Montroix Pty Ltd
The international collaboration experts


We are Australia’s #1 consultancy for international research collaboration. Our staff have considerable experience in providing advice and managing projects for international clients including governments, institutions, universities and not-for-profit organisations.

World leaders in building global knowledge platforms, such as COST and FEAST, we are Australia’s foremost experts in the European Union’s large research and innovation program, Horizon Europe.

We’re located Canberra, Australia, and invite you to contact us to discover how we can assist you and your organisation make greater impacts through your global interactions.

Portfolio

Project development, management & participation

At Montroix our passion is collaborating with partners for team-based achievements.

This stems from our staff’s long history of success in projects funded by the European Union’s Framework Programmes for Research & Innovation, as project contributors as well as lead project coordinators.

On the basis of our collective expertise in “international collaboration”, we have been involved with numerous projects and proposals connecting international actors together, in areas such as:

  • international research networks
  • research for development
  • information and communications technologies
  • governance and policy
  • health

and working with people from a diverse group of nations, including: Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, New Caledonia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Samoa, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Taiwan, Tonga, the United Kingdom, and Vanuatu.

Below are summaries of our involvement in some select projects:


PACE-Net Plus

Montroix was a partner in the PACE-Net Plus project (Pacific-Europe Network for Science, Technology and Innovation), taking a lead role in coordinating the development of a regional policy basis for science and innovation in the Pacific islands, and synthesising many years of outcomes and stakeholder perspectives into this policy.

In addition, our responsibilities extended to Horizon 2020 information and training activities across the Pacific islands, and assisting with the development of multilateral research projects with Pacific research actors.

PACE-Net Plus in Brussels


INCONTACT-2020

Being the regional experts in research collaboration with Europe, and having a strong history of involvement in international projects connected with the region, we were invited to participate as Advisors to the INCONTACT 2020 project, an initiative to support the engagement of all international actors with Horizon 2020 (the European Union’s large research and innovation funding program).

In this capacity we ensured the success of the project by continuing to offer a non-EU perspective on all aspects of Horizon 2020, including funding rules, proposal and consortia development, risk mitigation strategies, promotional and outreach activities.

During the course of the project we also delivered numerous strategically-focussed presentations on ways to pragmatically engage non-European participants in Horizon 2020, and offered insights into the realities of collaborating with Horizon 2020 from within individual national research environments.

Rado Faletič at the 6th INCO Conference in Beijing

Event design, management & delivery

Take a look (below) at the extensive list of events that we have delivered or contributed to over the years.

With our staff having science and engineering backgrounds, we are uniquely qualified to offer event-related services with a great deal of understanding of your content and motivations, particularly when related to international research engagement.

Our clients not only appreciate our professional and knowledgable input into their events, they also enjoy our encouragement and enthusiasm that greatly contribute to event success.

No matter the size of the event, we take absolute delight in engaging with an audience that is hungry for knowledge. Our aim is to leave audience members more energised at the end of a long day, than that moment early in the morning when they get their first hit of caffeine!

Some of our most memorable engagements include:

Ziggy Switkowski & Bruce Wilson

RMIT Futures Conference: Research Requires Collaboration

We were asked by the EU Centre at RMIT to develop a program that explored the benefits of Australian research collaboration with Horizon 2020, and more generally across the world. Not only did we develop a timely program – exploring relevant Australian policies and programs, and analysing a number of successful case-studies – we were able to attract high profile actors from Australia’s research and innovation landscape, including Dr Ziggy Switkowski AO (Chair of NBN Co.), Patricia Kelly PSM (Director General of IP Australia), and Professor Ian Chubb AC (former Chief Scientist of Australia).

