Deadline: 16-Jun-2026
The European Commission invites grant applications to enhance collaboration between pan-European research infrastructures and international partners. The initiative supports global research capacity, interoperability, and societal impact, with funding ranging from €1,000,000 to €1,500,000 per project and a total indicative budget of €8,000,000.
About the Initiative
The European Commission seeks to fund projects that strengthen collaboration between European research infrastructures and international partners to enhance global research capacity, competitiveness, and societal impact. The programme promotes long-term, sustainable partnerships aligned with Horizon Europe priorities.
Focus Areas and Objectives
The initiative prioritizes: fostering new or enhanced cooperation with key international partners, strengthening the position of European research infrastructures in the global landscape, expanding the geographical reach of global research infrastructures, enhancing capacity to address societal challenges with a global dimension (such as environmental monitoring and health), and reinforcing the global competitiveness of the European Research Area.
Funding Details
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Indicative total budget: €8,000,000
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Individual project funding: €1,000,000 to €1,500,000
Funding supports projects that facilitate sustainable international collaborations, data sharing, and reciprocal activities.
Scope of the Programme
The programme supports cooperation between European research infrastructures and non-European counterparts, encouraging international engagement of ESFRI and ERIC infrastructures. Proposals must include shared objectives, governance structures, methods for collaboration, and long-term sustainability. Activities leading to agreements on data sharing, co-financing, and reciprocal access are encouraged, with clear opportunities for European scientists to access shared data.
The programme emphasizes: global interoperability and data coverage, exchange of best practices among user communities and managers, harmonization of tests, standards, reference materials, and data handling procedures. Proposals may focus on individual infrastructures or involve multiple infrastructures if relevant to the research field.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible participants include any legal entity, regardless of location, including entities from non-associated third countries or international organizations, provided all conditions of the Horizon Europe Regulation and the specific call are met.
Why It Matters
This initiative strengthens global scientific collaboration, expands access to shared data and resources, enhances the performance of European research infrastructures, and supports solutions to global societal challenges.
How to Apply
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Prepare a proposal detailing collaboration objectives, governance, sustainability, and reciprocal arrangements.
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Outline shared activities and methods for harmonization, interoperability, and best practice exchange.
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Demonstrate alignment with Horizon Europe Regulation and the specific call requirements.
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Submit before the official deadline following European Commission procedures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Failing to describe governance and sustainability of collaborations.
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Neglecting to outline data sharing agreements and reciprocal access opportunities.
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Not demonstrating alignment with Horizon Europe priorities or specific call requirements.
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Submitting proposals that do not include relevant interoperability or harmonization plans.
FAQs
1. Who can apply? Any legal entity, including international organizations and entities from non-associated third countries.
2. What is the total budget? €8,000,000.
3. What is the funding range per project? €1,000,000 to €1,500,000.
4. What are the key objectives? Strengthen global collaboration, interoperability, and research impact of European infrastructures.
5. Can multiple infrastructures be involved in a proposal? Yes, if relevant to the research field.
6. Are data sharing and reciprocal activities required? Activities leading to agreements on data sharing or co-financing are encouraged and must be clearly outlined.
7. How is sustainability addressed? Proposals must describe long-term governance, methods, and sustainability plans for the collaboration.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s grant initiative provides a strategic opportunity to enhance the global impact of European research infrastructures, strengthen international partnerships, and address societal challenges. By supporting interoperable collaborations and reciprocal data access, the programme ensures long-term benefits for science and innovation across Europe and beyond.
For more information, visit European Commission.