Practical Information
for the Fellows

Research and travel costs are fully funded by the Host Organization. Research costs cover research-related costs and materials and small equipment purchases, Open Access fees etc. and is based on reimbursement of expenses. Travel costs cover travel expenses for training/events, workshops, conferences etc. and is based on reimbursement of expenses. The available budget for these costs is €400 per month for research costs and €300 per month for travel costs. However, given different needs in each research field covered by the Programme, fellows may flexibly reallocate these funds, provided the total remains €700/month. This ensures optimal support for the fellow's research and travel needs. These funds are cumulative, meaning fellows can use them at any time during their fellowship. For example, during a 30-month fellowship, the total budget is €21,000, fully financed by the Host Organization. An extraordinary budget of €2,500 is provided by the Central Bohemia region. Fellows can also allocate this additional funding for research or travel expenses based on their needs.

During the secondment, the fellow remains an employee of their Host Organization, and continues to receive their salary from the Host Organization. The Host Organization covers all costs related to the secondment. This includes access to premises, infrastructure, equipment, products, and consumables for the duration of the secondment.

If the secondment is planned with an institution that is part of the Programme consortium, a Secondment Agreement must be signed before the secondment takes place. This agreement should be signed by the legal representatives of both the Host Organization and the Secondment Organization. To obtain the template for the Secondment Agreement, please contact the MERIT Management Board. If the fellow selects a secondment with an organization outside the official consortium, a Letter of Commitment must be signed by a representative of the secondment organization prior to signing the Secondment Agreement. The template for the Letter of Commitment can also be requested from the MERIT Management Board.

Yes. Secondments will be an imperative experience. At least one secondment is compulsory for each fellowship. It should be relevant, feasible, and beneficial for the researcher and in line with the project objectives. The aim of secondments is to assure intersectoral, international or interdisciplinary experience for fellows, the transfer of knowledge and technologies from research organisations to industry or to gather relevant inputs and industry needs to research organisations. The duration of the secondment is from 2 to a maximum of 9 months (Full Time Employee, FTE). It can be carried out in one or more institutions in a single period or divided into shorter periods. Fellows will carry out their secondments at the premises of the SO while keeping their contract with the HO. The MERIT programme offers more than 30 secondment options including large enterprises, SMEs, start-ups/spin-offs, international universities and local high schools. See the complete list here. Nevertheless, other institutions can be freely chosen but must be secured by the fellows during their fellowship.