PACE-Net Plus conference attendees

EU-Pacific bi-regional policy dialogue platforms

During the course of the PACE-Net Plus project we were intimately involved with the development of a series of bi-regional policy dialogue events, focussed on science, technology and innovation (ST&I). Our role in these events was primarily as discussant and rapporteur. Having this role enabled us to subsequently synthesise several years of dialogue from these events, and use this as an important basis for development of a Pacific regional policy framework on ST&I. These discussions have lead directly to a number of Pacific island nations initiating their own national ST&I policies, and a political recognition of the important role that ST&I can play in improving social and economic well-being in SIDS nations.

Horizon 2020

Horizon 2020 information day

Within days of Horizon 2020 being launched in Europe, we organised a regional “launch” at the University of Technology Sydney, with presentations from program and subject-matter experts. This event delivered timely information and advice to researchers seeking to engage with this large research funding program. The greatest impact, however, was the extraordinary amount of productive networking between Australian and Pacific researchers, particularly looking to involve their European connections to advance significant international research issues, such as climate change, environmental protection, natural resource management, and economic security.

Expert advice & research

In addition to our clients asking us to contribute to high-profile projects and events, many come to us for confidential advice and research.

These revolve around three key types of work:

  1. expert advice and analysis of international research collaboration;
  2. evaluation studies (including impact assessments), and;
  3. market research.

Being a private and independent SME (i.e. we are not linked to any government agencies, public institutions or corporations), we are ideally placed to deliver honest and frank work for your needs.

Past work has included:

  • confidential briefings on third country (i.e. non-European) engagement with Horizon 2020, including modalities of collaboration and pathways for success;
  • Horizon 2020 funding pre- and post-award assistance;
  • proposal reviews, including strategic advice and expert input;
  • longitudinal studies of funded programs and projects;
  • analysis of market opportunities in specified research domains;
  • university-level course evaluations, and accreditation documentation;
  • professional introductions for international visitors, and;
  • we occasionally develop websites and provide website/server and cloud computing support for higher-education and research projects.

Some of our clients:

  • European Commission
  • Australasian Research Management Society
  • RMIT University
  • National Youth Science Forum
  • Landcare Research
  • The University of Sydney
  • eutema GmbH
  • The Australian National University
  • Canada — Trade Commissioner Service
  • Cardno
  • EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
  • German Aerospace Agency – Project Management Agency
  • Institut de Recherche pour le Développement
  • La Trobe University
  • Monash University
  • The University of Newcastle

Staff

Dr Rado Faletič
Director

Rado Faletič

Rado was previously the Executive Director of the Forum for European-Australian Science and Technology cooperation (FEAST), and has held a number of teaching and IT positions at The Australian National University (ANU). FEAST was established by the European Union and the Australian Government to highlight, promote, and facilitate research collaboration between Europe and Australia.

He holds a PhD in shock tunnel tomography, and his other research projects have included the spatial modelling of water flows in de-forested landscapes, and adaptive seismic tomography.

Rado has broad-ranging professional experience in higher-education and research, business and the not-for-profit sectors. His core strengths are an ability to effectively communicate complex issues, a flair for questioning assumptions and exploring alternative solutions to problems, and flexibility in his approach to tasks that makes him easy to work with and quick to adapt to new situations.

In addition to his professional work with Montroix, Rado also enjoys coding for fun, and is currently working on a creative art app based on the surprising world of mathematical transforms.

News, Events & Publications

June 2022 workshop
ARMS Winter School: Securing International Research Funding

This workshop introduces the paradigms and practices of international research collaboration and international funding opportunities.

May 2022 webinar
Opportunities in Australia: The Australian Research Landscape

Presentation of a report on the Australian research funding landscape and potential opportunities for Canadian researchers.

December 2021 interview
‘Take Australia with you’: gaining postdoc experience in Europe

with Rado Faletič
Top tips to get junior researchers on a plane to Europe for an EU-funded fellowship.

April 2021 seminar
ARMS Winter School 2021 — Meet the Presenters

ARMS Winter School presenters will speak for a few minutes about their electives and answer questions.

