Deadline: 23-Sep-2026
The European Commission SSH–STEM Cooperation Action under Horizon Europe supports coordination and strategic initiatives that strengthen collaboration between Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). With €3.5 million in funding, it focuses on monitoring interdisciplinary research, developing policy tools, improving integration in Horizon Europe projects, and promoting inclusive, data-driven cooperation across Europe and beyond.
What is the SSH–STEM Cooperation Action?
The SSH–STEM Cooperation Action is a funding initiative under the Horizon Europe led by the European Commission.
It aims to improve collaboration between:
- Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH)
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
The goal is to create more integrated, impactful, and policy-relevant research across disciplines.
Purpose of the Programme
The action is designed to:
- Strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation between SSH and STEM
- Improve policy dialogue and strategic collaboration
- Enhance research quality and innovation impact
- Promote data-driven monitoring of interdisciplinary work
- Support EU competitiveness and societal resilience
Key Focus Areas
SSH–STEM Integration
- Cross-disciplinary research collaboration
- Balanced participation across SSH and STEM fields
- Stronger integration in Horizon Europe projects
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Development of advanced methodologies
- Use of open-data approaches
- Analysis of interdisciplinary collaboration patterns
Policy and Strategy Development
- Creation of SSH–STEM cooperation strategies
- Policy dialogue at European level
- Strategic frameworks for long-term collaboration
Training and Capacity Building
- Guidelines for improving interdisciplinary research quality
- Training programmes for researchers and institutions
- Support for effective project design and implementation
Inclusivity and Diversity
- Gender-sensitive approaches
- Intersectional research perspectives
- Inclusion of diverse SSH disciplines, including humanities
Funding Details
- Total funding available: €3,500,000
- Funding instrument: Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action (HORIZON-CSA)
- Focus: Non-research coordination, policy support, and capacity building activities
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible participants include:
- Any legal entity worldwide (including non-EU countries)
- International organisations
- EU bodies and agencies
- Joint Research Centre (JRC)
- Associations and interest groupings
- European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs)
- Entities without legal personality (under specific conditions)
Administrative Requirements
- All beneficiaries must register in the Participant Register
- A Participant Identification Code (PIC) is required before grant signing
- Compliance with Horizon Europe rules and specific topic conditions is mandatory
Expected Outcomes
Projects funded under this action are expected to deliver:
- A European-level SSH–STEM cooperation strategy
- Monitoring systems for interdisciplinary research
- Practical guidelines for research integration
- Training and capacity-building tools
- Improved participation balance across disciplines
- Stronger alignment with EU innovation priorities
How the Programme Works
- Applicants form consortia or eligible entities
- Proposals are submitted under Horizon Europe calls
- Evaluation by European Commission and experts
- Selected projects receive funding (€3.5M total envelope)
- Implementation of strategy, monitoring, and training activities
- Dissemination of tools, guidelines, and policy outputs
Key Requirements for Strong Proposals
- Clear strategy for SSH–STEM integration
- Robust data and monitoring methodology
- Inclusive and gender-sensitive approach
- Strong policy relevance for EU priorities
- Collaboration across disciplines and institutions
- Practical tools for researchers and policymakers
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating the project as pure research instead of coordination/support
- Weak interdisciplinary integration strategy
- Lack of measurable monitoring framework
- Ignoring inclusivity and gender dimensions
- Poor alignment with Horizon Europe priorities
Tips for a Strong Application
- Emphasize practical tools and policy impact
- Include strong data-driven monitoring methods
- Show clear SSH and STEM collaboration mechanisms
- Demonstrate EU-wide relevance and scalability
- Integrate training and capacity-building components
- Align with Horizon Europe strategic goals
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the SSH–STEM Cooperation Action?
- It is a Horizon Europe initiative promoting collaboration between SSH and STEM disciplines
- What is the funding amount?
- €3,500,000 under the Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action
- Who can apply?
- Any legal entity worldwide
- Includes EU bodies, research institutions, NGOs, and international organisations
- What is the main goal?
- To improve interdisciplinary research, policy integration, and innovation impact in Europe
- Is it a research grant?
- No
- It focuses on coordination, policy support, monitoring, and capacity building
- What are PIC requirements?
- All beneficiaries must register and obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC) before signing the grant agreement
Conclusion
The SSH–STEM Cooperation Action under the Horizon Europe strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration across Europe by bridging Social Sciences, Humanities, and STEM fields. Through strategic coordination, monitoring, and capacity building, it supports more inclusive, data-driven, and impactful research ecosystems aligned with EU competitiveness and innovation goals.
For more information, visit European Commission.