Don’t hire your researchers on the 31st: day-equivalents matter

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Day Equivalent Calculation with Kronis

Navigating Horizon Europe’s rules can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle. One of the most surprising aspects is understanding the concept of Day Equivalents (DEq). If you’re managing researchers or projects under Horizon Europe, this is a crucial detail to get right, and it’s not as straightforward as it seems.

Horizon Europe measures time in Day Equivalents, with a full-time person accounting for 215 DEqs in a year. However, unlike natural calendar years, reporting periods don’t follow the same pattern. As a project manager, you need to be mindful of two critical factors:

  1. Calculating the Maximum Day Equivalents for Each Reporting Period
  2. Standardized Month Lengths: Every month is considered to have 30 days for calculation purposes.

This means that for a 12-month period, a researcher can claim up to 215 DEqs, but the proportional amount depends on how many months they have worked within the reporting period. And a reporting period usually extends for more than one year. So maths count.


The Tricky Part: Odd Month Calculations

The devil is always in the details, and Horizon Europe’s DEq calculation is no exception. Let’s take a look at how starting dates can affect the number of DEqs reported:

  • A researcher starting on February 28th will contribute 3/30 months to the overall DEq count for that period.
  • A researcher starting on the 30th of any month will only add 1/30 month to the period’s DEq count.
  • If a researcher begins on the 31st of a month, they won’t add any DEqs for that month, because you are already out of the 30 days.

In short, your hiring date can have a surprising impact on the overall DEq count—making February a better month for hiring than March.


Kronis: Simplifying Horizon Europe Grant Management

At Kronis, we understand that these rules can be a headache. That’s why we created a user-friendly software solution designed to take the complexity out of Horizon Europe reporting. Our platform is built to follow all these nuanced rules, helping you manage your EU grants without the confusion and stress.

From tracking Day Equivalents to calculating exact reporting periods, Kronis ensures that you stay compliant with Horizon Europe’s unique guidelines. By automating DEq calculation, we free up your time, so you can focus on what really matters—moving your research or project forward.


Why Choose Kronis?

  • Automated DEq Calculations: Our software handles the complex DEq math for you, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Easy Reporting Period Management: No need to stress over tricky reporting periods—Kronis tracks everything for you.
  • 30-Day Free Trial: Experience how Kronis can simplify your reporting process by signing up for a 30-day free trial. No commitment, just clarity.

Stay Informed and Stay Compliant

Managing Horizon Europe grants doesn’t have to be a headache. With Kronis, you can leave the technicalities to us and focus on growing your project.

Sign up for a 30-day free trial today and discover how Kronis can help you streamline your project management.

Kronis Software: The Solution to Navigating EU Funding Complexities

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