July 2020 workshop
ARMS Winter School: Securing International Research Funding

This workshop introduces the paradigms and practices of international research collaboration and international funding opportunities.

June 2020 op-ed
Capital raising for research in the wake of COVID-19

by Rado Faletič
It is essential to preserve and grow our capital if we hope to invest in new industries that will be the catalyst for our recovery and long-term prosperity.

June 2019 webinar
What’s up Downunder – Opportunities for ICT research collaboration with Australia

Information on collaboration and funding opportunities between the European Union and Australia in the field of information and communication technologies. Experts provided insights into the Australian research and innovation environment and information about current funding opportunities.

June 2019 workshop
ARMS Professional Level Accreditation: Understanding International Research Funding

This workshop introduces the paradigms and practices of international research collaboration and international funding opportunities. The workshop focuses on skills needed to confidently and professionally support organisations with international research activities.

June 2019 publication
Green Bioplastics as Part of a Circular Bioeconomy, showcased in Trends Collection on Conservation

This Trends Collection on Conservation highlights articles from a wide range of fields, discussing how to conserve our natural world. This collection brings attention to a range of potential solutions, including the use of natural toxins, biological enzymes, boron in electronics, and green plastics.

February 2019 workshop
International Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence

How public policy, research and industry are approaching opportunities and risks of AI in an international context – a contribution to the way forward in EU-Australia collaboration.

January 2019 publication
Green Bioplastics as Part of a Circular Bioeconomy, in Trends in Plant Science

by Hakan Karan, Christiane Funk, Martin Grabert, Melanie Oey, Ben Hankamer
Fossil fuel and plastic production are currently integrated. About 80% of manufactured plastic accumulates as waste in landfills and natural environments, presenting an increasing hazard. Biodegradable and bio-based plastics present a viable and attractive alternative.

October 2018 workshop
Digital Science and International Cooperation: new opportunities for digitally enabled Australia-EU ICT research collaboration

This half-day workshop aims to define the necessary next steps to devise a roadmap for improved European-Australian collaboration in ICT research and innovation.

September 2018 presentation
2nd SAAA Conference 2018: Linking industry and research

Opportunities to support Slovenia-Australia research collaboration

August 2018 workshop
ARMS Professional Level Accreditation: Understanding International Research Funding

This workshop introduces the paradigms and practices of international research collaboration and international funding opportunities. The workshop focuses on skills needed to confidently and professionally support organisations with international research activities.

May 2018 panel
European networking event at CeBIT Australia 2018

At this vibrant networking event panel members discussed and answered question about: the future of Europe’s economic landscape; how a European Free Trade Agreement will work; how innovation and technology is playing a key role in the growth of bilateral trade; Australian business leaders perspectives on where emerging markets are rising and how market access can successfully be achieved, and; negotiations for a European Free Trade agreement.

March 2018 video
Plastics in the Ocean and the SDGs

We throw 8 billion kilograms of plastic waste into the ocean every year. Let’s work the solution… now!

March 2018 handbook
EPIC Handbook on Australia, New Zealand, Singapore programmes for EU researchers

The handbook equips EU stakeholders with a clear panorama of local research programmes open to collaboration with Europeans, detailing the possibilities and the conditions to access, participate, or being funded. It is composed of three dedicated chapters for Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand.

February 2018 op-ed
Ocean plastics and the SDGs

by Martin Grabert
The era of bio-plastics is upon us. New innovations and commercial opportunities in bio-plastics promise to make significant progress on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

December 2017 roundtable
European ICT and Horizon 2020

Dr Erich Prem, coordinator of EPIC and CEO of Eutema, introduced the European ICT context, including the large research and innovation funding program – Horizon 2020.

December 2017 briefing
European Digital Single Market

Dr Erich Prem, CEO of Eutema, presented an analysis of the currently changing European regulatory environment in the area of ICT (such as the Digital Single Market and Data Protection Rules) that will provide new opportunities for innovators.

