Grants for Researchers in European Union

Expected Impact: The action under this topic is expected to achieve the following impacts: Accelerate EU access to more cost-effective interventions in an increasingly ageing population by identifying personalised treatment approaches for elderly-onset immune diseases. Decrease disease risk later in life by defining specific prevention strategies based on ageing biomarkers and risk factors. Halt age-associated disease exacerbation by the identification of predictive and digital biomarkers that can stratify patients for early intervention. Improve quality of life for healthy individuals and patients by preventing further health decline, avoiding escalating care costs, and properly stratifying individuals earlier in the diagnostic pathway. Accelerate adoption of innovative diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic strategies, strengthening the EU’s position as a healthcare innovator. Evaluate digital biomarker as potential regulatory endpoints in the ultimate goal to develop medicines for ‘healthy ageing’. Integrate fragmented research efforts by bringing together health industry sectors and stakeholders to develop clinical and multi-omics data integration capabilities. Enable new…

Expected Outcome: This action will establish a strategic European initiative to develop scalable, modular, and interoperable photonic quantum computing platforms. Proposals for this topic are expected to address and provide credible solutions to at least two major technical roadblocks currently limiting the advancement of photonic quantum computing such as: The lack of deterministic, high-efficiency photonic entanglement and loss-tolerant architectures suitable for fault-tolerant scaling The absence of a standardised, integrated control stack combining photonic hardware, firmware, and system software with reliable benchmarking across platforms Project results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: By 2028, demonstration of a photonic NISQ processor with ≥100 photonic qubits, integrating deterministic single-photon sources, low-loss waveguides, on-chip detectors, and a firmware stack (scheduler, controller, compiler), validated via hardware-agnostic benchmarks and hybrid photonic-HPC applications demonstrating classical-quantum crossover By 2030, delivery of a full-stack, high-connectivity photonic quantum computer, with modular scalability, integrated…

Expected Outcome: The successful proposal will support the implementation of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change and the upcoming European Climate Adaptation Plan. Projects are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes: The methodology for identifying, selecting and consolidating global and regional reference climate data sets and scenarios is advanced and their consistent use across the EU in relation to climate adaptation is supported. Standardisation and quality of climate services across the EU are improved, and their uptake is enhanced. Climate services and best practices are used effectively to inform climate adaptation policies and decisions Scope: Rationale As climate risks intensify, the demand for tailored and effective climate services is growing. However, despite their increasing adoption, the lack of sufficient regulation can compromise quality assurance and consistency of climate services, leading to poor decision-making, limited use in policy, and underdeveloped markets, ultimately resulting in maladaptation. In its Communication on Managing climate risk , the European Commission announced its intention to ask European Standardisation…

Expected Outcome: Activities under this topic will help progress towards the objectives and targets of the Mission Soil and the EU Soil Strategy for 2030 . Activities should also contribute to the implementation of the Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive after its adoption. Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: enhanced adoption of impactful sustainable soil management solutions and strategies supported by AI-powered decision support systems by land managers; harmonised, standard, robust, interoperable and accessible methods, protocols and logical architecture for long-term field experiments (LTEs) data collection and integration (including with other datasets) are in place; scientists, policymakers, and land managers gain enhanced access to comprehensive, high-quality soil data, enabling better research, informed decision-making, and effective land management practices. Scope: Long-term field experiments (LTEs) can be defined as “agricultural experiments for monitoring soil and crop properties under changing climate conditions and different management with a minimum duration of 20 years” [1] , [2] . LTEs are typically owned or…

Expected Outcome: The Synergy action for Teaming Centres of Excellence (CoE) responds to the need to ensure the sustainability of CoE funded under the Teaming calls [1] . The establishment of CoE in Widening countries, supported by a significant investment in Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, has created new opportunities for scientific, societal, and economic impact. However, to fully capitalise on this investment and enhance the sustainability and international competitiveness of these CoE, it is essential to facilitate stronger collaboration and strategic joint initiatives among them. Proposals are expected to contribute to all the following outcomes: Stronger long-term collaboration among Teaming CoE through structured joint initiatives and clustering efforts to enhance mutual learning, resource sharing, and collective research and innovation capacity; Strategic transformation of R&I systems by enhancing institutional cooperation and supporting structural reforms at national and regional levels; Promotion of multidisciplinary and transnational cooperation that will enable CoE to address critical European and global challenges, and EU policy priorities; Promote ERA priorities…

Expected Outcome: Excellent capacities in research management are essential for institutions and national R&I systems to enhance their research excellence and capitalize on their R&I activities in a knowledge-based economy and society. The Research Management Facility aims at providing institutions in Widening countries that want to establish or upgrade their research management capacities with tailored support. The Research Management Facility also advises on an implementation strategy to introduce changes in the institutional set-up, in line with the ERA priorities. However, the action does not provide support for the implementation of the strategy. Strong research management ensures effective grant acquisition, resource allocation, compliance with funding regulations, and strategic planning. It supports high-quality research by streamlining administrative processes, facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations, attracting and retaining international high-profile researchers, and optimizing the use of research infrastructures. Proposals are expected to contribute to the following outcomes: Encourage the establishment of stronger research management capacities in Widening…

Expected Impact: The action under this topic is expected to achieve the following impacts and contribute to the following EU policies/initiatives: deliver innovative, early technology solutions that contribute to addressing strategic unmet public health needs across multiple therapy areas to improve prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment; leverage the unique network and scale of IHI JU members to create a pipeline to support innovative startups in the health industry, fully integrated into European initiatives in support of start-ups and entrepreneurship; drive early cross-sector health R&D and innovation to strengthen the European healthcare industry’s global competitiveness, contributing to the EU Industrial Strategy and Pharmaceutical Strategy objectives; create a sustainable network of European healthcare incubators to guide and support highly talented and innovative early-stage companies; harness digital health and data-sharing technologies (e.g., AI and big data) to enable interoperable health solutions, contributing to the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and improved evidence based care;- the action should generate a portfolio of early‑stage companies that have…

Expected Outcome: Project should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Research funders, policymakers and research communities in the social sciences and humanities (SSH) are provided with a multi-annual R&I programme on social transformations and resilience, responding to megatrends like climate change and biodiversity loss, digitalisation, demographic changes and unexpected shocks. Research investments on social protection and essential services, future of work, education and skills, and a fair transition to climate neutrality are increased. Stakeholders, including social partners and civil society, and policymakers are provided with evidence-based knowledge, tools and innovative solutions, which contribute to new policies and strategies for strengthening resilience, fairness, inclusiveness and social cohesion at European, national and regional level. Scope: Europe is undergoing critical social transformations driven by macro drivers of change, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, digitalisation and demographic change, which have been accelerated by events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. These transformations…

Expected Impact: The action under this topic is expected to achieve the following impacts: Faster and more informed decision-making through the use of an AI-driven NAM (AI Foundation Toxicology Model) and increased efficiency through rapid processing of vast amounts of data [1] . Increased consistency and standardisation in a NAM-based approach, specifically an AI model, used by industry in the efficient development, testing and production of safe and effective innovative health technologies, improving industrial competitiveness. Regulatory adoption of a NAM-enabled second species waiver model (AI Foundation Toxicology Model) and weight-of-evidence framework, in line with recommendations and more consistent global decision-making on waiving second species testing. Reduction in animal use, accelerated timelines and lower costs, enhancing the competitiveness of the European health industry through economical and ethical benefits. Improved public health as patients will benefit from safe and effective medicines developed faster using validated NAMs. The action is expected to contribute to the EU Directive (2010/63/EU) [2] on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and…

Expected Outcome: Proposals under this topic should aim to deliver results that are directed and tailored towards and contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Researchers of different disciplines use advanced multiscale Virtual Human Twins (VHTs) to expand the knowledge and understanding of cancer onset and progression Healthcare professionals and researchers have access to advanced VHT-based solutions that model cancer onset and progression over time, contributing to improve personalised treatments Researchers, healthcare professionals, innovators and citizens have access to cancer VHTs through the UNCAN.eu and the advanced Virtual Human Twin platforms Scope: Virtual human twins (VHTs) are digital representations and in-silico models of an individual’s health and disease at different levels of the human anatomy (e.g. cells, tissues, organs or organ systems) for the prevention, prediction, screening, diagnosis and treatment of a disease, as well as the selection and personalisation of intervention options [1] . The proposed topic will contribute to the EU Cancer Mission objectives by improving the accuracy of dynamic and multiscale VHTs to better understand cancer…

Expected Outcome: This topic aims at supporting activities that are enabling or contributing to one or several expected impacts of destination “Tackling diseases and reducing disease burden”. To that end, proposals under this topic should aim to deliver results that are directed at, tailored towards and contributing to all the following expected outcomes: The EU is reinforced as an internationally recognised driver of research and innovation in Rare Diseases (RD) and thereby substantially contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals related to rare diseases. Research funders align, adopt and implement their RD research policies allowing for the optimal generation and translation of knowledge into meaningful health products and interventions responding to the needs of people living with a rare disease across Europe and globally. The RD research community at large benefit from and use an improved comprehensive knowledge framework and cross-border FAIR [1] data access and analysis, including rare diseases registries, by integrating the EU, national/regional data and information infrastructures to improve translational research. People living with a rare…

Expected Outcome: Proposals are expected to contribute to all following points: Significantly reduced EU dependency on imported battery-grade raw materials, specifically emerging technologies and carbon-based electrode materials. Established European value chains for next-generation battery materials, enhancing the EU's technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Scope: Proposals under this topic are expected to address all aspects for one of the following categories: 1. Sustainable Processing and Refining of next generation batteries-grade Material, delivering all of the following: Development and validation of innovative, environmentally friendly refining technologies for producing battery-grade metals and materials suitable for next-generation battery chemistries. This covers raw and advanced electrode materials for the components of sodium-ion batteries or beyond generation 3 [1] lithium-ion batteries Development of processes achieving significant reductions in carbon and ecological footprint, emissions of pollutants, energy usage, and chemical inputs. The selected processes should not negatively impact any of the aspects above or cause significant harm. Validation of…

Expected Outcome: this topic is a continuation for the co-funded European partnership for research in nuclear materials (CONNECT-NM) and constitutes the EU’s contribution to the 2026-2027 budgetary period. This action aims to provide additional funding to the co-funded European partnership on nuclear materials that brings together European entities that have a national mandate for research in materials science and deal with nuclear materials. It aims to pool their resources in order to achieve critical mass and improve safety, as well as efficiency and effectiveness, when implementing materials solutions in the nuclear domain across Europe. The scope of the partnership on nuclear materials covers the research interests of all Member States and Associated Countries dealing with nuclear materials research. It is not limited to countries that generate nuclear power. The grant to the partnership will contribute to the expected outcomes specified in topic HORIZON-EURATOM-2023-NRT-01-04. The consortium that won the grant under topic HORIZON-EURATOM-2023-NRT-01-04 is uniquely placed to submit a proposal to continue the envisioned partnership. The consortium for the present topic may…

Expected Outcome: Proposals under this topic should aim to deliver results that are directed and tailored towards and contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Patients with refractory cancers and their caregivers/families will have access to optimised, tailored and affordable immunotherapeutic interventions that increase their quality of life, across European regions, EU Member States and Associated Countries; Healthcare professionals and academia will have access to clinical evidence, on effectiveness of immunotherapeutic interventions, to deploy evidence-based treatment interventions with improved patient selection that improve outcomes in real life, i.e. in routine healthcare, for patients with refractory cancers who often present with co-morbidities; National healthcare providers, policymakers and authorities in European regions, EU Member States and Associated Countries will have the evidence to implement and reimburse optimised and affordable immunotherapeutic interventions in their healthcare systems, including in everyday medical practice. Scope: While cancer research and innovation have generated novel treatment options, patients with refractory cancers…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: impacts of continuous and impulsive underwater noise levels on marine organisms and ecosystems, and the related ecosystem services they provide, including cumulative impacts with other pressures, are well understood, taking into account regional differences; environmental authorities have access to advanced methods, tools and indicators enabling them to comprehensively monitor and assess the impacts of underwater noise pollution on marine species and ecosystems and to devise strategies for protecting the ecosystems services they provide. Scope: Proposals should: develop new, or improve upon existing, scientific methods and tools for comprehensively monitoring the impacts of anthropogenic underwater noise pollution on marine ecosystems and species populations at different trophic levels and taking into account regional differences; develop new, or improve upon existing, indicators for the assessment of the effects of noise exposure as well as their cumulative effects on marine organisms and ecosystems, and the services they provide, in line with methods (including threshold…

Expected Outcome: Activities under this topic will help progress towards the objectives and targets of the Mission Soil and of the EU Soil Strategy for 2030 , the Zero Pollution Action Plan , the European One Health Action Plan against antimicrobial resistance as well as the Sustainable Development Goals [1] . Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: policymakers, land managers and other relevant stakeholders have an enhanced understanding of antimicrobial resistance development in soils, the key drivers and pathways of soil’s contribution to human and animal exposure to antimicrobial resistant genes and organisms, as well as antibiotic biosynthesis in soils; policymakers and land managers have increased access and capacity to implement evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance development in soils and minimising the exposure of humans and animals to antimicrobial resistant genes and organisms; policymakers and other relevant stakeholders benefit from improved access to enriched databases of antibiotics-related genes and antibiotic alternatives from soil microorganisms; citizens are more aware of the…

Expected Outcome: Proposals under this topic should aim to deliver results that are directed and tailored towards and contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Healthy people and in particular people at risk will benefit from microbiome tests and programmes that can discover and predict their transition to cancer before the onset of disease. People will have a better understanding of risks and will be enabled to address risks early by following treatments or adapting their lifestyles, including nutrition and other interventions. Physicians will be able to start cancer treatments earlier with a higher success rate. Policy makers and authorities will be enabled to develop and implement advanced and strategic programmes addressing cancer prevention. Scope: This topic will contribute to the achievement of the EU Cancer Mission’s objective to achieve better cancer prevention and early detection. The focus is on the development of validated microbiome tools, an assessment of predispositions, the comparison with other predictive tools and risk modelling approaches. Cancer often develops over several years and progresses silently before symptoms appear. Some cancers are…

Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will contribute to the implementation of the EU initiative on Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing and the EU Life Sciences Strategy as well as the updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the Clean Industrial Deal, the European Chemical Industry Action Plan, the upcoming EU Biotechnology and Circular Economy Acts. Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: Increased added value of residual biomass for biorefinery applications. Availability of a wider portfolio of sustainable bio-based products via industrial biotech. Robust, scalable and efficient biotech process(es) applicable to residual biomass. Scope: Diversifying biomass feedstock resources for bio-based products is key to contribute to resilience and strategic autonomy of bio-based operations. Industrial biotechnologies have showcased that they can play a key role to address residual biomass into valuable bio-based products. However, scaling up from research to demo scale requires addressing systemic and technical challenges. This entails the integration of adequate pretreatment and conversion processes, tailored to the targeted residual biomass and its…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: researchers better understand the status and population trends of insect species and the drivers of their decline; competent authorities in charge of biodiversity policies at all levels are capable of taking informed decisions, based on better understanding and valuation of socioeconomic benefits and ecological importance of insects, including for climate action; society and relevant land managers are better informed and equipped to tackle the drivers of the decline of insects. Scope: Insects play a vital role contributing to ecosystem functions in addition to pollination, such as decomposition and nutrient cycles, soil formation (including carbon sequestration) and pest control, control functions essential for maintaining ecosystem complexity, and are an indispensable part of the food chain. Those functions are key for climate change mitigation and allow the provision of ecosystem services which have economic benefits and support human well-being. Additionally, insects play a key role in other socioeconomic areas such as medical and pharmaceutical applications (e.g.…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Member States and Associated Countries contribute to the implementation of area-based management tools, such as protection targets and adaptive management approaches for deep-sea regions under the Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), for Regional fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) and for transitions areas with the EU exclusive economic zone notably by identifying Ecologically and biologically significant marine areas (EBSAS), and informing the next Global Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services; Public Authorities prioritise deep sea areas for inclusion in their 30% protection target while enhancing maritime spatial planning achieved through science-based information, habitat mapping and ecosystem-based approach, aligned with the EU strategies for biodiversity and climate adaptation by 2030. Scope: The deep sea represents 90% of the Ocean volume and remains the least explored biome of the planet. Nevertheless, we know that the deep sea forms an extensive and complex ensemble of…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: the effectiveness of the protection of habitats and species in protected areas is maintained even under intensifying impacts of the drivers of biodiversity loss, including climate change, thanks to an improved understanding of how they affect the conservation status of the protected habitats and species, for the benefit of society; managers of protected areas are able to anticipate the future impacts of drivers of biodiversity loss and can take better informed decisions for the protection of terrestrial, freshwater and/or marine habitats and species. Scope: Protected areas are key to ensure the conservation of species and habitats. However, the intensification of the main drivers of biodiversity loss is raising questions on how their effectiveness will be maintained in the future. This topic is expected to support the EU commitment to legally protect a minimum of 30% of the EU’s land area and a minimum of 30% of the EU’s sea area of the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030 (target 1) and the related legislation, and the corresponding target of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: Availability and integration of advanced, trustworthy, energy-efficient perception systems, exploiting technological advancements of Generative AI (GenAI) to enhance situational awareness and support safe decision-making; Enhanced Vulnerable Road User (VRU) safety, based on elevated, more temper-proof perception and understanding of their behaviour and intention predictions; Enhanced robustness of CCAM systems - both on-board and on the infrastructure side - in critical situations due to their training, virtual testing and validation in scenarios generated by GenAI, complementing existing scenario databases for the testing and validation of CCAM systems; Enhanced understanding of the relevance and limitations of using GenAI for CCAM; Tools and harmonised approaches for the use of GenAI in mobility technology development, training and validation, as well as for systemic applications such as traffic management and remote control, integrating them into existing approaches. Scope: Pilots and demonstrations using Level 3 and 4 vehicle services face major challenges in perception and…

Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will support the implementation of the EU Adaptation Strategy, the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, the European Water Resilience Strategy, the EU Preparedness Strategy and the upcoming European Climate Adaptation Plan. Proposals are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes: Navigable inland waterways, their surroundings and related infrastructure are managed in a more integrated and sustainable manner across Europe and become more climate-resilient Climate and environmental risks to water infrastructure (e.g. droughts, flooding, slow onset events, ecological degradation and cascading and compound events) are more effectively addressed in a systemic way. Safe, efficient and reliable navigability conditions are improved. Cost-efficient and environmentally friendly measures -- especially nature-based solutions -- are identified with the involvement of stakeholders. They improve climate resilience of inland waterways while supporting integrated co-benefit and avoiding competing water uses, including between countries and regions. Scope: Rationale There are about 42,000 kilometres of navigable inland waterways in the EU,…

Expected Outcome: the project results are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes: access to cutting-edge infrastructure for researchers and research teams from Euratom and Associated Countries to EU and international state-of-the-art nuclear research infrastructures; enhancing the network developed under the OFFERR project for optimised use of nuclear research infrastructures identified in the EU, thus supporting the implementation of the Euratom programme’s objectives and the establishment of the European Research Area (ERA) in the nuclear safety and radiation protection field; strengthened cross-border collaboration in nuclear safety and radiation protection research in the EU, a significant increase in transnational nuclear research and the fostering of shared expertise and resources; preservation of critical facilities, possibly increasing their number to ensure the long-term availability of key experimental facilities for research into safety, security, safeguards, radioactive waste management and radiation protection (e.g. materials testing research reactors in operation, irradiation infrastructure, hot cells and laboratories, mechanical and thermal…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: Advance in the achievement of the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan’s research and innovation priorities and targets for wind energy; Efficient and effective support to wind energy research and innovation through alignment and cooperation among different actors, avoiding fragmentation of efforts; Energy producers and consumers benefit from increased performance of wind energy technologies with the focus on efficiency and flexibility, reduced cost, improved reliability and sustainability, operation and maintenance, safety, robustness and security during all stages of the lifetime of a wind energy farm from installation, operation and maintenance to decommissioning; Increased contribution of wind energy to the energy system, with minimal impacts on health and the environment (notably biodiversity and pollution) and at the lowest possible cost. Scope: The action contributes to address the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan’s research and innovation priorities and targets for wind energy, as defined by the Implementation Working Group (IWG) on wind energy, the European…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all the following expected outcomes: Enhanced understanding, accompanied by documented good practices, showing what works to encourage multilingualism in society and what type of practices have led to safeguarding linguistic heritage, including lesser used, endangered and historically marginalised languages. Rigorous policy-relevant evidence, strategies and policy recommendations for promoting multilingualism and safeguarding linguistic diversity are available to policy makers, and users are involved in their development, especially the younger generation. Non-linguistic benefits of language maintenance and revitalisation are well documented, communicated and understood by different stakeholders. Citizens are empowered and engaged in the sustainable management of their own linguistic heritage and resources, with a focus on intergenerational dialogue and education activities, with particular attention to communities where oral transmission is the primary mode of language preservation. Maps and visual presentations showing the linguistic diversity in Europe are available, including a variety of existing languages (regional and minority…

Expected Outcome: Battery recycling is of strategic importance for both Europe and India, not only to keep raw materials in the respective territories but also to reduce the environmental impact of the recycling process. R&I in this area has been identified as a priority by the EU-India Trade and Technology Council’s Working Group on Green and Clean Energy Technology to reinforce bilateral cooperation. Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Battery recyclers based in the EU and India benefit from of the improved sustainability, safety, and affordability of innovative recycling processes. Stakeholders on battery recycling based in the EU and India benefit from each other’s experience on recycling logistics, including the informal processes and supply chain constraints. The cooperation between EU and India key researchers, institutions and industries which are active in battery recycling is supported and strengthened. Scope: Projects are expected to build a jointly operated recycling pilot line on Indian soil demonstrating innovative recycling processes for lithium-ion batteries going beyond the current state of the art in terms of…

Expected Outcome: Expected outcomes: A sustained pipeline of highly qualified semiconductor graduates, with shorter time-to-readiness for industry roles; greater inflow of diverse talent including women and underrepresented groups; improved intra- and extra-EU student mobility; and strong complementarity with existing Chips Act infrastructure such as pilot lines, design platforms, and Competence Centres. Scope: This call funds the creation of specialised academic "Hubs of Excellence" in critical semiconductor technology areas (e.g. chip design, manufacturing, photonics, power electronics). Projects should build industry-aligned Bachelor, Master, and PhD programmes.

Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will contribute to the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: Wider availability of bio-based films and coatings for packaging products. Improved technical performances of packaging products compared to fossil based and/or bio-based benchmarks. Improved circularity of packaging products against specified market benchmarks taking into account production, use and EoL. Scope: Many research projects have focused on developing and piloting bio-based coatings and films for application in food and non-food packaging. When targeting packaging, a primary challenge is achieving adequate barrier properties (against oxygen, moisture, grease and volatiles), as bio-based materials are typically more hydrophilic than conventional plastics like PE or PET. Processing methods, including bio-based coating deposition, face scalability and reproducibility issues. Coatings must adhere well to substrates while maintaining technical properties and not hindering sustainable EoL. Printability is another…

Expected Outcome: Proposals under this topic should aim to deliver results that are directed and tailored towards and contribute to the following expected outcomes: Through the European Cancer Patient Digital Centre (ECPDC), adolescent and young cancer patients and survivors as well as their caregivers have access to innovative tools and approaches to strengthen their mental health; Healthcare professionals have access to innovative tools to monitor and support the mental health of cancer patients and survivors as well as their caregivers Researchers and healthcare professionals have access and use reliable patient reported data to better understand the mental health needs of cancer patients and survivors and provide effective care. Scope: As part of its citizens engagement activities, the EU Cancer Mission has launched a dialogue with young cancer survivors, to better understand the specific needs and challenges faced during and after treatment. Mental health has been systematically highlighted as a major concern, stressing the importance of access to quality psychosocial support including through virtual, digital means along the different stages of the patient’s journey, at…

Expected Outcome: this topic is a continuation of the co-funded European partnership for research into radiation protection and detection of ionising radiation (PIANOFORTE) and constitutes the EU’s contribution for 2026-2027. The establishment of the partnership will contribute to the expected outcomes specified in topic HORIZON-EURATOM-2021-NRT-01-09. The partnership is expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes: establishing improved risk estimates for the justification of practices and optimisation of radiological protection of members of the public, patients, workers and the environment in all exposure situations (medical, natural, occupational and accidental – including co‑exposure and overlapping risks) to support the implementation of the Basic Safety Standards Directive; advancing state-of-the-art understanding of the link between exposure characteristics (radiation quality, dose, dose-rate and dose effects versus gravity) and cancer and non-cancer effects (including optimised detection and dosimetry); developing a knowledge base and analytical tools for the major features of variability in radiation response (including tissue reactions, cancers and cellular…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: EU institutions and national decision-makers are equipped with science-based tools, toolkits, training models, monitoring frameworks, and recommendations to proactively promote inequality reduction, human rights and democracy, in order to lead to more resilient and inclusive democratic societies in low-income and low-middle income countries [1] EU institutions and national decision-makers are better able to proactively promote democratic values, principles and practices in low- and low-middle income countries grounded in a better understanding of the actors at local level including their capacity and needs when engaging in democratic practices. EU institutions, national decision-makers, and civil society organisations can access and use (evidence-based) good practices for working in fragile contexts [2] EU institutions and national decision-makers understand the role of decentralization processes in low-income and low-middle income countries, and its impact on the quality of public services and on acceptance of democratic processes among citizens. In addition, projects should contribute to at…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: The concept of sustainable competitiveness is analysed taking into account the shifts in geopolitics, global trade patterns, as well as changes in climate, the environment (including biodiversity loss [1] ), technology and demography. Policymakers are provided with recommendations and innovative solutions, including a toolbox to boost Member States and Associated Countries (labour) productivity while ensuring high social and environmental standards and increasing competitiveness within planetary boundaries. Scope: The Future of European competitiveness report (also known as the Draghi report) [2] analysed and discussed the reason for European declining competitiveness, productivity and growth vis-a-vis its main competitors. A competitive economy is defined as an economy whose sustained rate of productivity is able to drive growth and, consequently, income and welfare. Both the economy and the European social model have to adapt to the great drivers of change, including demography, technology, global trade patterns, climate, and geopolitical shifts. From its side, the European social model is…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Policymakers are made aware and are equipped with the knowledge and tools to integrate inclusive and intersectional perspectives into their policymaking, which strengthens their capacity to promote and protect democracy, fundamental rights, and EU values. Researchers gain insights on how to translate their findings on intersectional inequalities and democracy into actionable, evidence-based recommendations, enabling them to effectively inform policy and practice at local, regional, national, and EU levels. Innovative solutions developed under Horizon Europe and other EU-funding programmes empower equally all citizens, to participate in democratic processes and decision-making. Scope: This call topic aims to establish a Research and Innovation Network for a Union of Equality. The proposed network should bring together academic institutions, public bodies and civil society organisations to collaborate and promote the advancement of inclusive, equal, and resilient democratic societies. The proposed network should contribute to the development of a comprehensive approach to democracy, fostering a…

Expected Outcome: Proposals should contribute to the first two expected outcomes, and either the one listed under Focus 1, or the one listed under Focus 2. The potential of art-science and/or technology collaborations to address societal challenges and drive innovation is better understood. Guidance, toolkits, and actionable methodologies are developed to promote these collaborations, providing policymakers, professionals, and training organisations with clarity on intervention scope, applicability across various fields, and evaluation methods, metrics, or tools. New and existing national, European or international networks for art-science-technology collaborations are established or strengthened, expanding opportunities for artists to engage with science and technology. Focus 1 Approaches, methodologies and model interventions for integrating arts and creative practices to enhance soft skills across public and private sectors are developed, tested and disseminated. Focus 2 The effectiveness of critical artists’ engagement in interdisciplinary teams is demonstrated alongside the assessment of the viability of research-intensive emerging technologies through at least three low…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to either the first and second (combined), or the third and fourth (combined) of the following expected outcomes: Improved implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum through evidence-based insights in asylum and migration management, age assessment of minors, and resettlement frameworks, ensuring fair and efficient migration governance. Insight into legal pathways addressing both EU Member States’ needs and potential offers of circular and permanent migration schemes in selected partner countries. Enhanced health equity for migrants, including refugees by integrating robust health data into national systems, addressing governance barriers, and tackling intersectional inequities in healthcare access, identifying data/indicators on basic needs in health and sanitation, including as compared to adequate treatment. Comprehensive evaluation of long-term social inclusion and integration strategies, providing evidence-based policy recommendations for labour market access, housing, education, health (including mental health), recognition of qualifications and validation of skills, youth participation, and social, political, and…

Expected Outcome: This action will advance Europe’s leadership in trapped-ion quantum computing by achieving the following key outcomes: Establishment of a full-stack ion-trap quantum computer aiming at more than 1.000 qubits, fully integrated into high-performance computing (HPC) systems, and accessible via the cloud. Demonstration of quantum advantage for selected real-world applications, validated against benchmarks. Strengthened European capabilities to develop modular, interoperable, and scalable quantum computing architectures. Implementation and demonstration of advanced error correction and fault-tolerant quantum computing techniques. Integration of full-stack hardware-software systems with standardised and certified interfaces. Engagement with industry and academia through open access to quantum computing resources and co-design of applications. Scope: The action should support the scale-up of European trapped-ion quantum computing platforms, aiming at technological maturity and usability for industrial and scientific applications. In particular, the action must address at least two major technical roadblocks defined in the Strategic Research and Industry Agenda (SRIA…

Expected Outcome: The successful proposal will contribute to the implementation of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change and the upcoming European Climate Adaptation Plan. Proposals are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes: The wide range of solutions tested and deployed in the context of the Adaptation Mission and the good practices emerged in its Community of Practice are harvested, assessed, structured and systematised to support the implementation of the Mission. Regional and local authorities can access, in the local language, the latest and most actionable solutions for climate adaptation relevant to their (climatic) conditions. Adaptation solutions stemming from research and innovation are ready for replication and scale-up, contributing to the delivery of the Adaptation Mission and acceleration of adaptation efforts across Europe. Legacy of the knowledge created by the Mission is also ensured. Knowledge and understanding of the policy implications of adaptation solutions is increasingly utilised in the policy cycles at EU, national, and regional and local levels. Scope: Rationale Grounded in Research and Innovation, EU Missions aim to mobilise…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Provide policymakers with a more detailed understanding of the contribution of basic skills on the economy in the short and medium term, with a focus on their contribution to productivity and innovation, to sustain EU competitiveness and growth. Develop actionable advice about how, in a lifelong perspective, education and training systems can help foster basic skills. Promote productivity, innovation, competitiveness and growth, including by reducing gender, disability and socioeconomic gaps in basic skills. Scope: In the context of the Union of Skills, the 2025 European Commission’s Action Plan on Basic Skills identifies five basic skills: literacy, mathematics (including also financial literacy), science, digital and citizenship. Strong basic skill levels among young people and adults are key to sustaining EU productivity, innovation, competitiveness and growth, as also explained in the 2024 Draghi Report [1] . Other key EU initiatives support lifelong learning as a driver for productivity, innovation, and economic growth, for instance the 2022 Council Recommendation encouraging the…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: An in-depth analysis of the socio-economic dimensions and impacts of generative AI on the cultural and creative sectors and related societal implications. Particular attention should be paid to rights and remuneration of creators, diversity of cultural expression, audience perception, consumption patterns, market dynamics, value chains, royalty allocation and the effectiveness of copyright infrastructure. Scenarios, value chains, standards and robust, agile solutions to ensure transparency and trust in the generative AI supply chain are developed, aiming for a fair and transparent market for cultural and creative content. This includes: systems for content provenance detection of AI-generated and manipulated creative content; tools and infrastructure that reinforce rights management, creators’ consent, control, and fair compensation for the use of their works in AI training and generation; measures supporting the findability and discoverability of trustworthy cultural and creative content; mechanisms for the long-term preservation and stewardship of AI-generated creative works. Adaptive policy…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: improved collection, sorting and recycling technologies that enhance significantly the recovery rates of strategic and critical raw materials from waste from electrical and electronic equipment, reducing the dependence on imported secondary and primary materials, and mitigating the climate and environmental impacts associated with their extraction, including biodiversity loss, by reducing the need for primary raw material extraction and minimising waste; strengthened waste market creation through the development of economically viable and environmentally sound recovery and recycling practices and technologies, with a particular emphasis on secondary strategic raw materials of lower costs and sufficiently high quality and/or purity, promoting a circular economy for electrical and electronic equipment. Scope: As Europe seeks to reduce its dependence on imported critical raw materials and mitigate climate and environmental impacts from extraction, there is a pressing need for innovative and economically viable recycling processes. With the rapid increase in electronic waste,…

