Websites for EU projects - Kunnskapsbasen
Websites for EU projects
Norsk versjon: Nettsider for EU-prosjekter
The EU sets three requirements for websites for projects with EU funding.
These websites must:
- display the official EU emblem
- state that the project is funded by the EU
- have a domain name that is intuitive to understand
Apart from these absolute requirements from the EU, the site should follow NTNU’s profile and general best practice for the web.
Does the EU require the project to have a website?
No. The project can choose which communication activities and channels to use. Activities and channels are described in the project proposal. Note that if the application specifies creation of a website, this will be part of the basis for the application, and you are obliged to create a website.
Generally, the project should have a website, even if the EU does not require it. Discuss this with your website manager if you are in doubt.
In all cases, communication of projects and results must provide targeted information in a strategic, coherent and effective manner. The project must specify the funding, where the grant number is also typically stated.
For more information about communication, dissemination and visibility, see:
Domain
There are no requirements for domain names other than that they are intuitive to understand.
For important points to consider when deciding whether the project’s website should be located on NTNU’s website or on external servers, see the wiki Why you should use NTNU’s publishing tool for web pages.
Tip://
For example, you can order a domain named <project name.eu> and then set up a redirect to ntnu.edu/<project name>. Then you combine the benefits of using NTNU's website with having a simple URL.
Using .eu is not a requirement.
Where in the structure should the project’s website be located?
If the website for the project is published outside ntnu.no or ntnu.edu, you can set up a simple and static page about the project on ntnu.edu that links to the project page itself. Here is the template for a simple website for an EU project.
This will enable a higher ranking for the project in searches, while showcasing the department’s portfolio at the same time. The template can also be used if the project page is located at NTNU, but outside the departmental structure.
Logos and use of the EU emblem
Unless the EU requires or allows otherwise, or it is impossible, all dissemination of results (in any form, including electronically) must:
- display the EU emblem, and
- include the following text:
«This project has received funding from the [e.g. European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme] under Grant Agreement No. [Number]».
The EU emblem must be easy to see and at least as prominent and visible as any other logo displayed together with it.
Reference: EU Grants AGA - Annotated Grant Agreement EU Funding Programmes 2021-2027 (PDF), page 112 and 124.
Ask for a copy of the agreement with annexes and check whether there are any specific guidelines for the use of logos in the specific type of project.
Please that the EU has its own rules for logos and the use of the EU emblem on EU-funded equipment (including laboratory equipment etc.). The practice at NTNU is that, within EU rules, local solutions are created in the individual laboratory and for the individual equipment.
Checklist for communications employees who will create websites
- Ask to see the plans for communication and impact in the application.
- Contact the website manager at the faculty for collaboration and guidance.
- Ask the project leader or the financial officer for the project about the type of funding within the EU that is involved.
- Check whether NTNU is the host or coordinator of the project.
- Is there already a communications agency involved as a partner in the project?
- If NTNU is the host: work together with the project leader and website manager to plan where the project’s website will be located, following the guidelines that apply.
- If NTNU is not the host: plan content for a simple page under the department.
- All websites for EU-funded research and innovation must be correctly marked with the logo and text. You also need to follow this rule if you create a simple page under the department that refers to the project itself.
- About the marking of EU projects (this is also stated in the standard contracts).
- Check the separate provisions for the various funding schemes that come in addition (ERC, MSCA, COST).
- Note the logo, standard text and position on the website.
- If the project wants an .eu domain name, apply for this through domeneshop.no. This is not a requirement. The person who applies for and owns the domain should be a permanent employee at NTNU. We should keep the domain until the content is to be removed. Ask for a redirect via NTNU Help.
Tip:
If an external communications agency creates a Wordpress solution for the project, talk to NTNU IT about whether the data can be hosted on NTNU’s servers. Then NTNU will not lose all the data if the communications agency goes into lilquidation.