October 2017 workshop
Horizon 2020: Research Collaboration with the European Union
September 2017 conference
RMIT Futures Conference 2017: Research Requires Collaboration
June 2017 workshop
ARMS Professional Level Accreditation: Understanding International Research Funding
May 2017 presentation
1st SAAA Conference 2017: Australian and Slovenian Current and Future Research Opportunities

Funding opportunities to support Slovenia-Australia research collaboration

November 2016 seminar
The European Union’s Research and Innovation Programs

How is Horizon 2020 progressing?

October 2016 proposal
Proposal for a Pacific ST&I Framework

A Pacific ST&I Framework will support nations in the development of their national ST&I efforts and hence facilitate the creation of much-needed capacities to address their individual concerns. This will enable all nations to better contribute to regional solutions via the leverage of national and regional ST&I resources, and make positive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

September 2016 publication
Understanding and promoting H2020 and other EU programmes, Deliverable 5.1 of the PACE-Net Plus project

by Caroline Moss, Nick Mulhernand, Andrew Cherry, Rado Faletič, Martin Grabert, Cynthia Cripps & Jane Lattimore
This report collates accumulated experience in promoting EU-Pacific ST&I partnerships, to articulate the lessons learned, and to formulate recommendations for policy makers and programme owners in the design of future cooperation programmes.

September 2016 presentation
2nd Pacific Islands University Research Network (PIURN) Conference

Horizon 2020 – the largest research funding program in the world

August 2016 workshop
ARMS Professional Level Accreditation: Understanding International Research Funding
July 2016 recommendation
Towards a Pacific ST&I Agenda, a PACE-Net Plus recommendation to foster science, technology and innovation (ST&I) pathways in the Pacific region

This document addresses regional leadership to develop a regional vision for ST&I in the Pacific to enable them to define their joint future. This is a powerful tool for regional leadership to inform decision-making on national and regionally derived findings of scientific research.

July 2016 report
Filling the Social Justice Gap: Social Justice Simulations

Evaluation report on this project, which aimed to address the gap between theoretical learning and practical experience in university social justice education.

June 2016 conference
PACE-Net Plus bi-regional platform: Pathways to Innovation in the Pacific Region
June 2016 workshop
Fiji Information Day on European funding
April 2016 news
Montroix announces cooperation with Science Leads, based in Germany

We are pleased to announce a new collaboration between Science Leads, based in Berlin and Brussels, and Montroix, based in Canberra and Brisbane.

February 2016 op-ed
The missing step: does Australia need a national industrial policy?

by Martin Grabert
In Australia, government, in collaboration with business, can provide for another decade of economic growth only by setting clear goals for different sectors based on a deep understanding of their competitive position. Government must design policy in a purposeful way so that as many sectors as possible can be as globally competitive as possible.

November 2015 publication
Key opportunities for Australian researchers and innovators in the 2016–2017 calls from Horizon 2020

by Rado Faletič & Martin Grabert
Horizon 2020 is the largest research and innovation funding program in the world. It provides funds and instruments for the entire spectrum of research and innovation activities. This document distils the enormous array of opportunities into an easy-to-read subset suitable for Australian actors to absorb.

June 2015 conference
EU-Pacific bi-regional policy dialogue: Moving further towards a policy dialogue in ST&I
June 2015 presentation
6th INCO Conference: Joint Innovation, Common Prosperity

Ensuring sustainable collaborations amidst rapidly changing regional and global dynamics

December 2014 conference
EU-Pacific bi-regional dialogue platform: Science diplomacy to serve policy demands
December 2014 workshop
Reconciling mining and sustainable development in Pacific countries
November 2014 op-ed
The Prime Minister is right…

by Martin Grabert
… coal is important for mankind, and it will be for a long while yet. But it is too valuable to be burnt, and not only because burning it pollutes the atmosphere that sustains our life.