Expected Outcome: Proposals under this topic should aim to deliver results that are directed and tailored towards and contribute to the following expected outcomes: Improved understanding of care needs of older patients with cancer and approaches to address them; Older cancer patients gain access to innovative age-specific approaches and tools better tailored to their care needs; National healthcare providers, policymakers and authorities in European regions, EU Member States and Associated Countries have the evidence to implement tailored care for older cancer patients that have the potential to be implemented in routine treatment and follow-up care in their healthcare systems; Scope: This topic contributes to the EU Cancer Mission’s objective to improve quality of life of cancer patients. The focus is on cancer patients aged 65 years and above. Currently, older cancer patients represent the largest proportion of cancer patients especially in Europe, with more than two thirds of new cancer cases being diagnosed in patients above the age of 65. Yet, there is still relatively little knowledge about their functional health and care needs during and after treatment. Managing cancer…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Policymakers, educators, and other relevant actors have tools and recommendations to put in place more opportunities for lifelong civic and citizenship [1] learning, in support of democracy and democratic participation, including by relying on the opportunities offered by digital means, notably civic tech. Policymakers at local, regional, national and EU level have tools and recommendations for ensuring the participation of citizens in democratic life, whatever their background, especially those who face barriers to participation in democratic processes. Scope: A healthy democracy relies on citizens being able to make informed democratic choices, in free and fair elections. Meaningful and inclusive citizens’ participation and engagement can further complement and reinforce representative democracies and foster trust in public institutions. Education plays a major role in supporting active interest in democratic participation and citizen engagement. Accessible education in matters of democracy and participation in public-policy making is a lifelong process that concerns all age groups in society…

Expected Outcome: The actions funded under this topic should support communities, land managers, local administrators, policy makers, and researchers to deploy solutions contributing to the goals of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and the new EU bioeconomy strategy, through techniques aligned to the Strategy for European Life Sciences and the EU Biotech Act. Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: innovative biotechnology and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) [1] are developed and made available to communities, land managers, local administrators and policy makers in Ukraine to progress towards the targets of biodiversity protection and the clean environment and zero-pollution ambition; contribution to the reconstruction, recovery, circularity and upgrading of economy and environment of Ukraine is provided through the remediation of severe ecosystems pollution - due to conflicts - and restoration of ecosystem services. Scope: The recent wars are causing severe environmental degradation across ecosystems – besides the disruption of human lives and dignity - with concentrations of contaminants affecting the quality of air, water, soil,…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: EU institutions, Member States and decision-makers worldwide, relevant international organisations, civil society organisations and other societal actors have a better shared understanding of the systemic challenges and the underlying drivers and motivations that undermine managing global commons sustainably. EU institutions, Member States and decision-makers worldwide, relevant international organisations, as well as academies of science, higher education institutions and research-performing organisations are better equipped with the tools needed to improve the science-policy interface in the area of foreign and security policies in general, and multilateral / national science advisory bodies in the field of foreign policy in particular with a recognition of the need to engage citizens in a more participatory and inclusive approach to research and policy-making. Rules-based multilateralism is strengthened by the development of concepts, methods, processes, and information relevant for decision-making that foster the sustainable governance of global commons within the evolving geopolitical…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: advanced knowledge and understanding how ecosystems respond to multiple plausible futures shaped by human-induced pressures, supporting the design of long-term, nature positive and equitable policies; strengthened collaboration across bio-physical , socio-economic and humanities disciplines, resulting in more integrated and robust scenario frameworks that capture interactions, trade-offs and synergies across biodiversity, climate, food, water, air, health, energy and economy; advancement of comprehensive ecosystem prediction models and scenario-based assessments that integrate direct and indirect drivers of biodiversity loss, applicable across terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems; a consistent and transparent framework for model intercomparison and cross-scale scenario building, improving the relevance and usability of modelling outputs for policy , business and international assessments (e.g., IPBES, International Panel on Climate Change - IPCC). Scope: To address the objectives of the European Green Deal, the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030, the EU Nature Restoration…

Expected Outcome: This action will strengthen Europe's leadership and strategic autonomy in quantum technologies by advancing experimental pilot line capacities as a vital stepping stone toward future industrial-scale quantum hardware production. Qu-Pilot serves as the critical intermediary between academic research and the stable pilot lines under the Chips Joint Undertaking, offering a testbed for technological innovation, reproducibility, and manufacturability. Expected outcomes include: Deployment of experimental quantum pilot lines addressing diverse platforms and materials, laying the groundwork for broader integration into Chips JU pilot lines. Establishment of scalable and reproducible quantum fabrication processes, advancing TRL 4–6 technologies and addressing early-stage certification, standardisation, and quality control. Reinforcement of a pan-European quantum hardware ecosystem through shared infrastructure and open-access models, fostering participation from SMEs, startups, and research institutes. Demonstrated ability to accelerate technology maturity and feed critical feedback loops into future Chips JU stability pilot lines. Enhanced synergies with testing…

Expected Outcome: This action will consolidate Europe’s position in superconducting quantum computing through: Establishment of a full-stack superconducting quantum computer aiming at 1.000 physical qubits and QPU architecture based on chiplet technology. The system should feature a scalable and user-adjustable architecture, T1 coherence time above 100 us, gate fidelities (both one- and two-qubit gates, and read-out) of at least 99.9%, read-out speed below 300 ns, two-qubit gate speed below 20 ns. Demonstration of quantum advantage on selected industrial use cases, validated through benchmarking with best-in-class classical methods. Deployment of a cloud-accessible quantum system integrated with high-performance computing environments. Maturation of fault-tolerant quantum computing protocols, including effective quantum error correction and noise mitigation schemes. Delivery of a comprehensive, standardised software stack supporting system bring-up, calibration, control, benchmarking, and user access. Strengthened supply chains and industrial capacity in Europe for superconducting quantum technologies. Scope: The proposal should contribute to the scale-up and practical deployment…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: EU and national policymakers and relevant stakeholders get an enhanced understanding of the drivers of violence against women and LGBTIQ people who are politically active or political aspirants. Enhanced prevention and early intervention through better understanding of the drivers and impacts of violence (short- and long-term) on women and LGBTIQ people engaged, or aspiring to engage, in online and offline political activities and how their participation evolves after experiencing violence and harassment. Uptake of evidence-based policy recommendations by policymakers and relevant stakeholders on tackling gender-based violence alongside violence against politically active women and LGBTIQ people, promoting equal political participation and addressing harmful narratives. Broader adherence to media guidelines on responsible, ethical, and safe portrayals of and reporting on gender-based violence in a political context, embedding gender-sensitive and intersectional reporting and incorporating successful practices with demonstrable, positive outcomes. Promotion of an inclusive environment that…

Expected Outcome: This topic aims to develop a wide capacity building programme between EU Member States/Associated Countries and Ukrainian cancer centres, to support improvement or development of research & innovation-related capacities and integration with cancer care. To this end, proposals should aim at delivering results that are directed and tailored towards and contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Researchers, clinicians and health care professionals will have access to improved research capacities, supporting better integration with care. Patients and citizens will have access to improved screening, diagnostics and treatments, while increasing their participation in clinical trials. Scope: Ukraine has a very high cancer burden with more than 155,000 new diagnoses every year [1] . The country has also one of the highest childhood cancer mortality rates globally [2] . Disparities in access and quality of cancer care in Ukraine were high before Russia's unprovoked aggression and worsened because of the conflict, which has also led to increased cancer mortality and morbidity, due to discontinuation of treatments and shortage of medical supplies. Proposals…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Policymakers gain insights into the cost of child poverty and the returns from securing access of disadvantaged children to quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in the EU. Policymakers receive operational advice on ways to reduce this cost and support participation of disadvantaged children in quality ECEC to close the gap with other children in the EU. Scope: Past studies researched the cost of child poverty, and the returns yielded by and ways to secure disadvantaged children’s participation to ECEC, yet their relevance to the current EU context is limited (i.e. most of them were conducted outside of the EU or they are now outdated). Producing EU-specific insights on these issues is the aim of this topic, which should help close the ECEC participation gap and improve social outcomes, in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights, while fostering fiscal sustainability and inclusive growth. The proposals may: Define disadvantaged children, by going beyond monetary aspects of disadvantages, building on the EU’s concept of risk of poverty or social exclusion, and taking into…

Expected Outcome: Practical chip design experience integrated into education at multiple levels; at least 1,000 students across Europe completing funded tape-outs over 4 years; stronger reskilling pathways for students from adjacent fields; and a sustainable, continent-wide pipeline of chip design talent to support Europe's semiconductor ambitions. Scope: This call funds a comprehensive Chip Design Skills Programme to lower barriers to entry in chip design and tape-outs. At least 60% of the budget must support hands-on tape-out experiences (via multi-project wafers) for university and secondary school students.

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: increased support on green bioprocessing, safe and sustainable blue bio-based products; increased understanding of safety, effectiveness and regulatory bottlenecks of blue bio-based products; increased commitment to biodiversity preservation and conservation ensuring that the biodiscovery of new compounds does not lead to unsustainable harvesting from the wild and promoting sustainable use of genetic diversity. Scope: The European industry must transition to a greener, more sustainable model to enhance its competitiveness against other business models and foster the production of novel high-value sustainable products. Achieving this requires a shift towards a bio-based system, which leverages biological processes to deliver products that contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing environmental impact and can compete with and eventually replace traditional models. For instance, the current use of hazardous chemicals in various industries, such as the textile and polymer industries, requires the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. In…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Increased evidence of factors such as physiological, behavioural, social, environmental and cultural that influence how different user and demographic groups perceive and use smart, secured, integrated energy efficient building systems, and how it affects the building whole-life cycle and energy savings, as well as occupant satisfaction, health and well-being; The design and operation of smart building systems and smart buildings are improved making them more user-friendly and effective. Scope: Significant investments have been made in developing hardware and software for smart buildings. There is still limited understanding how smart buildings solutions impact the energy performance of buildings and users’ comfort in practice. Research is required on the technical, social, and economic factors that influence how different groups – defined by their social, educational, age, and financial status – use and interact with smart buildings and systems. The whole-life cycle impacts of smart building have to be better understood, from design and construction to operation, maintenance,…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Reinforcing EU strategic autonomy by reducing non-EU dependencies on critical space EEE components and related technologies across their entire supply chain; Providing unrestricted access to critical space EEE components and related technologies relevant for EU space missions (Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, IRIS 2 and EU pilot missions on In-Orbit Space Operations and Quantum Gravimetry); Developing or regaining capacity to operate independently in space by developing resilient space EEE components and related technologies supply chains, relying on EU supply chains and/or trustable and reliable supply chains not affected by non-EU export restrictions; Enhancing competitiveness by developing products and capabilities reaching equivalent or superior performance level than those from outside the EU and compete at worldwide level. Scope: Unrestricted access to state-of-art space EEE components and related technologies is a pre-requisite for the EU space industry responding to EU space missions. However, especially for some families of components, the available solutions in EU do not…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: land managers, farmers, foresters, agri-businesses (including SMEs), and policy makers gain access to practical knowledge of clear demonstrations of benefits and trade-offs associated with biologically diversifying their agroecosystem; farmers, land managers and foresters are incentivised and rewarded for implementing practices that improve agrobiodiversity, leading to higher incomes and long-term sustainability and resilience of agriculture, greater food security, competitiveness, and healthier ecosystems; enhanced capabilities for farmers to store, process, and market their diverse raw materials and products, derived from greater agrobiodiversity, while improving their market access and strengthening their position within the value chain. Scope: Genetic erosion poses a significant threat to agricultural resilience, as genetic diversity is crucial for crops to withstand environmental stresses such as climate variations, pests, and diseases. As the global population grows, the demand for increased food production often drives large-scale agriculture, which compromises…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: farmers have access to water supply from managed aquifer recharge systems and to appropriate business models to cope with longer and more intense periods of water scarcity due to climate change, while preserving the good status of ground water bodies; water ecosystems are healthier and more resilient to climate change, and water related ecosystem services are protected and strengthened, while water resilience of farming systems is increased; policy makers are provided with improved insights on mechanisms and instruments to improve the water resilience of the agricultural sector to cope with climate change effects. Scope: Droughts in the EU are increasing in frequency, magnitude and impact, and the affected area is expanding. Water storage systems can limit abstractions from surface waters and groundwater reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture and food systems, and bring the demand and supply of water better in balance, strengthening the resilience of EU agriculture. Proposals should: extend, improve and customize managed aquifer recharge (MAR) techniques at farm,…

Expected Outcome: Proposals under this topic should aim to deliver results that are directed and tailored towards and contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Patients will benefit from better access to earlier, more person-centred palliative care models including digital remote tools and options for home-based care. Carers will benefit from real-time information tools and better communication. Clinicians will benefit from guidelines on optimal patient referral and care predictions. Scope: This topic will contribute to the achievement of the EU Cancer Mission’s objective to provide better quality of life for cancer patients, their families and carers. The focus is on the development of innovative models for earlier, more precise and better integrated palliative care. According to an EU conference on innovative palliative care for people with cancer on 8 October 2024 [1] , palliative care has big potential but such interventions come much too late and are often imprecise. Palliative care is needed very early after cancer diagnosis with the best possible information on patient wishes and effective communication between all involved carers. Barriers also include the…

Expected Outcome: the proposals under this call are expected to address one or more of the following subjects : • Enhanced personalized monitoring, care and treatments, focusing on the development of highly customized healthcare solutions, including the required research and diagnostic tools, tailored to individual needs, covering various scenarios such as chronic disease management, physiotherapy, precision diagnosis, personalized medicine/treatment, pre- and postoperative care, and daily assistance in homes and common spaces. It also targets effective management of chronic diseases and elderly care through personalized monitoring and interventions facilitated by advanced sensor technologies and edge-to-cloud solutions. This includes the development and integration of solutions for Hospitalization at Home, enabling patients to receive complex, remotely supervised care using intelligent medical devices capable of sensing, analysing, and transmitting real-time data. This requires a continuum, from in-hospital diagnostics to robust, long-term patient support at home via AI-driven care pathways and hospitalization at home. • Prevention and treatment of diseases, allowing the improved…

Expected Outcome: This action will establish a pan-European open-access testing and experimentation infrastructure for quantum technologies, enabling systematic validation and certification of quantum components and systems. Expected outcomes include: Deployment of distributed quantum testing facilities accessible across Europe, including remote access and standardized test protocols. Provision of certification services aligned with future standardisation efforts, ensuring trust, quality, and interoperability of quantum technologies. Support for SMEs, start-ups, and research institutions in validating quantum components and sub-systems. Strengthening of Europe’s competitiveness by ensuring robust quality assurance mechanisms and accelerating the time-to-market of emerging quantum products. Scope: The proposal should implement the testing-related part of the action plan established under the Framework Partnership Agreement for Qu-Test. The action must include: Expansion and interconnection of open-access testing facilities in multiple Member States, covering a range of quantum technologies (e.g., processors, sensors, photonics, control systems). Development and deployment of…

Expected Outcome: This action will strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy in quantum-secure communications by advancing core QKD technologies and integration capabilities. Expected results include: Development and demonstration of next-generation QKD systems, with a focus on cost-effectiveness and integration, with specific measurable improvements in one of the following parameters or features: (i) key rate (>1 Mbps over metropolitan distances), (ii) operational coverage of a network at the regional scale, >300 km for fibre-based QKD, including e.g. twin field and free-space links also for non-wired segments and for redundancy, (iii) development and demonstration of advanced quantum cryptographic protocols beyond QKD with provable security advantage over classical cryptographic systems. Implementation of hybrid quantum-classical cryptographic frameworks combining QKD and post-quantum cryptography (PQC), tested on clearly defined real-world applications. Integration of quantum communication components with network equipment and orchestration systems (e.g., software-defined networking). Validation of QKD-based security in high-priority use cases beyond EuroQCI infrastructure,…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: EU national and local policymakers develop and implement effective strategies for sustainable peace and democratic reconstruction in post-conflict areas, promoting stability, inclusivity, equity, security, human rights, and strengthening integrity and anticorruption measures to ensure transparent, accountable, and ethical use of reconstruction aid. EU and national policymakers inform their decision-making with evidence-based recommendations on international cooperation, EU democracy support, and civil society engagement in post-conflict reconstruction, leading to more effective, inclusive and sustainable reconstruction efforts. Local civil society organisations and community groups, with a focus on persons and groups in a vulnerable situation in post-conflict countries, provide guidance and support to educators, media professionals, public administrators, and other stakeholders on promoting reconciliation, accountability, and sustainable peace. Specialised service providers, including NGOs and community organisations, offer support services and programmes to veterans and the persons and groups…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Provide policymakers, education and training institutions, and social partners with a solid understanding of which competences young people and workers need to support the EU economy towards the green transition to reach carbon neutrality and protect natural ecosystems. Develop actionable advice to policymakers and education and training institutions about which education and training programmes and policy measures can promote the acquisition of those competences by young people and workers in a lifelong perspective, including the gender and disability dimensions. Provide policymakers with guidance on how to address the interconnection between fostering the competences for the green transition and those for the digital transition. Scope: Environmental challenges have been one of the key drivers of labour demand and skills supply across all sectors for the past years. More data and analysis from research on competences that young people and workers need for the green transition are warranted to properly implement the Union of Skills and support people in upskilling and reskilling. The…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: EU institutions and national decision-makers, have a better understanding of how to foster democratic resilience through media and digital literacy, equipping societies to adapt and thrive in the face of evolving technological, political, and societal challenges. Citizens are empowered to navigate the digital landscape with discernment and critical thinking, actively engaging with media and other source of information, ensuring informed democratic participation. Scope: As recalled by the “Safer together” report [1] , “over the past years, the Commission has already taken steps to counter hybrid threats (including foreign information manipulation and interference/FIMI) and enhance democratic resilience across the EU. It adopted, among other initiatives, the European Democracy Action Plan [2] to build more resilient democracies across the EU by promoting free and fair elections, strengthening media freedom, countering disinformation and FIMI and promoting information integrity. With the adoption of the Digital Services Act [3] (DSA) and its binding obligations for online platforms to combat the…

