In this post, we will walk you through how to prepare an impactful abstract for your Horizon Europe proposal, ensuring it is clear, concise, and compelling.
1. Understand the Purpose of the Abstract
The abstract serves as a summary of your entire proposal, offering reviewers an overview of what your project will achieve, how it will be carried out, and why it matters. It provides a snapshot of your project's objectives, approach, and expected impact.
Remember, the abstract should be:
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Clear and concise: It should quickly convey the essence of the project in a few sentences and take into account the word limit.
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Compelling: Capture the reviewers’ attention and make them want to read the full proposal.
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Focused: Stick to the most critical aspects of your project without going into excessive detail.
2. Structure Your Abstract: Key Components
A well-structured abstract typically includes the following key components:
Project Objectives and Rationale
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What is the problem you're solving?
Start with a brief introduction to the issue or challenge your project will address. Why is this problem important? Why is it urgent or timely? Establishing a strong rationale at the beginning helps to frame the significance of your project.
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What are your project’s goals?
State the main objectives of your project. Be specific but concise. What is your project aiming to achieve in terms of results or outcomes?
Methodology and Approach
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How will you address the problem?
Briefly describe the approach or methodology your project will use to achieve its objectives. What makes your approach innovative or different from existing solutions?
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What are the key activities?
While you don’t need to go into too much detail, it’s helpful to give a snapshot of the main activities your project will undertake to achieve the stated goals.
Expected Results
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What results do you expect to deliver?
Outline the key results your project will produce. These could be tangible outputs (e.g., tools, datasets, methodologies) or intangible outcomes (e.g., new knowledge or innovations).
Impact
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What will the broader impact be?
Conclude by summarizing the expected impact of your project. This could include societal, environmental, or economic impacts. Also, mention how the project aligns with Horizon Europe’s strategic objectives, such as the Green Deal, Digital Transformation and so on.
3. Writing Tips for a Clear and Compelling Abstract
Be Clear and Concise
Your abstract should ideally be 1,000 to 2,000 characters long, depending on the specific call. Make every word count by avoiding unnecessary jargon or overly technical language. Reviewers may not be familiar with the intricate details of your field, so make sure the abstract is accessible to a broad audience.
Tailor the Abstract to the Call
Each Horizon Europe call will have its own specific requirements and priorities. Tailor your abstract to the specific goals of the call to show how your project aligns with the priorities set out by the European Commission. Referencing the call's themes or objectives will demonstrate that you fully understand the context and relevance of your project.
Focus on Innovation
Horizon Europe prioritizes innovation in all its funding programs. In your abstract, make sure to highlight the novelty of your project’s approach. What makes your project innovative? Why is it a cutting-edge solution to the problem you're addressing?
Showcase the Team’s Expertise
While the abstract is not the place for long team descriptions, briefly mention the expertise or experience that your consortium brings to the project. This adds credibility to your proposal and assures reviewers that your team is capable of delivering the project.
4. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when writing your abstract:
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Too much technical jargon: Keep the language simple and easy to understand for a wide audience.
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Being too vague: Provide concrete details on the problem, solution, and expected results. Avoid being too general or abstract.
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Overloading with details: The abstract is a summary. Stick to the key points and avoid going into too much detail about methodology, technical aspects, or budget.
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Lack of impact focus: Horizon Europe places strong emphasis on impact. Make sure to highlight how your project contributes to EU and global goals.
5. Final Steps: Review and Refine
Once you've written your abstract, make sure to review and refine it. Ask colleagues or consortium members to read it and provide feedback. A fresh set of eyes can help ensure that your abstract is clear, compelling, and aligned with the call.
Writing a strong abstract is crucial to your Horizon Europe proposal’s success. By keeping it clear, concise, and impactful, you can grab the reviewers’ attention and set the stage for a winning proposal. Be sure to align it with the specific objectives of the Horizon Europe call and showcase the innovative nature of your project. With a well-crafted abstract, you’ll be one step closer to securing funding for your innovative project!
