A recent survey asked principal investigators from OSCARS funded projects why they would recommend applying to future Open Calls on the basis of their experience. Their responses showcase how cascading grants are increasingly viewed as a strategic and impactful funding mechanism in the Open Science ecosystem.
Below are some of the key added values emerging from their answers.
Simple and efficient application process
Many respondents highlighted the low administrative burden and fast turnaround as major advantages. Some appreciated the "brevity and simplicity" of the application for a good amount of funding, and noted that the process is “efficient and lean,” filling a critical funding gap without the overhead typical of large EU programmes.
Focused funding with high impact
The OSCARS cascading grants offer targeted, small-scale funding, which is ideal for early-stage proof-of-concept work, as well as for prototyping, piloting, or scaling up specific tools and services. For instance, it was pointed out that such grants support technological development in areas that traditional frameworks often overlook. Also, it was emphasised that this type of grants allow projects to “turn a good concept into a tangible, community-ready service within a short period”, as well as to “hire staff to develop and improve existent methods that otherwise would have been forgotten and left in disuse”.
Boosting visibility and community integration
Several projects stressed the visibility gained by being part of a broader European initiative. Being linked to the OSCARS ecosystem, which involves established European networks and partners, has in some cases opened doors to new collaborations and enhanced credibility. This integration has also contributed to fostering interdisciplinary networking.
Collaborative opportunities across the Science Clusters and beyond
Working across thematic clusters and forming international teams is also seen as an added value. It was stated that such collaborations not only enrich project outputs, but also help in co-developing best practices and aligning with FAIR principles. Many respondents also noted that cascading grants empower smaller or niche projects.
Contributing to FAIR data and Open Science practices
Last but not least, the OSCARS grants have helped projects embed FAIR principles and develop sustainable Open science tools, allowing to directly improve the quality and openness of research practices, and creating real change across a wide variety of scientific disciplines.