Expected Outcome: The proposals under this topic should address the design/specification and implementation/testing of the key microelectronics building blocks of an FR3 FEM paving the way towards their future integration into a complete integrated FEM system. • Progresses the State of the art to optimise the cost-performance trade off to serve the target ITU IMT 2030 specifications, notably for what concerns maximum data rate, user data rate, spectral efficiency, whilst enabling 50% mobile transmission system energy consumption; • Allows operational implementation of spectrum sharing with other spectrum users within the selected FR3 sub-band; • Enables large arrays integration for increased path loss compensation at FR3 frequencies with very compact, low power, high efficiency FEM integration; • Enables high bandwidth for carrier aggregation with broadband RF transceivers; • Enables SBFD (Sub-Band non overlapping Full-Duplex) for UL coverage extension (Rel.-19 5G-Advanced in 3GPP) with appropriate interference cancellation techniques; • Enables ISAC (Integrated Sensing and Communications) supporting monostatic as well as bistatic radar functionality, and addressing interference…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Deepened understanding and comprehensive evaluation of cultural policy models, creative industry ecosystems, and strategies for promoting creative industries across world regions, identifying good practices, success stories and replicable models. Innovative practices, policy approaches, shared challenges, and opportunities for cross-regional collaboration and global development of creative industries are identified. International equal partnerships and collaborations are established to exchange cultural policy approaches, boost creative industries, and/or support collaborative production or co-creation, facilitating knowledge transfer and capacity building among participating actors. Actionable strategies are available to policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders, for cross-regional collaborations that strengthen cultural ties, leverage creative industries, culture, and the arts as central to Global Europe, and support global culture- and creativity-driven innovation and resilience. Scope: This topic explores how international partnerships can strengthen cultural policies and creative…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: decision-makers have improved understanding of the impacts of bioeconomy and nature markets on the sustainability of the agricultural sector, food security, climate and biodiversity, as well as on land-use conflicts; society benefits from economic activities that align bioeconomy, climate and biodiversity objectives while safeguarding food security; farmers gain opportunities to diversify their production, their income and improve the environmental performance of agricultural production without compromising food supply; policymakers are better equipped to develop more effective, evidence-based agricultural and environmental policies. Scope: As the bioeconomy and nature markets gain importance, enabling diversification of value streams for farmers, policymakers must ensure that the growing use of agricultural biomass and agricultural land for non-food purposes (e.g., for the development of novel bio-based chemicals, compounds, materials, products and services, energy production, environmental services provision, carbon and biodiversity credits) does not compromise food security.…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: the knowledge of existing groundwater ecosystems [1] is improved, supporting policymakers and technical experts in assessments of their presence, functions and condition or status, and their role for climate change mitigation; society benefits from enhanced knowledge and awareness of pollution and overexploitation risks to groundwater ecosystems and the ecosystem services provided by them, including of possible implications for other related ecosystems (associated aquatic and dependent terrestrial ecosystems) and for human health as well as for food and water security, disaster risk reduction and resilience building; the EU water polices are supported with new scientific evidence and public authorities are better equipped for setting effective measures for the protection of groundwater biodiversity and their possible links to groundwater-dependent ecosystems. Scope: The European Environment Agency (EEA)’s report on Europe's state of water (2024) [2] highlighted that 77% of groundwater, which supplies two thirds of the EU's drinking water, is in good chemical status. For…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: Assessment of Europe’s CCAM position in global competition, identifying strategic vulnerabilities, dependencies and opportunities across business models, supply chains, critical components, technological capabilities, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks, supported by advanced AI-driven analytics and innovation mapping tools. Stakeholder-driven, participatory future scenarios and strategic pathways that define Europe’s leading role in the evolving geopolitical, technological, and economic landscape of CCAM. These should be developed using advanced foresight methods ( e.g. qualitative scenarios, horizon scanning, technology roadmapping, etc.), complemented by iterative validation through a minimum of 3 dedicated Living Labs selected to represent diverse European regions, urbanisation levels, and governance capacities, ensuring a structured, robust, and anticipatory approach to long-term decision-making. A data-driven understanding of the socioeconomic effects of different CCAM deployment pathways, based on a quantified assessment across Member States and Associated Countries,…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Provide policymakers, education practitioners and citizens with a solid understanding of how social media, video gaming and other leisure uses of digital tools relate to the educational outcomes of young people, including through their impact on well-being and mental health. Generate rigorous, policy-relevant evidence about policies and practices aiming to inform and regulate young people’s use of digital tools for non-educational purposes, such as smartphones, at school. Develop actionable advice for policymakers and citizens about how to promote young people’s healthy use of digital tools for leisure, both at school and outside school. Describe and quantify the relationships of using digital tools for leisure and communication with students’ motivation, study habits, attention span and concentration, time management, engagement, social integration and overall well-being. Scope: The increasing prevalence of digital devices in young people’s life has raised concerns about the potential impacts of the use of digital tools for leisure and communication on primary-, secondary- and higher education…

Expected Outcome: This action aims to establish European leadership in neutral-atom quantum simulation and digital quantum computing by delivering: Fully programmable industry-ready quantum simulators based on 10.000 neutral atoms in a scalable architecture, accessible via cloud platforms, and with the possibility of integrating them into high-performance computing environments. Fully programmable platform for neutral-atom quantum computing capable of both analogue quantum operations and gate-based computing with 1.000 physical qubits and a clear path to further scalability to 10.000 physical qubits. Coherence time of the order of hundreds of interaction times and infidelity of operations below 1%. Demonstration of quantum simulation and/or computing operating beyond classical computability, validated through benchmarking with classical methods. New real-world applications across science and industry (at least two) (e.g: in the energy and health sectors) The software stack for these applications, including enhanced software for verification, algorithm implementation, and user programming interfaces. Demonstration of the full quantum stack – including quantum control, electronic…

Expected Outcome: Activities should align with the international goals of the European Green Deal, specifically contribute to the EU soil strategy for 2030 , the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 , the Zero Pollution Action Plan , and the proposal for a Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive . In broader terms, the activities will also support EU’s efforts towards Ukraine's long-term reconstruction , focusing on reducing soil pollution and facilitating restoration, in line with the Ukraine Plan . Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: strengthened regional R&I ecosystems and enhanced capacities for participatory, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary R&I approaches, allowing for effective cooperation between research, practice and policy to tackle soil health challenges in Ukraine arising from military actions and other indirect pressures; increased uptake and application of soil related and practice-oriented knowledge by farmers, land managers, foresters, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders for improved soil health and related ecosystem services; deepened awareness among policymakers of local needs and constraints…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Better understanding of the factors and interdependencies that influence levels of renovation of rental properties in the affordable housing sector; Increased number of policy makers revise policies, regulations, instruments and business models to increase the rate of renovation of rental properties in the affordable housing sector. Scope: The Renovation Wave strategy sets out measures across the whole renovation chain that aim to increase the rate and depth of renovations. One of the key principles for housing renovation towards 2030 and 2050 is affordability, i.e. making energy efficient, comfortable, healthy, sustainable and climate-resilient buildings widely available, in particular for medium and lower-income households and vulnerable people and areas. A better understanding of the impact of current policy frameworks on the affordable housing sector and on energy poverty is needed. Proposals are expected to address all of the following: Research the effectiveness and implications of existing policies at different levels of governance (from local to European), regulations,…

Expected Outcome: The targeted outcomes reflect the above challenges and cover a comprehensive Front End module design which: Covers the FR3 range as defined by the relevant Agenda Item of WRC 27 (7 to 15 GHz range) with possible extension up to 24 GHz if required by some regional implementations, with inherent tuning capabilities to accommodate potential regional variations. Mitigates interferences with incumbent FR3 band users and maximises sharing capabilities across the band in line with the European regulatory approach on spectrum sharing. Enables integration of a large number of antenna elements beyond the State of the Art and support massive MIMO implementation with compensation of increased path loss compared to 5G FR1 implementations. Enables at least an order-of-magnitude increase in RF processing compared to 5G FR1 implementations. Enables 5G cell site reuse and minimises deployment complexity on top of 5G sites deployment. Enables low-cost and low energy implementation of the elementary constituent modules, efficient packaging and is mainly based on the integration of microelectronics heterogeneous technologies where European industry has strong expertise and…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Evaluate the effectiveness and resilience of existing long term-care (LTC) policies at national and regional levels. Provide policy makers with scientific knowledge and data for evidence-informed policies to address the rising demand for affordable, accessible and high-quality long-term care, with the focus on efficient use of resources, including human, financial and technological. Propose new policy solutions to address rising long-term care needs and to ensure smooth (in)formal care transitions, including from the perspective of active and healthy ageing policies and the development of integrated care service provision at local level. Scope: In the EU, the number of people with long-term care needs is projected to increase in the future. In 2070, this number is expected to be 21% higher than in 2020.This increase is largely due to the acceleration of population ageing and also relates to higher needs for palliative care. At the same time, many Member States already struggle to meet all the long-term care needs now due to workforce shortages, which are likely to aggravate in future as the…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes. Country government innovation info sheets, trends, inspiring good practices, the most innovative solutions recently developed or work in progress for next-generation governance and future-informed public decision making in EU Member States and Associated Countries (MS/AC). Policy recommendations for both EU level and MS/AC level actions on adopting new governance paradigms, and strategies for enhanced (technical and financial) support for internal government innovation efforts. Publication of lessons learned to enlighten government officials and the public about the often-invisible internal innovation strategies and impactful solutions in national governments. A comprehensive MOOC (Massive Online Open Course) for government officials with relevant examples and cases. Fostering of closer ties and collaboration among MS/AC (and any other relevant actors) to leverage national capabilities in innovative governance and maintain peer learning through e.g. relevant networks and knowledge exchange platforms. Scope: In an era characterized by numerous concurrent crises, accelerated technological…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: EU, national and local policymakers possess the necessary knowledge to inform the development of election regulations, standards and tools that address the use of digital technologies in elections and political campaigns, ensuring their integrity, inclusiveness, accessibility, fairness, transparency, and security. Organisations involved in electoral processes develop and implement guidelines for the responsible use of digital technologies in elections and political campaigns, aligned with EU and national regulations. Enhanced transparency and accountability in AI-powered political campaigns, achieved through requirements for AI system audits, data disclosure, transparency regarding algorithms and sources of Large Language Models (LLMs), and responsible AI development. Scope: The integrity of electoral processes in Europe is facing challenges in the digital age. The digital transformation of democratic processes has created new avenues for citizen engagement, but it also poses significant risks from disinformation to the integrity of electoral and other democratic processes. Concerns about…

Expected Outcome: Proposals are expected to contribute to one or more of the following: Enhanced security frameworks for both hardware and software supply chains, building on root-of-trust architectures and secure lifecycle management; Secure and trusted chip architectures for next-generation computing and networking systems; Integrated security-by-design approaches in software development, aimed to be aligned with relevant regulatory requirements; Security testing methodologies, including formal verification approaches and AI-driven security testing methodologies; Standardised methodologies for hardware security assessment, also contributing to cybersecurity certification. Scope: The increasing complexity and globalisation of software and hardware supply chains introduce new vulnerabilities that cyber adversaries can exploit. Ensuring the security of both software and hardware components across the lifecycle of digital systems is paramount. This topic aims to develop innovative tools, methods, and processes to secure the entire ecosystem of software and hardware development. Proposals should explicitly select one main area of focus but can also address both: a. Secured hardware…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: higher and more robust industrial European competitiveness, decarbonisation and strategic autonomy, advancing the lead market for bio-based industry; improved environmental sustainability, with positive impact on climate, pollution and biodiversity, via the standardization of the bio-based sector and products. Scope: Proposals should address the following activities: aiming at overall high sustainability and environmental benefits, and considering the economic feasibility, for high quality of final products, select a bio-based sector/industry [1] to develop or improve knowledge, technology, product, process, service or solution related to Ecodesign applicable to the chosen sector; identify specific gaps in standardization research pipeline, for bio-based products, followed by pre-normative R&D tasks, aiming at high socio-economic and positive environmental impact, allowing the development and deployment of safe and sustainable, circular bio-based value chains/products, with reduced pressure on biological resources and ecosystems, leading to the consistent improvement of their…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: advanced socio-economic transformation based on scientific/technological opportunities delivered by the bio-based sectors and bioeconomy. This will result in innovative bio-based products and services, supporting the more sustainable way of living (e.g. new socio-economic models), higher circularity, affordability, resource efficiency, climate neutrality etc); improved public understanding and engagement in bio-based innovation underpinned by scientific advances in life sciences and biotechnology; better living conditions for individuals and communities, benefiting from less polluted ecosystems, via healthier, and environmentally sustainable products and services with a reduced carbon footprint and based on circular and bio-based solutions. Scope: The projects under this topic are relevant to the EU policies related to the European Commission communication on: Building the future with nature: Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU, the Strategy for European Life Sciences, the EU Biotech Act, Clean Industrial Deal and the policies related to the fair green…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Greater integration of SSH and STEM [1] research and innovation in R&I initiatives funded at EU level, national and/or regional level, as well as in R&I policies by promoting dialogue, mutual learning and strategic cooperation among research funders and policy makers in the EU. Developing and maintaining a new, common, comprehensive ‘Monitoring and Impact Evaluation Framework’ for SSH integration in current and future EU R&I initiatives. Enhanced facilitation of knowledge exploitation and support to the cooperation between projects and stakeholders, as well as R&I policies involved in projects and other types of cross-border networks dealing with SSH and STEM research and innovation. Scope: As mentioned in the Report ‘Align, Act, Accelerate: Research, Technology and Innovation to boost European Competitiveness’ [2] , European RD&I can provide a new understanding of and solutions to tackle societal challenges. Social sciences and humanities (SSH) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) improve the research activities, outcomes and impacts of Horizon Europe, because they enable a…

Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will contribute to the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the Chemical Industry Action Plan, and the Clean Industrial Deal. Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: Sustainable feedstock diversification for the production of bio-based polymers. Scalable process(es) for obtaining SSbD bio-based polymers from bio-based feedstock alternative to primary biomass. Enlarge the portfolio of performant bio-based polymers, opening up new market applications. Scope: Emerging alternative sources of bio-based polymers are gaining more and more attention as substitutes for primary biomass from agriculture and forestry. Additional R&I effort is needed to study innovative and scalable processes where bio-based polymers from unexplored/alternative resources are the main products. Proposals under this topic should: Develop (at TRL 5) efficient processes for synthesis and/or extraction of bio-based polymer(s) from the alternative sources in scope, targeting high yield and selectivity. Primary biomass from agriculture and forestry is…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Reinforcing EU strategic autonomy by reducing non-EU dependencies on critical space EEE components and related technologies across their entire supply chain; Providing unrestricted access to critical space EEE components and related technologies relevant for EU space missions (Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, IRIS 2 and EU pilot missions on In-Orbit Space Operations and Quantum Gravimetry); Developing or regaining capacity to operate independently in space by developing resilient space EEE components and related technologies supply chains, relying on EU supply chains and/or trustable and reliable supply chains not affected by non-EU export restrictions; Enhancing competitiveness by developing products and capabilities reaching equivalent or superior performance level than those from outside the EU and compete at worldwide level. Scope: Unrestricted access to state-of-art space EEE components and related technologies is a pre-requisite for the EU space industry responding to EU space missions. However, especially for some families of components, the available solutions in EU do not…

Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will contribute to the updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, the Clean Industrial Deal, and the Ecodesign Sustainable Products Regulation. Indirect contribution is expected towards the objectives of the Horizon Europe Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030" in particular to Obj 2: "Prevent and eliminate pollution of our oceans, seas and waters”. Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: Wider availability of natural and/or man-made bio-based fibres meeting market requirements. Scalable production processes for novel man-made and/or modified natural fibres. Enhanced circularity and prevent microplastics release compared to benchmarks. Scope: Fossil-based synthetic textile fibre production has grown significantly, reaching 67% of the global market in 2023. [1] Among bio-based fibres, cotton plays a prominent role as it is the second most produced fibre at global level; however, it bears serious environmental concerns due to its massive land use and water consumption; moreover, the EU holds a minor share of the…

Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will contribute to the updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the Circular Economy Act, the Clean Industrial Deal, the European Chemical Industry Action Plan and the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: Enhancing competitiveness, efficiency, sustainability, circularity and safety of industrial biorefineries. Efficient, selective and scalable separation and purification technology platform(s) with high potential to be integrated within existing and/or new biorefineries. Purity and stability of targeted intermediates/product(s) compatible with further conversion requirements. Scope: While significant advancements have been made in recent years in the development of core biorefinery processes, challenges remain in separation and purification steps. Separation and purification, both upstream and downstream of biorefinery processes, play a key role in determining quality and purity of the intermediates and products. They usually account for a significant share of the whole process costs and are often a relevant bottleneck towards full-scale deployment and commercialisation…

Expected Outcome: Objectives and profile of the ERC Plus Grant Principal Investigator The ERC Plus Grant supports outstanding Principal Investigators who address a major scientific challenge. Applications for ERC Plus Grants should be for projects that could not be carried out with a regular ERC grant. Applicants should explain how the proposed project aims go beyond those of a regular ERC project, for example, because they have a vision to transform their field or open a new field of research. Scholars at all career stages can apply for an ERC Plus Grant if they have an outstanding record of scientific achievement at the forefront of their field. Their intellectual leadership will be evaluated in comparison to peers at their own career stage. It is expected that a researcher may be the Principal Investigator of only one ERC Plus Grant in their lifetime. Applicants should be aware that every year, only some 30 ERC Plus Grants can be awarded across all fields and all career stages, compared to approximately 1000 Starting, Consolidator and Advanced Grants. This level of competitiveness should be taken into account when considering whether to submit an application. Size of ERC Plus…

Expected Outcome: The topic encompasses actions within the scope of the co-programmed European Partnership on Globally Competitive Space Systems (‘Space Partnership’) in the areas of satellite communication (SatCom), Earth Observation (EO) and New Commercial Space Transportation Solutions and is part of cohesive activities in the domain of digital developments under the grand heading of “digitalisation for commercial space solutions”. Digitalisation is a major enabler for enhancing the value of an End-to-End EO and SatCom system. Under the area of Using Space on Earth related to SatCom and EO, below this topic focus on the fast increment of the Low to Mid TRL level building blocks for key technologies [1] required to strengthen competitiveness in these domains. Projects are expected to contribute to one or several of the following outcomes: New commercial services and applications enabled by increased digitalisation of space solutions; Favouring a competitive and sustainable European Space Sector; Enable the European Space Industry to maintain a significant share of the global connectivity market; Next generation Earth observation and SatCom payloads, technologies and processing…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: significant advance in the development of innovation in biotechnology, life sciences and/or biomanufacturing concepts, preparing future deployment of bio-based and bio-inspired processes, products and materials, as a basis for sustainable, fair, safe and circular value chains, contributing to decarbonisation, industrial competitiveness and the strategic autonomy of the EU and Associated Countries; improved environmental sustainability of the developed innovative bio-based solutions, with positive and quantifiable impact on climate and biodiversity, and circularity of the European bioeconomy via enhanced resource efficiency, including of biological feedstocks, water and energy, integrating bio-based sector to minimize and remediate waste production. Scope: Actions funded under this topic are relevant to the EU policies related to the European Commission communication on ‘Building the future with nature: Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU’, the Life Sciences Strategy, the upcoming EU Biotech Act, and Circular Economy Act, the EU strategy on research and…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Generate rigorous, policy-relevant evidence on the factors that may influence students, researchers, and high-skilled workers from non-EU countries to move to and remain in the EU. Provide policymakers and higher education/research institutions with guidance on which policies and programmes could be effective in attracting talented students, researchers and high-skilled workers from non-EU countries to the EU. Develop actionable advice to policymakers and higher education/research institutions about how to retain talented students, researchers and high-skilled workers from non-EU countries to ensure a long-term positive impact on the EU economy’s innovation and competitiveness. Provide evidence-based policy insights/options to improve the coherence of migration pathways for skilled talent across the EU. Support the development of more flexible and attractive mobility schemes, reducing administrative barriers, increasing accessibility and enhancing retention mechanisms to enhance the EU’s competitiveness in research, innovation, and cultural exchange. Scope: The EU’s ability to compete on a…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Public authorities, industry, technology providers, energy producers and consumers profit from de-risking of cost-effective essential value chains of those renewable fuel technologies that can contribute to domestic commercial fuel production beyond 2030 customized to their needs, from improved access to better financing exploiting synergies across funding schemes, and from more effective market uptake, business models, increased competitiveness, and commercialization opportunities. Energy producers, clean tech manufacturing industries, researchers and consumers benefit from improved performance, lower environmental impact, security and competitiveness of ad-hoc renewable fuel technologies compared to existing ones, as well as new market opportunities. Community, public authorities and industry benefit from sharing the de-risking cost and reducing it by engaging several competing solution suppliers/technology providers in parallel, boosting transnational public and private investments in de-risking and attracting new players to tackle supplier lock-in issues The implementation…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: enhanced understanding of the environmental, social and economic potential of the supply of different biomass types (from local to international perspectives), as well as its sustainability implications, including biodiversity and (air, water and soil) pollution, synergies and tensions; enhanced capacity of private and public stakeholders to increase resource efficiency in utilising primary and secondary biomass as well as biomass processing and use, including through digital tools which may involve artificial intelligence and remote sensing, and roadmaps towards sustainable biomass management; without undermining food security; enhanced support to businesses and administrations that optimise biomass supply, processing, and use, such that ecosystems and biodiversity are protected and restored, emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants reduced, and human needs for biomass satisfied in sufficient and fair way. Scope: There is a need to better understand the production and use of biomass, a limited resource, in its various types. Bioeconomy, and biomass as its essential feedstock,…

Expected Outcome: The project’s results are expected to contribute to some of the following expected outcomes. Continuing safety assessment and long-term operation compliance that address technical challenges, regulatory expectations and economic competitiveness goals. Licence-holders and regulators will ensure the successful implementation of the requirements of the Nuclear Safety Directive  [1] , Basic Safety Standards Directive  [2] , Radioactive Waste Management Directive  [3] and topical peer reviews  [4] for current and planned nuclear power plants and research reactors. Safety assessment of ageing management programmes and optimisation of safety solutions; as well as the development and validation of advanced tools for ageing management and evaluation of reactors’ safety margins. The aim is to prevent and mitigate risks (including those associated with severe accidents) by using innovative cross-cutting technologies (applicable to multiple reactor technologies), digital upgrades, digital twins, AI/ML-assisted defect detection, advanced multi-physics (including fluid structure interaction) and/or multiscale modelling and simulation, as well as PSA updates for extended…

Expected Outcome: Proposals are expected to contribute to one or more of the following: Quantum-resistant cryptographic primitives, also other than lattice-based approaches if relevant, that enhance the security and privacy of digital wallets, both for natural persons and wallets, as well as the design and implementation of post-quantum solutions for entity authentication and authenticated key establishment over insecure networks; Formal verification tools, improved High-Assurance Cryptographic Software (HACS) approaches and their integration in software workflows, to provide strong security guarantees in post-quantum migration, and enable streamlined evidence-based evaluation of secure systems that use cryptography. Scope: The development of new digital signatures and advanced cryptographic schemes, tailored specifically to the use cases and requirements in the context of wallets/eIDs, for privacy and business applications is highly relevant nowadays. Moreover, these devices need secure connections over insecure networks requiring protocols for entity authentication, authenticated key establishment, as well as Password Authenticated Key Exchange (PAKE) schemes for ensuring user…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: most Member States and regions [1] have established the bioeconomy as an important policy field. Effective bioeconomy policies and strategies are developed and implemented with specific impact targets in mind; policies and action plans and roadmaps are coordinated across parts of government (e.g. Ministries) and across the quadruple helix (government, sectors, research & innovation, society) to take into account the cross-sectoral and place-based character of the bioeconomy, and the need for a whole of government approach. Platforms are established to facilitate dialogue, experimentation, learning and coordination; all actors of the quadruple helix (e.g. policy makers, NGOs, economic sectors) are aware of the bioeconomy, as well as of the potential and challenges that are specific for their perspective and context. The bioeconomy concept, its principles and its solutions and innovations are mainstreamed by sectors (e.g. food, textiles, chemicals, energy, agriculture, forestry). Scope: Proposals should: establish a European Bioeconomy Policy Support Hub to provide innovative…

Expected Outcome: The project results are expected to contribute to some of the following expected outcomes: research into safety of innovative reactors, small modular reactors (SMRs) – both light water SMRs (LW-SMRs) and Gen-IV-based advanced modular reactors (AMRs); design or demonstration of SMRs and fuel cycles’ viability; and efficient integration within low-carbon and smart energy systems; research support towards a shared and consistent approach among regulators’ TSOs to safety requirements for different advanced energy systems and applications (e.g. industrial heat, district heat and the maritime sector), supported by regular exchanges and reviews and workshops with licensees, SMR developers, and research organisations, thereby further improving safety across the EU; emphasis on innovation in the safety aspects of LW-SMRs and AMRs; establishment of operating rules for specific services for innovative reactors, incorporating emerging instrumentation and digital technologies that offer potential improvements for in-service operation; research into fuel cycles (including their key features: inherently safe design, generation of less high-level waste and improved use of…

Expected Outcome: The focus needs to be on areas where Digital Partnership countries bring strong complementary expertise, including advanced packaging, heterogeneous integration, and photonic chip technologies. The topic would aim to foster collaboration between European and Digital Partnership countries’ R&I communities. Projects are expected to contribute to the following outcomes: • Innovative design and integration concepts for neuromorphic computing systems supporting very low energy consumption, connectivity, embedded functions for mobile applications. • Alternative manufacturing process technologies for semiconductor chips including frontend or backend for heterogenous integration. The technologies should sustain in the mid- and long-term the fast-paced evolution of device performance, miniaturisation and cost, while reducing the environmental footprint. • Very advanced packaging solutions aiming heterogeneous integration of multiple functions and materials for applications in communication (RF, mmW or THz), sensing, actuating, power management and active/passive integration.

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to some or all of the following outcomes: Identification and analysis of potential new security risks related to innovative technologies being deployed in the urban and peri-urban environments; Innovative and modern tools to identify and measure changes in urban and peri-urban areas caused by the green transition, insofar as they concern security and possible resilience approaches; Verification of measures countering potential safety and security risks, hazards and challenges arising in areas hosting green technologies; Contribution to building awareness and societal acceptance for the safety and security aspects of the green transition; Impacts of incidents involving new and emerging technologies are examined, including environmental and climate risks; Security, safety and resilience aspects of the supply chains of green technologies are analysed, including the technological and resource dependencies, and their aligning with the European strategic autonomy principle; Authorities and critical infrastructure operators are equipped with efficient evaluation methodologies for safe and secure deployment and integration of…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to some or all of the following expected outcomes: Police Authorities in Europe are equipped with specialised skills and technologies to counter an increase in illegal activities related to the climate change and the emergence of new (opportunistic) criminal patterns; Improved understanding by policymakers of the effects of climate change on law enforcement with a view of developing related effective European policies; improved knowledge of the impacts of climate change phenomena on social dynamics which can raise demands from public authorities to keep public order, moving beyond traditional perspectives about crime and terrorism. Scope: Global climate change is a megatrend expected to affect our societies over the next decade. As stated in “Germany: National interdisciplinary climate risk assessment” [1] , “We are already living in the climate crisis. This brings substantial security risks at global and national levels. (...) Anyone thinking about security needs to think about climate as well”. Climate change will affect European law enforcement in various ways [2] , [3] . Notably, it is likely to create new…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Police Authorities in Europe are empowered with modern, accessible and validated tools, methodologies and training curricula to anticipate and cope with the misuse of new and emerging technologies for criminal purposes, with the aim to facilitate prevention, detection, efficient data access and investigation of criminal offences in a lawful manner and with full respect of fundamental rights, including the right to protection of personal data and to privacy; Reinforced interdisciplinary collaboration at the European level through the establishment of partnerships among technologists, policymakers and Police Authorities, resulting in a holistic understanding of the challenges posed by emerging technologies and in sharing of best practices; Clear guidelines and frameworks are created, including on procedures and rules, that ensure lawful access to data, balancing the needs of security with respect for privacy and that foster a European approach to the related challenges for the police and the judiciary. Scope: New and emerging technologies (e.g., new communication technologies,…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Reinforcing EU strategic autonomy by reducing non-EU dependencies on critical space Equipment and related technologies across their entire supply chain; Providing unrestricted access to critical space Equipment and related technologies relevant for EU space missions and pilots (e.g. In-Orbit Space Operations); Developing or regaining capacity to operate independently in space by developing resilient space Equipment and related technologies supply chains, relying on EU supply chains and/or trustable and reliable supply chains not affected by non-EU export restrictions; Enhancing competitiveness by developing products and capabilities reaching equivalent or superior performance level than those from outside the EU and compete at worldwide level. Scope: Unrestricted access to state-of-art space equipment and related technologies is a pre-requisite for the EU space industry responding to EU space missions. However, especially for some families of equipment, the available solutions in EU do not meet the current high-performance space requirements. Currently, alternative products…

Expected Outcome: Proposals are expected to contribute to the following outcomes: Steer a European agenda to catalyse the development of a full software defined and hardware-enabled vehicle AD stack “built in Europe”, from onboard-compute architecture up to software in-vehicle up to the cloud. Establish structured intersectoral linkages between software, AI/data, hardware and deployment actors, ensuring that architectural decisions in the European AD stack are aligned across computing platforms, AI models, validation frameworks and real-world deployment environments. Promote a European R&I roadmap establishing pathways for the accelerated development of a European AI-powered AD stack, notably in close liaison with the relevant ECAVA Working Groups and relevant OSS initiatives. Ensure the engagement of key stakeholders across the Automotive value chain (including relevant OSS initiatives) toward an open-source software autonomous driving stack, including required industrial partners (such as OEMs, suppliers, tool-providers), and innovative R&I stakeholders (RTOs, universities, start-ups. If useful, already existing OSS AD stack initiatives together with the reference stacks (as…

Expected Impact: Expected Impact The actions funded under this topic should contribute to strengthening clinical human capital base in R&I, enhancing talent retention, knowledge sharing of best practices within the research and innovation landscape, accelerate integration of digital tools into health systems, expand and scale up validated innovations with tangible implementation at national and/or sub-regional levels. Applicant consortium If requested by the applicant consortia, the EDCTP Association may offer technical support for the preparation of their proposal, in particular because of the lump sum nature of the Grant Agreement. The applicant consortia may also decide to include the EDCTP Association as coordinator. In that case, the applicant consortia should contact the EDCTP Association to obtain the estimated amount of the Association’s contribution as well as any other relevant information. The EDCTP Association will timely provide the necessary information to all potential applicants. Expected Outcome: Background Digital health has the potential to reshape and enable the implementation of integrated research and healthcare delivery across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA),…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: European space science breakthroughs fostered by data analysis and exploitation of European missions (incl. low-cost/small satellite) and instruments, in conjunction, when relevant, with international missions. This data may also originate from European in-orbit validation experiments with a focus on space science and exploration. A higher number of European scientific publications based on space data, high-level data products made available through appropriate archives, and tools and methods developed for the advanced processing of data. Increased collaboration of scientific teams both within and outside Europe across different domains, adding value to existing activities on European and international levels and enhancing and broadening research partnerships. European scientific excellence and development of leading-edge scientific research in Europe. Scope: The aim of this topic is the analysis (including validation) and exploitation of acquired and available data provided by scientific and exploration instruments and missions in their pre-operative, operative, post-operative or data…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to complement and expand the outcomes of HORIZON-EURATOM-2024-NRT-01-02 by contributing to the following: Design and implement an action for establishing a European Nuclear Skills Academy, unifying the strategic direction and promoting standardised curricula across all qualification levels (from vocational to academic), thereby contributing to a more coordinated, EU-wide response to the skills shortage. The project will include a demonstration of recognition of learning outcomes and/or acquired skills between organisations in different Member States. Launch targeted training programmes, building on existing ones, specifically for critical areas such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors. This includes building specialised expertise within national regulatory authorities for independent safety assessment of facilities and design concepts, enabling rigorous, efficient licensing, and ensuring rapid deployment and the highest safety standards. Complement existing mobility schemes with targeted actions for the most critical professions, tailored to regulatory and industry needs, generating evidence and good practices that…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to some or all of the following expected outcomes: Accelerated adoption of high-TRL (Technology Readiness Level) disaster risk solutions across diverse sectors; Facilitated integration of innovative technologies into existing disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery frameworks; Promoted collaboration among stakeholders to scale proven solutions and enhance resilience; Addressed barriers to deployment, ensuring accessibility and usability of advanced DRS technologies; Strengthened evidence-based decision-making through demonstration and validation of high-TRL solutions in real-world scenarios; Promoted visibility of civil security research results. Scope: This topic aims to foster the widespread adoption and integration of high-TRL (Technology Readiness Level) disaster risk solutions (DRS) across multiple sectors, enhancing societal resilience to various hazards, including climate. The focus is on overcoming barriers to deployment, ensuring accessibility, and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to drive innovation uptake. Projects should promote the adoption of high-TRL solutions by public and…

