Deadline: 13-Oct-2026
The European Commission is launching a €60 million funding programme to build a seven-year transnational research and innovation partnership on social transformations and resilience in Europe. It focuses on inequality, climate transition, digitalisation, labour markets, education, and social protection systems. The initiative strengthens evidence-based policymaking, social cohesion, and alignment with EU and UN sustainability goals.
Overview of the Funding Programme
- The European Commission is funding a major research and innovation partnership focused on social transformations and resilience.
- The programme addresses large-scale societal changes driven by climate change, digitalisation, demographic shifts, inequality, and economic disruption.
- It aims to establish a long-term seven-year coordinated research framework across Europe.
- The total funding for the programme is €60 million.
Key Focus Areas
Social Protection and Welfare Systems
- Strengthening social protection systems across European countries
- Improving access to essential services such as healthcare, housing, and welfare
- Reducing poverty and social exclusion
Future of Work and Labour Markets
- Understanding labour market transformations due to automation and AI
- Supporting fair employment transitions
- Addressing job security and changing work structures
Education and Skills Development
- Promoting lifelong learning systems
- Developing digital and future-ready skills
- Improving adaptability of education systems
Social Cohesion and Inequality
- Reducing income and social inequalities
- Strengthening trust in institutions and societies
- Promoting inclusion and equal opportunities
Climate and Biodiversity Transition
- Studying social impacts of climate change
- Supporting fair transition to climate-neutral economies
- Enhancing climate adaptation strategies
Digitalisation and Technology
- Examining impacts of artificial intelligence and automation
- Addressing digital inequality and access gaps
- Supporting governance of digital transformation
Policy and Evidence-Based Governance
- Developing data-driven policymaking tools
- Strengthening research-policy collaboration
- Improving analytical methods in social sciences
Programme Objectives
- Build a long-term European research and innovation ecosystem on social transformation
- Promote cross-country comparative research on societal change
- Strengthen collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and institutions
- Develop new tools, datasets, and methodologies for social science research
- Support innovation, experimentation, and policy-relevant research outputs
- Enhance research and policy capacity across Europe
How the Partnership Works
Governance and Structure
- Operates as a co-funded transnational research partnership
- Involves national and regional research funding agencies
- Encourages joint agenda-setting across participating countries
Implementation Process
- Development of shared research priorities
- Launch of joint transnational calls for proposals
- Co-funding from national agencies and EU support
- Selection of research projects through competitive evaluation
- Dissemination of research outcomes for policymaking
Stakeholders Involved
- National research funding agencies
- Government ministries and policy bodies
- Universities and academic institutions
- Research organisations and think tanks
- NGOs and civil society organisations
- Social partners including unions and employer groups
- Private sector research and innovation actors
Existing Research Networks Supporting the Programme
- CHANSE – humanities and social sciences collaboration in Europe
- HERA – humanities research cooperation in the European Research Area
- NORFACE – funding agency collaboration in social sciences
- T-AP – transatlantic platform for social science and humanities research
- JPI MYBL – research on ageing and demographic change
Alignment with Policy Frameworks and Global Goals
European Union Policy Alignment
- European Pillar of Social Rights
- European Green Deal
- European Research Area (ERA)
- European Education Area
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- No Poverty (SDG 1)
- Quality Education (SDG 4)
- Gender Equality (SDG 5)
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
- Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
- Climate Action (SDG 13)
- Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)
Who is Eligible
Eligible Applicants
- National and regional research funding agencies
- Universities and higher education institutions
- Public research organisations
- Policy institutes and think tanks
- NGOs and civil society organisations
- Social partner organisations
- Multi-country consortia across Europe
Eligibility Requirements
- Demonstrated transnational collaboration capacity
- Alignment with EU research and policy priorities
- Long-term research programme capability
How to Apply / How It Works
Step 1: Consortium Formation
- Build a multi-country partnership
- Include research funders, universities, and institutions
Step 2: Proposal Development
- Define research themes aligned with programme priorities
- Design governance and implementation structure
- Prepare a seven-year research roadmap
Step 3: Submission
- Submit application through European Commission call system
- Include full research and funding strategy
Step 4: Evaluation
- Peer review by experts
- Assessment of policy relevance and impact
- Review of interdisciplinary and transnational value
Step 5: Funding and Implementation
- Selected consortia receive funding
- Launch of joint research calls
- Execution of long-term research programme
Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Weak international collaboration structure
- Poor alignment with EU policy frameworks
- Lack of interdisciplinary research approach
- Insufficient long-term planning
- Limited policy relevance or impact focus
Tips for Strong Applications
- Build strong multi-country governance structures
- Focus on societal impact and policy relevance
- Use interdisciplinary research methods
- Align clearly with EU and UN frameworks
- Include strong data-sharing and collaboration plans
Why It Matters
- Strengthens Europe’s resilience to social, economic, and environmental shocks
- Improves understanding of inequality, climate transition, and digital transformation
- Enhances fairness and inclusion in social systems
- Supports evidence-based policymaking across Europe
- Builds long-term research capacity in social sciences and humanities
- Encourages collaboration between academia, governments, and society
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total funding amount?
- The programme has a total budget of €60 million.
What is the main objective?
- To establish a seven-year European research partnership on social transformation and resilience.
Which research areas are included?
- Social sciences, humanities, education, labour studies, climate policy, and digitalisation.
Who can apply?
- Research funding agencies, universities, NGOs, and transnational consortia.
What kind of projects are funded?
- Cross-country comparative research on inequality, climate change, and social systems.
How is this different from standard grants?
- It focuses on long-term coordinated research ecosystems rather than individual projects.
Which global frameworks does it support?
- EU policy frameworks and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Conclusion
- The programme builds a long-term European research ecosystem on social transformation and resilience.
- It integrates research, policy, and cross-border collaboration to address major societal challenges.
- It aims to generate actionable, evidence-based knowledge for fair, inclusive, and sustainable societies.
For more information, visit European Commission.