Let’s meet Maëlle Pichard Head of the European Division at the Grants Office

By Ksenia Bagrintseva, Senior Grant Writer and ERC Expert 

In honor of European Month this May, we’re pleased to shine a spotlight on Maëlle Pichard, Head of the European Division at the Grants Office. Maëlle and her team play a crucial role in supporting scientists at the Institut Pasteur to secure European funding for research projects.

1. Could you share a bit about your background and current responsibilities? 

I have a background in European Affairs and over 14 years of experience in this field. I've had the opportunity to work with regional councils in both France and the Czech Republic, as well as with various research organizations. For nearly six years, I have been leading the European Division within the Grants Office at the Institut Pasteur, where I manage a team of 9 people. 

2. How does your team support researchers at Pasteur? 

The European Division supports campus researchers through three main stages: identifying suitable calls, preparing applications, and managing projects in case of success. We actively share information about funding opportunities via tools such as the Grants Finder, webinars, and other communication channels. Once a researcher identifies a relevant call, we collaborate closely with them and their consortium to energize the group, ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, advise on project structuring, and assist in preparing the budgetary, administrative, and ethical aspects for submission. Finally, when a project is funded, we handle contract negotiations and provide support for project management. If Institut Pasteur coordinates the project, we appoint a dedicated Project Manager. 

3. How many European-funded projects are currently in your portfolio? 

Since the launch of the Horizon Europe program, we have had 104 projects funded for approximately 88 million euros. 

4. Have you noticed any trends in the types of applications you support? 

Comparing the 2014-2020 period (Horizon 2020) to the 2021-2027 period (Horizon Europe), we clearly see a strong increase in the number of submissions, including in coordinations. This leads to a growing number of European projects, including large-scale ones, such as the DURABLE project (€25M - 19 partners) aimed at establishing a one-stop shop for diagnostics, research, preparedness and response to current and future health threats. Our participation spans a wide range of topics. For example, Tamara Giles-Vernick recently coordinated "Sonar-Cities" (€4M - 12 partners), a social sciences project focused on managing risks related to disasters and Health Emergencies in Europe’s Cities. 

5. What factors make a project more likely to succeed in securing European funding? 

Experts evaluate each proposal based on general criteria such as excellence, impact, and the quality and efficiency of implementation. However, these are broad guidelines, as the evaluation criteria are specific to each call. Before embarking on a project, it is crucial that it aligns well with the call’s objectives, and that’s where we come in to help. 

6. Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of European-funded research at Pasteur? 

Until the end of the Horizon Europe program, I am quite optimistic that we will continue to observe an increase in submissions to European calls. It's after 2027 that remains to be seen. Negotiations for the next European research program have just begun, and the current political and economic situation is uncertain. 

7. What do you enjoy most about your job?  

I truly see my role as a partnership with the researchers when they are setting up a project. It’s a team effort - we’re in the same boat - and that collaborative dynamic is one of the aspects of my work that I value most.