Expected Outcome: Deep sedimentary/basement reservoirs are usually characterized by low permeability, high drilling cost and a scarcity of data, as they are typically ignored by hydrocarbon exploration. Major exploration challenges relate to predicting deep sedimentary and basement reservoir structures and properties to identify suitable locations for reservoir-independent approaches, capable of overcoming the low permeability obstacle, such as Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) or closed-loop geothermal systems. Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Increased knowledge base for developers to unlock unexploited geothermal resources, increase drilling success rate, increase geothermal sources performance and reduce the risk of induced seismicity and deploy geothermal energy in a sustainable way in environmental (notably on biodiversity and pollution) and socioeconomic terms. Citizens and local communities are engaged and benefit from local, more secure and affordable renewable energy sources. Scope: Advanced methods, technologies and conceptual models, for different geological settings, to identify suitable conditions for geothermal…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to some or all of the following expected outcomes: Development of innovative tools and methodologies to monitor and improve risk awareness across society, integrating diverse community perspectives and leveraging advanced technologies; Development and uptake solutions and tools for the successful increase of safety culture and societal resilience of communities with concrete material, while considering also the inclusion and protection of marginalized populations in disaster scenarios; Creation of comprehensive, inclusive preparedness plans that involve all societal sectors and governance levels, ensuring coordinated and effective responses to disasters (such as from early warning to early action), including scarcity of resources; Establishment of a resilient, adaptive response framework that enhances collaboration between public authorities, communities, and private sectors, improving overall disaster resilience. Scope: Building on the whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, this topic should contribute to enhancing risk awareness and disaster preparedness through the development of innovative tools,…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Increased understanding of European policy makers, research community, biotech companies, and relevant security practitioners of the threat of bioterrorism and of synthetic biology, including a thorough lawful analysis of what needs to be monitored in this context, what needs to be regulated and how; Awareness raised within the related scientific community how research in synthetic biology can be used for malicious purposes. Scope: The rising threat of bioterrorism is driven by recent scientific advancements, notably by growing accessibility of synthetic biology, genetic engineering, related commercial services and public databases, which in turn enhance their obtainability to non-state actors and individuals with malicious intentions. The proliferation of do-it-yourself biohacking and community laboratories, including gene editing and sequencing technology, dropping costs of equipment and increased simplicity of use may inadvertently facilitate knowledge and skills dissemination about biological threats and open new pathways for bioterrorism. Challenges in detection,…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to some or all of the following expected outcomes: Improved understanding of links between addictions and crime, including drivers of criminality; Innovative and effective solutions, including training curricula, for Police Authorities in Europe and relevant Civil Society Organisations (or Non-Governmental Organisations) to prevent addictions and related crimes, with a special attention to young people at risk; Evidence-based support to modernising European criminal justice system’s approach when dealing with addiction-related offenses; Novel approaches of collaboration between different stakeholders, primarily Police Authorities in Europe and Civil Society Organisations (or Non-Governmental Organisations), to increase communities’ addiction resilience, security and safety. Scope: A close and complex relationship exists between addictions, such as gambling, drug or alcohol use, and crime (e.g., criminals are often under the influence of drugs while committing crimes, gamblers or drug users commit crimes to pay for their debts or drugs). In this topic, successful proposals are expected to analyse the specific nexus…

Expected Outcome: This action will support and accelerate the development and adoption of European and international standards for quantum technologies, enhancing interoperability quality/reliability assurance, and trust in quantum systems. It will strengthen Europe's leadership in the global quantum standardisation landscape and ensure that European industrial and research priorities are well represented and integrated into emerging standards. Expected outcomes include: Delivery of concrete, EU-relevant pre-normative standards and technical specifications across quantum computing, communication, and sensing. Substantial contribution of European stakeholders, notably SMEs and start-ups in international standardisation bodies (e.g., ISO/IEC, ITU-T, ETSI), with alignment to EU industrial strategies. Promotion of cross-sectoral interoperability through standardised interfaces, control protocols, reliability in operating conditions and benchmarking methodologies, reducing market fragmentation and technical barriers. Creation of practical support tools such as user guidelines, training modules, and best practices to accelerate the uptake and implementation of quantum…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Housing-led approaches [1] aligned with the NEB are made available to stakeholders involved in tackling homelessness [1] . Robust evidence on NEB-aligned housing-led approaches tackling homelessness (including people temporarily hosted by acquaintances and family) to inform the development and/or update of policies and services for prevention and early intervention in the context of the green transition [1] in neighbourhoods [1] . Scope: Social and affordable housing is being advanced in the EU, including through the Affordable Housing Initiative [5] . Despite efforts, current policies for the green transition are failing to adequately address the housing crisis. Homelessness remains a structural challenge across Europe, with negative impacts on both individuals experiencing it (e.g. physical and mental health, social and economic conditions) and neighbourhood communities [1] (e.g. pressure on public services, erosion of social fabric [1] , etc.). Research and innovation gaps in tackling homelessness range from data collection (i.e. the variety of approaches to defining,…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes: Increased commercialisation of academic research results, by facilitating access for industry, startups and scaleups to the intellectual assets of academic research; Strengthened collaboration between industry and academia, reflected in an increased number of technology transfer deals and joint R&D projects resulting in market-ready innovations; Introduced more startup friendly intellectual asset transfer/licensing policies in universities/research and higher education institutions/RTOs; Increased number of spinoffs by enabling researchers to overcome the barriers to commercialising their intellectual assets; Reduced transaction costs related to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) negotiations by establishing more standardised asset transfer policies across universities/research and higher education institutions/RTOs; Optimised transfer/licensing processes by universities/research and higher education institutions/RTOs based on grouping intellectual assets in portfolios that can be commercialised in package deals that are more attractive for industry and investors. Scope: Academic knowledge…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to some or all of the following expected outcomes: Improved preparedness, evidence-based approaches and response capabilities, along with a strengthened ability to mitigate risks from diverse threats, by integrating validated disruptive technologies into real-world operations; Accelerated adoption of innovative solutions by reducing barriers through rigorous testing and validation, fostering collaboration among public authorities, industry, and researchers to align technologies with real-world needs. Scope: This topic aims to support the integration of disruptive technological innovations [1] into civil security by strengthening research and innovation activities that enhance preparedness, response capabilities, and risk mitigation. A key focus is bridging the gap between early-stage, low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) research and applied security solutions, ensuring that emerging technologies are effectively transitioned into operational use. Proposals should prioritize disruptive solutions that address diverse security threats while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of civil security operations. Emphasis…

Expected Outcome: The Hop-on Facility allows for legal entities from Widening countries to join already funded Horizon Pillar II ‘main’ work programme and EIC Pathfinder collaborative R&I actions, subject to the agreement of the respective consortium and provided that legal entities from such countries are not yet participating as beneficiary, associated partner, or affiliated entity. The scheme aims to improve the inclusiveness of Horizon Europe. Selected consortia will be invited to submit a grant agreement amendment request of the eligible already funded action. Project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes: At system level, mobilise excellence in the Widening countries, increase visibility of the beneficiaries from the widening countries, improve knowledge circulation, and boost their participation in specific thematic domains; At consortium level, open up established networks to new connections and partnerships, improve research excellence of the Widening country’s institutions in specific fields, enlarge outreach of the participants’ R&I actions and provides access to new talent pools; At the level of the Widening beneficiary, develop new competencies…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to some or all of the following expected outcomes: Integrated single-hazard systems into multi-hazard next generation predictive models to assess cascading effects (e.g., heatwave, floods, droughts, landslides, heavy rain) and interactions across meteorological, geophysical, and technological hazards; Enhanced hazard forecasting and response through research on model integration and platform interoperability; Development of holistic risk and resilience metrics to support multi-hazard prevention strategies, encompassing main physical, economic and social effects; Improvement of analysis models considering evolving vulnerability state, due to cascading and cumulative effects, through numerical simulations and experimental tests, possibly also supported by AI applications; Collected reliable data (same granularity and format) and ways to share and analyse it. The interoperability of all kinds of systems and information sharing is crucial, based on the need-to-know principle; Improved knowledge/experience-sharing from past emergencies to cope with future emergencies, also strengthening trans-national knowledge and data…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Robust evidence on how inhabitants experience their neighbourhood [1] and the impact of these experiences on their health and well-being. The research informs policies, strategies, neighbourhood planning and procurement for the green transition [1] of neighbourhoods, including their nature-positive [3] transformation and climate resilience. Scope: Neighbourhoods are human-social constructs and environments. They are shaped by complex inter-connections and interdependencies of human and non-human actors in the natural and built environment [1] they comprise. An increasing body of research is looking at the relationship between people and the built environment, from neuro-architectural aspects of space to atmosphere and ambiance aspects in urban design and planning, influencing also the perception of beauty. Digitalisation is also allowing to understand, map and enhance how inhabitants experience the built environment. Yet, more evidence is needed on how inhabitants react to and identify with their neighbourhoods as well as the effects of these experiences on their physical and…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Demonstrated approaches aligned with NEB allow architects, designers, spatial planners and neighbourhood [1] decision makers to ensure an efficient and effective integration of user perspectives in the spatial design and/or transformation of public spaces. The demonstrated approaches deliver positive climate, environmental, social and cultural impact (such as addressing inequalities and enhancing social cohesion, community [1] resilience, civic engagement and a sense of security, ownership and belonging). Scope: The design of neighbourhood public spaces defines their functionality, but also other aspects such as power dynamics and sense of belonging. A fair green transition [1] calls for neighbourhood public spaces to be designed and managed for diverse users. Integrating new methods (such as research-by-design, security-by-design [4] , or life-centric design) in the architectural design and spatial planning of public space can help reflect on the values, practices and stakeholder relations that underpin the design of public spaces; rethink how public spaces are understood;…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: An increased number of local authorities systematically identify and quantify vacant, obsolete or underutilised spaces for reuse in neighbourhoods [1] in a context-sensitive way to address local community [1] challenges and needs. Increase in renovated, renatured, or converted spaces that address local community challenges and needs. Scope: Europe’s housing needs, inefficient use of the existing building stock, environmental commitments, and the EU’s goal of “no net land take” by 2050 make a compelling case for reusing the significant number of existing spaces, including buildings and infrastructure, that are vacant, obsolete or underutilised. In Europe, there are, for instance, an estimated 19,000 km² of underutilised brownfield land and 300 km² of vacant or underutilised office space [3] . The reuse of vacant, obsolete or underutilised spaces, following circularity [1] and sufficiency principles, can help address community challenges and needs thanks to their typical proximity and connection to essential infrastructure and services. While vacant, obsolete or underutilised…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Project promoters, public authorities, and investors have a better understanding of the capital market demand and supply dynamics that underlie investments in projects fostering the transformation of neighbourhoods [1] in line with the New European Bauhaus (NEB). Increased investments towards NEB-aligned projects for the sustainable [1] and inclusive [1] transformation of neighbourhoods. Scope: Increased investment in projects for the transformation of neighbourhoods in line with the New European Bauhaus (NEB) may be hindered due to a discrepancy between the demand and supply of capital in terms of size, diversity, returns, and risk. Small-scale NEB-aligned projects typically encounter large, short-term oriented, and highly risk-averse investment funds, which seek investment opportunities able to absorb large amounts of funding, driven by present legislation [4] . Place-based impact investing is an approach that can contribute to investments in NEB-aligned neighbourhood projects by providing risk-adjusted financial returns while creating local social, cultural, aesthetic [5] and…

Expected Outcome: This action builds on the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 action (HORIZON-MSCA-PF-2026). The target group are host organisations located in Widening countries. Project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes : For supported ERA Fellows: Increased set of research and transferable skills and competences, leading to improved employability and career prospects of fellows within academia and beyond; New mind-sets and approaches to R&I work forged through international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary experience; Enhanced networking and communication capacities with scientific peers, as well as with the general public, that will increase and broaden the research and innovation impact; For participating organisations in the Widening countries: Increased alignment of working conditions for researchers in accordance with the principles set out in the European Charter for Researchers [1] ; Enhanced quality and sustainability of research training and supervision; Increased global attractiveness, visibility and reputation; Stronger R&I capacity and output; better transfer of knowledge. For Widening countries: More postdoctoral researchers…

Expected Outcome: The project results are expected to contribute to all the following outcomes: structuring of the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP) activities and consolidation of networks in the different technology areas covered by the Euratom programme, together with the Implementing Geological Disposal Technology Platform (IGDTP) and the consortium following the European Radiation Research Platforms (MEENAS). The focusing will be on cross-cutting nuclear energy applications (e.g. nuclear for heat or/and electricity production, energy supply in space and maritime propulsion) and on non-energy applications (including cross-cutting or medical applications of ionising radiation and improved optimisation of protection in this area); integrating the different energy roadmaps (nuclear and non-nuclear) by fostering collaboration between European Technology and Innovation Platforms in order to address cross-sectorial challenges. This will include (a) integration of NPPs into sustainable low-carbon and smart energy systems to complement the achievement of Horizon Europe’s objectives (including in the context of the energy transition); and (b) development of power…

Expected Outcome: Support the adoption of market-ready innovative AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, including solutions developed in the framework of EU-supported research and innovation projects. Provide and deploy up to date AI-powered tools and services to organisations (in particular SMEs) to prepare, protect and respond to cybersecurity threats. Integrate AI technologies into cybersecurity processes to improve the security of ICT solutions, including providing innovative approaches to training employees to use AI solutions for cybersecurity. Deployment of cybersecure tools and technologies relying on trustworthy AI; AI driven cybersecurity tools; Integration of tools to protect and secure AI solutions. Objective: To support the market uptake and dissemination of innovative AI-powered cybersecurity solutions (notably in SMEs, possibly using results stemming from Horizon Europe projects or similar) and improve knowledge and auditing of cybersecurity preparedness. SMEs often lack the resources to assess cyber risks, develop cybersecurity strategies and implement solutions, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The resilience of organisations that fall into this category is…

Expected Outcome: Depending on the decision of each NCC, one or more of the following should be covered: Network of national initiatives to accelerate the cybersecurity industry and facilitate Access-to-Market. European frameworks for establishing cybersecurity incubators and accelerators. Cybersecurity Community Observatory to inform subsequent policy interventions by the ECCC and NCCs. Matchmaking events to create connections and build trust; platforms and events for Access-to-Finance and Access-to-Market including in the area of dual-use technologies. Strengthened Cybersecurity Community to support the European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre; Maintained technical registration possibilities for candidates for the Cybersecurity Competence Community; Technical assistance for potential applicants for ECCC calls. Uptake of cybersecurity solutions. Strengthened cybersecurity capacities of stakeholders. Synergetic activities that strengthen the role of NCC. Centralised the many initiatives focusing on raising awareness and work together with other NCCs to support a cross European approach covering education, studies, training courses and awareness…

Objective: The ERC Proof of Concept Grants aim at facilitating exploration of the commercial and social innovation potential of ERC funded research and are therefore available only to Principal Investigators whose proposals draw substantially on their ERC funded research. Scope: Size of ERC Proof of Concept Grants : The financial contribution will be awarded as a single lump sum of EUR 150 000 for a period of eighteen months . Extensions of the duration of Proof of concept projects may be granted only exceptionally. The lump sum will cover the beneficiaries' direct and indirect eligible costs for the project: if the project is implemented properly the amounts will be paid regardless of the costs actually incurred. The lump sum is designed to cover the beneficiaries’ personnel costs, subcontracting costs, purchase costs, other cost categories, and indirect costs. Profile of the ERC Proof of Concept Eligible Principal Investigator The ERC Proof of Concept Grant is open to Principal Investigators whose ERC main frontier research grant is ongoing, or Principal Investigators whose ERC main frontier research grant ends on or after 1 January 2025. For further information please see the…

Expected Outcome: Integration of quantum computing into data pre-processing pipelines and learning workflows for data-heavy or computationally intensive tasks, demonstrating clear improvements in processing speed, computational complexity, modelling accuracy, and reduced sample requirements at scales achievable with NISQ-era devices, Reliable and scalable Quantum Machine Learning (QML) models and algorithms, integrated with existing AI frameworks and pipelines, enabling faster data processing, improved prediction accuracy, and enhanced computational capabilities, Validated quantum-enhanced AI methods demonstrating measurable improvements over classical baselines in terms of speed, accuracy, data efficiency, complexity, or scalability, supported by rigorous benchmarking and complexity analysis, Robust, noise-aware QML techniques suitable for NISQ hardware , including error-mitigation strategies and algorithmic adaptations that improve reliability, performance, and reproducibility on real quantum processors, Demonstrators or proof-of-concept applications showcasing the relevance of QML for real-world challenges (e.g. climate and environmental modelling, Earth observation, healthcare…