November 2014 rapporteur
International NCP Workshop – Promoting the International Dimension of Horizon 2020

Report on International Cooperation around the World

November 2014 workshop
Coastal ecosystem disturbances, fish and shellfish poisoning and their socio-economic implication
September 2014 workshop
ARMS 2014 pre-conference workshop: A Research Manager’s Introduction to Horizon 2020
September 2014 conference
Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States

Horizon 2020: EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation

August 2014 note
How CRCs can access Horizon 2020, in News from the CRC Association

by Rado Faletič
Horizon 2020 – the European Union’s massive research and innovation program – presents a range of excellent opportunities for CRCs to deliver on their mission. However, being a foreign program, Australian actors can find it difficult to comprehend and even more difficult to access.

June 2014 workshop
Multiplier Forum/Infoday for New Zealand and Pacific Researchers
June 2014 presentation
5th INCO Conference: Addressing Future Challenges

(Lack of) funding is the root of all risk

May 2014 note
Horizon 2020: the Largest Research Funding Program Ever, in News from the CRC Association

by Rado Faletič
The European Commission has the mandate of implementing programs that no single country in Europe could ever do by themselves, and also has the luxury of being able to deliver programs and budgets that focus on the long-term. With a budget of €80 billion, and spanning 2014–2020, Horizon 2020 provides an enormous ecosystem of initiatives that supports all aspects of the research game. For CRCs, this program offers an incredible opportunity to become involved with large global research endeavours, showcase your own research and capabilities to a large public and private sector audience, build and extend your international networks and foster long-term international partnerships.

April 2014 note
Global Collaboration is Essential, in News from the CRC Association

by Martin Grabert
Many of the problems that confront us in Australia also affect other countries. Issues related to climate change are not uniquely Australian challenges; nor is water and energy supply; food or security both for citizens and nations, to name just a few. Enduring links with the rest of the world are important to find workable solutions. Any country with aspirations for the future seeks to collaborate with others in these endeavours. As the Chief Scientist put it: Global collaboration is essential, not an optional add-on.

March 2014 workshop
Research Collaboration with the EU
March 2014 workshop
Horizon 2020 information day, Nouméa
December 2013 conference
Horizon 2020 information day, Sydney
September 2013 presentation
‘Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive’: Researching the EU from Australia and New Zealand

Unwritten rules and strategies for research collaboration with Europe

March 2013 conference
PACE-Net Key Stakeholder Conference

Connecting Research and Innovation for Development in the Pacific

November 2012 roundtable
A Window on Cooperation & Collaboration Between Australia & the EU
September 2012 publication
Collaboration is Critical, in International Innovation: Health

by Rado Faletič
In the concluding part of this extended conversation, Rado Faletič extols the virtues of international collaboration and knowledge exchange to foster meaningful growth in science and technology.

September 2012 workshop
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation

Management of Science and Technology in International Collaborative Projects: Background and Practice

September 2012 presentation
ARMS ACT research roundtable

Supporting International Collaboration

August 2012 publication
Joining the Dots in International Innovation: Health

by Rado Faletič
While there is clearly much to be gained from bilateral and multilateral research collaboration, too often these partnerships are inhibited by difficulties in funding and other infrastructural issues. In the first of an enlightening two-part discussion with International Innovation, Dr Rado Faletič explains how FEAST has facilitated European-Australian collaboration.

August 2012 workshop
The EU’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)
August 2012 workshop
2013 Work Programme of the European Union Seventh Framework Programme of Research (FP7) and Horizon 2020
June 2012 presentation
Regional Universities Network (RUN) presentation: University Networks
June 2012 workshop
Collaborating with Europe: Opportunities and Strategies for Funding for Arts and Social Science

Contact

Montroix Pty Ltd is an Australian corporation (ACN 158 327 827) that works with clients around the world.

Website:
www.montroix.com
Email:
info@montroix.com
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/montroix
Post:
PO Box 4394
Hawker ACT 2614
Australia