LERU supporting DESCA consortium agreement

The League of European Research Universities (LERU) has given its full support for DESCA, the most widespread consortium agreement model in the framework programme (FP). It has been updated for Horizon 2020.

DESCA is a comprehensive model consortium agreement that offers a reliable frame of reference for project consortia. The signature of a consortium agreement between the partners of a research project is mandatory for almost every Horizon 2020 project. The European Commission offers general guidance for the drafting of consortium agreements, but does not endorse a specific model consortium agreement. Introduced by key Horizon 2020 stakeholder groups, and co-developed with the FP community, the initiative seeks to balance the interests of all participant types.

DESCA is a simple and comprehensive model consortium agreement, stripped of all unnecessary complexity in both content and language. The modular structure of DESCA, with various options and alternative modules and clauses, provides maximum flexibility. Great care has gone into making sure that these variants remain consistent with the core text. Notes with concrete examples and detailed explanations about the various options and clauses are provided throughout the model. These notes will help research managers, without legal training, as well as first-time FP participants make informed choices about the best wording to protect their interests.

The DESCA 2020 launch will take place in Brussels on 24 March. LERU Secretary-General, Professor Kurt Deketelaere, will give a short presentation at this event.

The DESCA core group is represented by LERU, the European Association of Research and Technology Organisations and the European University Alliance, amongst others. It is co-ordinated by Fraunhofer and the Helmholtz Association.