Expected Outcome: Excellence Hubs allow innovation ecosystems in Widening countries and beyond, to team up and create better linkages between academia, business, government and society. This will foster a place-based innovation culture in Widening countries based on a strategic agenda aligned with regional or national smart specialisation strategies, and clearly identified expectations for economic and societal impacts. Projects should contribute to the following outcomes: Excellent and sustainable regional R&I ecosystems in Widening countries and beyond in relevant domains of cutting-edge science and innovation; Long term joint R&I strategies underpinned by concrete action plans of European relevance; Common investment plans for R&I, including infrastructures, leveraging national, regional and European funds as well as private capital in a synergetic manner; R&I pilot projects alongside a joint strategy and in line with regional and national strategies, notably regional innovation strategies for smart specialisation (RIS3); New competencies and skills for researchers, entrepreneurs and professionals in R&I intensive domains; Strengthened linkages between science, businesses and…

Objective: 1. Background The EDCTP Prizes 2026-2027 are recognition prizes funded under Horizon Europe. Prizes are financial contributions given as rewards following the publication of a contest. A ‘recognition prize’ is used to recognise past achievements and outstanding work after it has been performed, whereas an ‘inducement prize’ is used to spur investment in a given direction, by specifying a target prior to the performance of the work. Applications will have to clearly state the involvement of the applicants in the research and innovation activities within the remit of the Global Health EDCTP3 programme. Applicants will have to provide proof of eligibility and a written presentation of the achievements, which will be presented to an independent panel of experts for evaluation. The amounts of the prizes are specified in section 3. They are not linked to the costs incurred by the winner. 2. EDCTP3 Prizes 2026 and related award criteria The prizes will be awarded to the entry that, in the opinion of the independent expert jury, demonstrates having best addressed the cumulative criteria specified under the respective descriptions below. Applications will be graded on a total of…

Expected Impact: The prize will boost public awareness of the potential, importance and contribution of women to the EU innovation ecosystem and create strong role models, inspiring more women to become innovators themselves. Expected Outcome: The prize will boost public awareness of the potential, importance and contribution of women to the EU innovation ecosystem and create strong role models, inspiring more women to become innovators themselves. Objective: The European Prize for Women Innovators celebrates the women entrepreneurs behind Europe’s game-changing innovations, so that they may inspire other women and girls realise their full potential as the EU’s future scientists, innovators, and tech leaders. This prize supports a culture within research and innovation organisations and companies allowing women to become the innovators and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. The prize is awarded every year to women from across the EU and countries associated to Horizon Europe, who have transformed their ideas into disruptive innovations to benefit people and the planet and who are inspiring leaders. As for the previous edition, the 2027 European Prize for Women Innovators is organised in…

Objective: 1. Background The EDCTP Prizes 2026-2027 are recognition prizes funded under Horizon Europe. Prizes are financial contributions given as rewards following the publication of a contest. A ‘recognition prize’ is used to recognise past achievements and outstanding work after it has been performed, whereas an ‘inducement prize’ is used to spur investment in a given direction, by specifying a target prior to the performance of the work. Applications will have to clearly state the involvement of the applicants in the research and innovation activities within the remit of the Global Health EDCTP3 programme. Applicants will have to provide proof of eligibility and a written presentation of the achievements, which will be presented to an independent panel of experts for evaluation. The amounts of the prizes are specified in section 3. They are not linked to the costs incurred by the winner. 2. EDCTP3 Prizes 2026 and related award criteria The prizes will be awarded to the entry that, in the opinion of the independent expert jury, demonstrates having best addressed the cumulative criteria specified under the respective descriptions below. Applications will be graded on a total of…

Expected Impact: The prize will boost public awareness of the potential, importance and contribution of women to the EU innovation ecosystem and create strong role models, inspiring more women to become innovators themselves. Expected Outcome: The prize will boost public awareness of the potential, importance and contribution of women to the EU innovation ecosystem and create strong role models, inspiring more women to become innovators themselves. Objective: The European Prize for Women Innovators celebrates the women entrepreneurs behind Europe’s game-changing innovations, so that they may inspire other women and girls realise their full potential as the EU’s future scientists, innovators, and tech leaders. This prize supports a culture within research and innovation organisations and companies allowing women to become the innovators and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. The prize is awarded every year to women from across the EU and countries associated to Horizon Europe, who have transformed their ideas into disruptive innovations to benefit people and the planet and who are inspiring leaders. As for the previous edition, the 2027 European Prize for Women Innovators is organised in…

Objective: 1. Background The EDCTP Prizes 2026-2027 are recognition prizes funded under Horizon Europe. Prizes are financial contributions given as rewards following the publication of a contest. A ‘recognition prize’ is used to recognise past achievements and outstanding work after it has been performed, whereas an ‘inducement prize’ is used to spur investment in a given direction, by specifying a target prior to the performance of the work. Applications will have to clearly state the involvement of the applicants in the research and innovation activities within the remit of the Global Health EDCTP3 programme. Applicants will have to provide proof of eligibility and a written presentation of the achievements, which will be presented to an independent panel of experts for evaluation. The amounts of the prizes are specified in section 3. They are not linked to the costs incurred by the winner. 2. EDCTP3 Prizes 2026 and related award criteria The prizes will be awarded to the entry that, in the opinion of the independent expert jury, demonstrates having best addressed the cumulative criteria specified under the respective descriptions below. Applications will be graded on a total of…

Objective: 1. Background The EDCTP Prizes 2026-2027 are recognition prizes funded under Horizon Europe. Prizes are financial contributions given as rewards following the publication of a contest. A ‘recognition prize’ is used to recognise past achievements and outstanding work after it has been performed, whereas an ‘inducement prize’ is used to spur investment in a given direction, by specifying a target prior to the performance of the work. Applications will have to clearly state the involvement of the applicants in the research and innovation activities within the remit of the Global Health EDCTP3 programme. Applicants will have to provide proof of eligibility and a written presentation of the achievements, which will be presented to an independent panel of experts for evaluation. The amounts of the prizes are specified in section 3. They are not linked to the costs incurred by the winner. 2. EDCTP3 Prizes 2026 and related award criteria The prizes will be awarded to the entry that, in the opinion of the independent expert jury, demonstrates having best addressed the cumulative criteria specified under the respective descriptions below. Applications will be graded on a total of…

Objective: 1. Background The EDCTP Prizes 2026-2027 are recognition prizes funded under Horizon Europe. Prizes are financial contributions given as rewards following the publication of a contest. A ‘recognition prize’ is used to recognise past achievements and outstanding work after it has been performed, whereas an ‘inducement prize’ is used to spur investment in a given direction, by specifying a target prior to the performance of the work. Applications will have to clearly state the involvement of the applicants in the research and innovation activities within the remit of the Global Health EDCTP3 programme. Applicants will have to provide proof of eligibility and a written presentation of the achievements, which will be presented to an independent panel of experts for evaluation. The amounts of the prizes are specified in section 3. They are not linked to the costs incurred by the winner. 2. EDCTP3 Prizes 2026 and related award criteria The prizes will be awarded to the entry that, in the opinion of the independent expert jury, demonstrates having best addressed the cumulative criteria specified under the respective descriptions below. Applications will be graded on a total of…

Objective: 1. Background The EDCTP Prizes 2026-2027 are recognition prizes funded under Horizon Europe. Prizes are financial contributions given as rewards following the publication of a contest. A ‘recognition prize’ is used to recognise past achievements and outstanding work after it has been performed, whereas an ‘inducement prize’ is used to spur investment in a given direction, by specifying a target prior to the performance of the work. Applications will have to clearly state the involvement of the applicants in the research and innovation activities within the remit of the Global Health EDCTP3 programme. Applicants will have to provide proof of eligibility and a written presentation of the achievements, which will be presented to an independent panel of experts for evaluation. The amounts of the prizes are specified in section 3. They are not linked to the costs incurred by the winner. 2. EDCTP3 Prizes 2026 and related award criteria The prizes will be awarded to the entry that, in the opinion of the independent expert jury, demonstrates having best addressed the cumulative criteria specified under the respective descriptions below. Applications will be graded on a total of…

Objective: 1. Background The EDCTP Prizes 2026-2027 are recognition prizes funded under Horizon Europe. Prizes are financial contributions given as rewards following the publication of a contest. A ‘recognition prize’ is used to recognise past achievements and outstanding work after it has been performed, whereas an ‘inducement prize’ is used to spur investment in a given direction, by specifying a target prior to the performance of the work. Applications will have to clearly state the involvement of the applicants in the research and innovation activities within the remit of the Global Health EDCTP3 programme. Applicants will have to provide proof of eligibility and a written presentation of the achievements, which will be presented to an independent panel of experts for evaluation. The amounts of the prizes are specified in section 3. They are not linked to the costs incurred by the winner. 2. EDCTP3 Prizes 2026 and related award criteria The prizes will be awarded to the entry that, in the opinion of the independent expert jury, demonstrates having best addressed the cumulative criteria specified under the respective descriptions below. Applications will be graded on a total of…

Scope: There is a need for a new multirole light aircraft that can bridge the gap between today’s battlefield and modern technology, as most of the fleet in this segment across the EU is ageing. The future multirole light aircraft (FMLA) concept must not duplicate or create fragmentation of existing systems of turboprop and tactical military transport aircraft and associated electronic systems. By exploiting the existing platforms, technologies and innovations in Europe, this research topic can reduce the risks associated with the development of FMLA capabilities for air-to-ground operations. FMLA should also be effective in specific combat roles such as light attack, anti-drone interception and close air support. The objective of this topic is therefore to develop a low-cost, single-engine (turboprop) aircraft capable of operating in a variety of operational environments, providing direct air support, ground targeting, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance with combat elements, and air strike coordination and reconnaissance with air traffic control support in a forward position in hostile environments during counter-terrorism missions. This topic contributes to the STEP…

Scope: Assisting soldiers with robots and drones that can provide accurate tactical situational awareness by using AI becomes essential for soldier protection. This call topic aims to follow on and complement previous activities in the field of hidden threat detection and explore solutions involving various combinations of intelligent robots, drones and sensing technologies for advanced detection and recognition of threats, in view of their avoidance or neutralisation. These solutions should be tested under realistic scenarios in a comparable and objective manner to reach up to Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 6. For that purpose, each consortium supported through this call topic will benefit from a common testing environment set up as part of a technological challenge and will have to participate in the experiment campaigns organised with this objective. Beyond defence technologies, this topic also contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of deep and digital technologies. Targeted types of activities: Generating knowledge, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for research actions. Indicative budget: EUR…

Specific Challenge: The “EU Award for Gender Equality Champions” is a recognition prize scheme designed as a booster and a complement to the Gender Equality Plans (GEP) eligibility criterion in Horizon Europe [1] , and as a tool for advancing inclusive GEPs and policies within the framework of the ERA Policy Agenda. Expected Outcomes : Recognition of organisations with the most significant impact resulting from the implementation of their GEP, serving as role models for others; Strengthened gender equality and inclusiveness in the European Research Area. The Prize will be awarded to four organisations, and contestants can apply to one of the following three prize categories: Sustainable Gender Equality Champions: Organisations that can demonstrate a significant and sustained record of activity and a high level of achievement through the implementation of their GEP(s); Newcomer Gender Equality Champions: Organisations without a sustained record of activity in gender equality that have recently completed the implementation of their first GEP and can demonstrate the most progress achieved through its implementation; Inclusive Gender Equality Champions: Organisations that have…

Scope: This topic aims to improve the protection of seabed infrastructure through a comprehensive system, including unmanned assets, advanced sensors, underwater observation, detection, acquisition and communication systems, and integrated command and control. This initiative focuses on the development and validation of such a system for future operations, integrated with maritime command centres for coordinated responses. The approach combines operational levels and innovative technologies to effectively mitigate risk and ensure continuity of operations. Beyond defence technologies, this topic also contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of deep and digital technologies. Targeted types of activities: Studies and design, not excluding upstream activities eligible for research actions. Indicative budget: EUR 30 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA-SI call. Range of financial contribution of the EU per proposal : The requested funding cannot exceed EUR 15 000 000. The proposals need to build upon or integrate results that have been achieved within one or several projects funded following an EU programme call with a…

Scope: The high speed and significant manoeuvrability of hypersonic vehicles, particularly hypersonic glide vehicles, create difficult conditions for target detection and tracking, which are exacerbated by changes in radar cross section characteristics. Radar waveforms and signal processing become essential to counter the effects induced by hypersonic threat dynamics. In addition, the last decade has seen a global increase in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for battlefield intelligence gathering and reconnaissance. Anti-UAV radars therefore need to be developed to detect, identify and track such systems. Innovative approaches (e.g. AI and cognitive methods) can provide the means to select the best waveform receiver filter combination to maximise radar detection and tracking performance also using a feedback loop between the received and transmitted signal characteristics. This topic therefore focuses on the development of an engineering development model (i.e. demonstrator) capable of supporting tasks such as demonstrating the maturity of innovative technologies in the radar domain and supporting the feasibility of implementing such technologies in terms of time,…

Scope: The proposals must demonstrate their disruptive impact on defence applications and address innovative technologies and solutions for defence, including those that can improve the readiness, deployability, reliability, safety and sustainability of forces in defence tasks and missions, for example in terms of operations, equipment, infrastructure, energy solutions, surveillance systems or digital solutions. Proposals must address disruptive knowledge, products and technologies in any area of defence interest (8 ) reaching at least TRL 4 (9 ).In addition, to best complement R&D efforts that already target civil applications and encourage the efficient spinning-in of knowledge, innovation and technological development to the defence sector, this topic also welcomes proposals for add-on research actions to adapt solutions originally developed for civilian applications and previously not applied in defence. Management mode : Action implemented in indirect management by the European Defence Agency. Targeted types of activities: Any activities eligible for a research action. However, proposals must not be limited to studies. Indicative budget: EUR 35 000 000 to support this…

Expected Impact: The objective is to deliver three to four projects that demonstrate the streamlining of regulatory reporting through automated and trusted sharing of compliance data. Each project will address the governance, technical, legal, and processing aspects of the solution. Objective: Specific Objective 2 of the Digital Europe Programme aims to reinforce the EU’s core Artificial Intelligence (AI) capacities as a crucial driver for the digital transformation of the public and private sectors. The vision is to make Europe an AI continent, thriving on the development, integration and adoption of AI. As one of the financial instruments of the upcoming Apply AI Strategy, SO2 will support the development of world class AI models in the EU and foster the integration of AI technologies into EU’s most strategic sectors, including healthcare, energy and research. It will stimulate new industrial uses of AI and improve the delivery of various public services. In addition, it will support the deployment of new digital solutions for regulatory compliance through data. The objective is to reduce the administrative burden of enterprises by applying advanced digital technologies to…

Scope: Objectives The Starting Grant supports excellent Principal Investigators starting or having recently started their own independent research team or programme. A Starting Grant Principal Investigator should have already shown evidence of the potential for research independence, for example, by having produced at least one important publication as its main author or a publication without the participation of their PhD supervisor. A researcher may be the Principal Investigator of only one ERC Starting Grant in their career. Size of ERC Starting Grants Starting Grants may be awarded up to a maximum of EUR 1 500 000 for a period of 60 months . The maximum amount of the grants is reduced pro rata temporis for proposals of shorter duration. Additional funding up to EUR 1 000 000 *1 can be requested to cover further eligible costs for any cost category when these are necessary to carry out the proposed work. The request for additional funding must be duly justified in the proposal. The maximum amount of the grant is reduced pro rata temporis for proposals of shorter duration. Additional funding is not subject to pro rata temporis reduction for projects of shorter duration. Both the…

Expected Outcome: Deliverables: Initiatives implemented for the target audience to collect knowledge on learning needs in the area of AI uptake in health. Training programmes in the area of advanced digital skills for AI uptake in health, designed jointly by higher education institutions, VET providers, research organisations, businesses and other stakeholders in digital health, in collaboration with the network of AI-powered advanced screening centres. Training catalogue with detailed course planning and timetable, regularly updated. Final analysis of the completed training and the achievement level reached in improved skills. A landing page integrated into the Digital Skills and Jobs Platform, showcasing existing and forthcoming education and training initiatives and promoting training offers to the relevant audience. Objective: The academic offer in the area of advanced digital technologies in the EU is still lagging behind other regions of the world, especially when compared to the United Kingdom or the United States [1] even though the number of both bachelor’s and master’s programmes in the EU has increased through the years. Furthermore, apart from delivering excellent…

