FAQ - return grants (RESTART)
Standard information and related documents ara available at main project webpage.
Yes, both projects can be submitted simultaneously. However, if successful in both competitions, only one of them can be implemented.
The National RIS3 Strategy identifies the outflow of talented researchers as one of the main threats. The RESTART project responds to this issue – its aim is to support the return of researchers after a career break, create high-quality conditions for them, and support their further professional development (e.g., through mobility).
At the same time, the project contributes to increasing motivation, especially among younger researchers and women, to engage in research and remain in it. This helps improve the quality and performance of the entire public research system.
RESTART is fully aligned with the objectives of the RIS3 strategy and contributes to their fulfillment, particularly by developing tools to support researchers and strengthening the institutional environment. A long-term goal is also to integrate return grants into the standard internal support of UCT Prague.
The project begins after the Agreement on Project Implementation is concluded between the principal investigator and UCT Prague and after the employment contract is signed (0.5–1.0 FTE). The latest possible start date is January 1, 2027.
Project duration:
- Minimum: 12 months
- Maximum: 24 months
Yes, the use of central laboratories at UCT Prague is possible.
Yes, the seminar recording (in Czech) and presentation (EN) are available on the website.
The co-financing is provided by the respective institute. It can be covered similarly to other projects, for example through non-investment costs such as materials or other related expenses.
Yes. The allowance can also be used for children attending kindergarten, provided they are not yet in the compulsory pre-school year. Once the child enters the mandatory pre-school year (usually from September at age 5), eligibility ends.
Conferences are not included in mobility. Mobility is intended for longer stays (minimum 1 month), typically based on cooperation with a foreign institution. Conferences are covered under standard travel expenses.
A single file is submitted, which includes both – the internal budget and the embedded ministry calculator.
Evaluation is similar to GAČR – emphasis is placed on project quality, topical relevance, and scientific contribution. External (international) evaluation is also included.
You should list the available equipment necessary for the project – ideally equipment that the institute has or can access.
Yes, a mentor can participate in multiple projects simultaneously. It is also possible to include a reference from the mentor.
An academic position is counted towards the limit of activities in research and development (R&D) (0.3 FTE on average, max. 0.5 FTE in any given month) only if it includes activities that fall under R&D.
If the academic position consists exclusively of educational activities (e.g. teaching or working with students without a research component), it can be considered as outside R&D and is therefore not included in the limit.
However, if the academic position also includes activities with a research component (e.g. supervision of theses with a research focus or the researcher’s own publication activity), this part must be considered as R&D activity and counted towards the limit.
The decisive factor is the actual content of the activities performed, not merely the formal designation of the position.