TWIN4MERIT

TWIN4MERIT (Twinning for Excellence in Management and Economics of Research and Innovation) is a Horizon Europe-funded project that aims to strengthen research excellence in the field of R&I policy, innovation economics, and science management. The project brings together the University of Cyprus (UCY), Maastricht University (UNU-MERIT), and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) to enhance capacities through strategic collaboration, training, and joint research.

TWIN4MERIT addresses key priorities of the European Research Area (ERA), such as open science, research integrity, gender equality, and the effective circulation of researchers and knowledge. A strong focus is placed on capacity building for early-career researchers (ECRs), with tailored activities to enhance their skills in research design, project management, and grant writing.

By implementing a set of coordinated twinning actions—including staff exchanges, workshops, summer schools, and joint research initiatives—the project aims to elevate UCY’s international visibility and develop a new research unit dedicated to Management and Economics of Research and Innovation (MERIT).

1. Strengthen UCY’s research excellence in the field of Management and Economics of Research and Innovation (MERIT), with support from leading EU partners.
2. Establish a new interdisciplinary research unit at UCY focused on science policy, research evaluation, open science, and innovation studies.
3. Build capacity among early-career researchers (ECRs) and staff through targeted training, short-term visits, mentoring, and knowledge exchange.
4. Enhance UCY’s international visibility and competitiveness in securing European and national research funding.
5. Promote sustainable institutional collaboration between UCY, UM-MERIT, and UC3M, ensuring long-term impact beyond the project’s duration.
6. Improve research management and administration skills across Cyprus through the involvement of the European Office of Cyprus and tailored outreach.
7. Contribute to evidence-based policymaking by supporting national R&I stakeholders with data, models, and recommendations derived from project research.
8. Advance ERA priorities such as open science, gender equality, research integrity, and the free flow of knowledge across borders.