum amount for accommodation will depend on the country of the exchange following the EC Unit Cost for travel reimbursement rules for up to a 6-night stay; and
- reimbursement for meals and local transport (bus, tram, metro, taxi…) on actual cost basis to a daily maximum amount. The amount will depend on the country of the exchange and is calculated on a 24h period base to a maximum of 6 working days.
The maximum amounts set by the EC Unit Cost for travel reimbursement rules are available for consultation at the following link (page 13): Commission Decision C(2021)35
More information about the reimbursement process for travel costs is available on ERN-EYE factsheet on reimbursement rules.
Weekend days are not considered in the length of the stay. Trainees are expected to book their travel arrangements and accommodation themselves.
Please note that ERN-EYE cannot cover the costs for the travel insurance.
Additional information
A training agreement will be established between the ERN-EYE Coordinator, the trainee and the host centre before the short exchange starts to clarify outcomes and duties.
Please note that a legal agreement might be necessary between the applicant and the host centres, depending of local rules.
Trainees and host centres are invited to provide a short report describing their experience with photos illustrating their exchange. This material would enrich our communication supports, offering insights into the programme’s impact and fostering knowledge sharing within the network.