Expected Outcome: At a general level, the project should achieve a strong, visible and recognised impact in scaling, facilitating and accelerating research and analytical efforts focussing on the information environment and information integrity. The main outcomes of the awarded project will be: The technical solutions created or supported The insights generated from supported research and monitoring projects The proof of concept and lessons learnt for the support of shared infrastructures to support research on the information environment Project applications will formulate their own deliverables in accordance with their needs analyses and proposed means to address them. At the minimum, deliverables should include: A suite or network of solutions capable of addressing Specific Objectives 1 and 2 (c.f. section 2 ‘Scope – Specific Objectives 1 and 2’) A methodology and dissemination plan for creating access to the created resources (c.f. section 2 ‘Scope – Specific Objective 3) A sub-granting methodology in line with the scope set forth in the section above (c.f. section 2 ‘Scope – Specific Objective 5’) A final report detailing lessons learnt and identifying clear paths for future…

Specific Challenge: The “EU Award for Gender Equality Champions” is a recognition prize scheme designed as a booster and a complement to the Gender Equality Plans (GEP) eligibility criterion in Horizon Europe [1] , and as a tool for advancing inclusive GEPs and policies within the framework of the ERA Policy Agenda. Expected Outcomes : Recognition of organisations with the most significant impact resulting from the implementation of their GEP, serving as role models for others; Strengthened gender equality and inclusiveness in the European Research Area. The Prize will be awarded to four organisations, and contestants can apply to one of the following three prize categories: Sustainable Gender Equality Champions: Organisations that can demonstrate a significant and sustained record of activity and a high level of achievement through the implementation of their GEP(s); Newcomer Gender Equality Champions: Organisations without a sustained record of activity in gender equality that have recently completed the implementation of their first GEP and can demonstrate the most progress achieved through its implementation; Inclusive Gender Equality Champions: Organisations that have…

Scope: The next generation of tactical military networks are being developed using software defined radio solutions and software defined network solutions to provide secure and resilient communications against cyberattacks. More agile and flexible than traditional approaches, these solutions make it much easier to integrate additional devices, including mobile devices, and innovative technologies into military networks such as quantum key distribution, post-quantum cryptography and physical unclonable functions. In particular, quantum key distribution aims to provide a higher level of trust in information sharing and cyber defence operations by ensuring that all intrusions and hacking attempts are detected in real time using quantum principles. Building on previous and ongoing EDF R&D activities in this area, this topic aims to develop software defined network technologies and solutions for a network architecture framework based on quantum technologies that will provide EU armed forces with a technological edge in secure tactical networks. Beyond defence technologies, this topic also contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area…

Scope: The objective of this topic is to assess the feasibility of creating an AI framework for defence applications as a springboard for developing future tactical intelligence concepts by providing military simulation capabilities, historical data sets, a rich scenario and benchmark database, access to doctrinal models and output from previously developed AI services. This would also enable a common simulation framework for war games/combat simulations with the potential to similarly facilitate improved learning support in mission planning and execution, including through AI-enabled battlespace simulation. Beyond defence technologies, this topic also contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of deep and digital technologies. Targeted types of activities: Studies and design, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for research actions. Indicative budget: EUR 16 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA call. Range of financial contribution of the EU per proposal : The requested funding cannot exceed EUR 8 000 000. Indicative number of proposals to be funded: Several proposals may be funded for this…

Scope: Current military decontamination processes are manual and time-consuming, while automation could improve efficiency, safety and control. Clearance decontamination, which ensures that equipment is safe for transport and disposal, is a challenging process that may require advanced technologies. A new approach to CBRN decontamination is needed that is simple, safe, reliable and uses minimal water. New technologies such as catalysts and UV radiation are being considered to neutralise agents without damaging equipment. Decontamination is also critical in the management of biological emergencies, including epidemics and pandemics, and is not limited to military scenarios. Solid sorbents, including nanosorbents, are promising, with advantages such as low toxicity and non-corrosiveness. Clearance decontamination should conform to nationally established standards and guidelines so that the equipment can be transported through non-EU countries and/or returned to its country of origin or final destination. This topic aims to explore solutions for the thorough decontamination of large military equipment, in particular for post-mission decontamination. It focuses on the development of…

Scope: Air-to-air refuelling enhances military operations by enabling long-range missions. Refuelling currently requires manual coordination between tanker operators and receiving pilots, which is complex and labour-intensive. Automated air-to-air refuelling solutions are expected to reduce workload and increase safety for both crews, while also being essential for future unmanned aerial systems. The objective of this topic is to explore the development of sensor systems, in particular hardware and sensor fusion, to enable accurate relative navigation between tanker, receiver and refuelling systems, even in adverse conditions. In addition, enhanced optical sensors, advanced image processing, flight control algorithms and pilot assistance interfaces will play a crucial role in improving the docking and refuelling process, increasing safety and time efficiency. This topic contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of defence technologies. Targeted types of activities: Integrating knowledge, studies and design, not excluding upstream activities eligible for research actions. Indicative budget: EUR 20 000 000 for this topic under…

Scope: The automatic analysis of tactical situations using fleets of robots, drones and AI is an important research topic that lacks standardised benchmarks and objective evaluation campaigns. This call topic aims to set up a testing environment and organise a technological challenge in which research teams will participate, supported by another topic (EDF-2024-LS-RA-CHALLENGE-DIGIT-AISAP-STEP) and possibly other sources of funding. The testing environment should enable objective comparisons between different approaches. Data should be collected during field tests, annotated and shared to enable the validation of the system performances based on precise evaluation criteria and plans, to be provided as part of the call document. Targeted types of activities: Integrating knowledge, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for research actions. Indicative budget: EUR 7 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-LS-RA-CHALLENGE call. Indicative number of proposals to be funded: One proposal is to be funded for this topic.

Specific Challenge: The “EU Award for Gender Equality Champions” is a recognition prize scheme designed as a booster and a complement to the Gender Equality Plans (GEP) eligibility criterion in Horizon Europe [1] , and as a tool for advancing inclusive GEPs and policies within the framework of the ERA Policy Agenda. Expected Outcomes : Recognition of organisations with the most significant impact resulting from the implementation of their GEP, serving as role models for others; Strengthened gender equality and inclusiveness in the European Research Area. The Prize will be awarded to four organisations, and contestants can apply to one of the following three prize categories: Sustainable Gender Equality Champions: Organisations that can demonstrate a significant and sustained record of activity and a high level of achievement through the implementation of their GEP(s); Newcomer Gender Equality Champions: Organisations without a sustained record of activity in gender equality that have recently completed the implementation of their first GEP and can demonstrate the most progress achieved through its implementation; Inclusive Gender Equality Champions: Organisations that have…

Objective: The objective of this call is to modernise transport infrastructure and enhance the digitalisation of road transport on the TEN-T network. Scope: Works related to: Projects fostering the deployment of new technologies and innovation by supporting test-beds / infrastructure for autonomous vehicles [1]. The focus will be specifically on investments in infrastructure for commercial (pre-) deployment of autonomous vehicles, implementing sufficiently mature technology that do not include Research & Innovation activities. The projects to be financed shall contribute to the deployment of highly automated vehicles on the road for real operation, requiring investment in infrastructure to ensure the efficient operation of autonomous vehicles, in two areas: Establishing control centers (IT equipment for remote supervision of highly automated vehicles, offering support in challenging or unexpected situations). Support is not provided to the construction of actual buildings (such as TMC building). Deploying digital infrastructure for accurate vehicle positioning and communication with the surrounding environment (including interaction with emergency services). Particular attention…

Scope: The objective of this topic is to assess the feasibility of creating an AI framework for defence applications as a springboard for developing future tactical intelligence concepts by providing military simulation capabilities, historical data sets, a rich scenario and benchmark database, access to doctrinal models and output from previously developed AI services. This would also enable a common simulation framework for war games/combat simulations with the potential to similarly facilitate improved learning support in mission planning and execution, including through AI-enabled battlespace simulation. Beyond defence technologies, this topic also contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of deep and digital technologies. Targeted types of activities: Studies and design, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for research actions. Indicative budget: EUR 16 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA call. Range of financial contribution of the EU per proposal : The requested funding cannot exceed EUR 8 000 000. Indicative number of proposals to be funded: Several proposals may be funded for this…

Expected Impact: Each proposal must include an assessment of the expected industrial, economic, social and environmental benefits (Article 26 of Council Decision 2008/376/EC). Objective: Proposals submitted under this topic should relate to one or more of the RFCS objectives for steel as set out in Council Decision 2008/376/EC . Scope: Pilot projects target the construction, operation and development of installations on an appropriate scale. Demonstration projects cover the construction and/or operation of industrial-scale installations. Both pilot and demonstration projects aim to bridge the gap between research and innovation and commercialisation. Pilot and demonstration activities are expected to start at TRL 4-5 and achieve TRL 7-8 by the end of the project.

Expected Impact: Each proposal must include an assessment of the expected industrial, economic, social and environmental benefits (Article 26 of Council Decision 2008/376/EC). Objective: Proposals submitted under this topic should relate to one or more of the RFCS objectives for coal as set out in Council Decision 2008/376/EC . Scope: Pilot projects target the construction, operation and development of installations on an appropriate scale. Demonstration projects cover the construction and/or operation of industrial-scale installations.Both pilot and demonstration projects aim to bridge the gap between research and innovation. Pilot and demonstration activities are expected to start at TRL 4-5 and achieve TRL 7-8 by the end of the project.

Expected Impact: Each proposal must include an assessment of the expected industrial, economic, social and environmental benefits (Article 26 of Council Decision 2008/376/EC). Objective: Proposals submitted under this topic should relate to one or more of the RFCS objectives for steel as set out in Council Decision 2008/376/EC . Scope: Research projects focus on investigative or experimental work aiming to acquire knowledge to facilitate the attainment of specific practical objectives. Research project activities are expected to start at TRL 1-3 and achieve TRL 4-5 by the end of the project.

Scope: This topic aims to improve the design of underwater platforms and the proper integration of sonars, including the verification of existing tools and the development of better tools for modelling underwater flow-generated noise that can support the placement of sonars and the simulation of radiated noise from underwater platforms. The models to be developed for both sonar design and radiated noise will include the generation of high-quality verification data and would support the design of underwater platforms and the placement and design of sonars. Targeted types of activities: Generating knowledge, integrating knowledge and studies, not excluding downstream activities eligible for research actions. Indicative budget: EUR 10 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA call. Indicative number of proposals to be funded: One proposal is to be funded for this topic. However, depending on the quality of the proposals submitted and the budget available, more than one proposal may ultimately be funded for this topic.

Expected Impact: Each proposal must include an assessment of the expected industrial, economic, social and environmental benefits (Article 26 of Council Decision 2008/376/EC). Objective: Proposals presented under this topic should relate to one or more of the RFCS objectives for coal as set out in Council Decision 2008/376/EC . Scope: Research projects focus on investigative or experimental work aiming to acquire knowledge to facilitate the attainment of specific practical objectives.Research project activities are expected to start at technology readiness level (TRL) 1-3 and achieve TRL 4-5 by the end of the project.

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes: For supported postdoctoral fellows Increased set of research and transferable skills and competences, leading to improved employability and career prospects of MSCA postdoctoral fellows within academia and beyond; New mind-sets and approaches to R&I work forged through international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary experience; Enhanced networking and communication capacities with scientific peers, as well as with the general public that will increase and broaden the research and innovation impact. For participating organisations Increased alignment of working conditions for researchers in accordance with the principles set out in the European Charter for Researchers; Enhanced quality and sustainability of research training and supervision; Increased global attractiveness, visibility and reputation of the participating organisation(s); Stronger R&I capacity and output among participating organisations; better transfer of knowledge; Regular feedback of research results into teaching and education at participating organisations. Scope: Fellowships will be provided to excellent researchers…

Expected Impact: Accompanying measures are expected to ensure balanced representation, within the consortium, of relevant academia, research centres, industry and/or industry associations, including just transition actors. They should also involve stakeholders required for the just transition of the steel industry. In addition, accompanying measures may provide suggestions for policy initiatives that contribute to the digital, green and circular transformation of steel communities, in line with the European Green Deal. Objective: Proposals submitted under this topic should relate to one or more of the RFCS objectives for steel as set out in Council Decision 2008/376/EC . Scope: Accompanying measures aim to promote the use of knowledge gained or the organisation of dedicated workshops or conferences in connection with projects or priorities of the RFCS.

Expected Impact: Accompanying measures are expected to ensure a balanced representation, within the consortium, of relevant academia, research centres, industry and/or industry associations, including just transition actors. They should also involve stakeholders required for the just transition of coal regions. In addition, accompanying measures may provide suggestions for policy initiatives that contribute to the digital, green and circular transformation of the coal communities, in line with the European Green Deal. Objective: Proposals submitted under this topic should relate to one or more of the RFCS objectives for coal, as set out in Council Decision 2008/376/EC . Scope: Accompanying measures aim to promote the use of knowledge gained or the organisation of dedicated workshops or conferences in connection with projects or priorities of the RFCS.

Scope: CENTRES OF VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) aim to be a driving force for reforms in the Vocational Education Training (VET) sector, ensuring high quality skills and competences that lead to quality employment and career-long opportunities, meeting the needs of an innovative, inclusive and sustainable economy and contributing to addressing challenges in key economic sectors. The main objective is the establishment of transnational collaborative networks that bring together local and regional VET stakeholders (VET institutions, companies, social partners, authorities, higher education institutions, research institutes, etc.) in strong and broad partnerships, thereby creating comprehensive skills ecosystems for innovation, regional development, and social inclusion. The initiative is based on a bottom-up approach to vocational excellence, enabling VET institutions to rapidly adapt skills provisions to evolving economic and social needs in their context as identified by the project partners. It is complementary to and works in synergy with other Pact for Skills initiatives. Implementing vocational excellence approaches features prominently in the…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes: For supported doctoral candidates New research and transferable skills and competences, leading to improved employability and career prospects within and outside academia; New knowledge allowing the conversion of ideas into products and services, where relevant; Enhanced networking and communication capacities with scientific peers, as well as with the general public that will increase and broaden the research and innovation impact. For participating organisations Improved quality, relevance and sustainability of doctoral training programmes and supervision arrangements; Enhanced cooperation and transfer of knowledge between sectors and disciplines; Increased integration of training and research activities between participating organisations; Boosted R&I capacity; Increased internationalisation and attractiveness; Regular feedback of research results into teaching and education at participating organisations. Scope: MSCA Doctoral Networks will implement doctoral programmes, by partnerships of universities, research institutions and research infrastructures, businesses including SMEs, and other…

Expected Outcome: This action builds on the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 call (HORIZON-MSCA-DN-2026). The project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes: For supported doctoral candidates: New research and transferable skills and competences in the application of AI in science, leading to improved employability and career prospects within and outside academia; New knowledge allowing the conversion of ideas into products and services, where relevant; Enhanced networking and communication capacities with scientific peers, as well as with the general public that will increase and broaden the research and innovation impact. For participating organisations: Improved quality, relevance and sustainability of doctoral training programmes and supervision arrangements; Enhanced cooperation and transfer of knowledge between sectors and disciplines; Increased integration of training and research activities between participating organisations; Boosted R&I capacity and uptake of AI in science; Increased internationalisation and attractiveness; Regular feedback of research results into teaching and education at participating organisations. Scope: Successful RAISE Doctoral…

Objective: This topic targets projects addressing serious social, economic and environmental challenges deriving from the transition towards the EU’s 2030 climate and energy targets and the EU’s 2050 objective of climate neutrality, for the benefit of the EU territories identified in the Territorial Just Transition Plans. The projects must also qualify for a loan by the EIB (or one of its financial intermediaries). Scope: Projects related to a wide range of sustainable investments may be funded, such as: investments in renewable energy and green and sustainable mobility, including the promotion of green hydrogen efficient district heating networks public research digitalisation environmental infrastructure for smart waste and water management sustainable energy, energy efficiency and integration measures, including renovations and conversions of buildings urban renewal and regeneration the transition to a circular economy land and ecosystem restoration and decontamination, taking into account the ‘polluter pays’ principle biodiversity, as well as up-skilling and re-skilling, training, and social infrastructure, including care facilities and social housing. Infrastructure…

Objective: This topic targets projects linked to a framework loan to address serious social, economic and environmental challenges deriving from the transition towards the EU’s 2030 climate and energy targets and the EU’s 2050 objective of climate neutrality, for the benefit of the EU territories identified in the Territorial Just Transition Plans. - The projects must be linked to an EIB framework loan. Framework loans by other banks or EIB financial intermediaries (including EIB Intermediated Framework Loans or Multi-Beneficiary Intermediated Loans) cannot benefit from PSLF funding under this topic. Scope: Projects related to a wide range of sustainable investments may be funded, such as: investments in renewable energy and green and sustainable mobility, including the promotion of green hydrogen efficient district heating networks public research digitalisation environmental infrastructure for smart waste and water management sustainable energy, energy efficiency and integration measures, including renovations and conversions of buildings urban renewal and regeneration the transition to a circular economy land and ecosystem restoration and decontamination, taking into account…