Deadline: 02-Feb-2026
The European Partnership on Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS) has launched its 4th Joint Transnational Call, “Access to Care,” offering €35 million for research and innovation projects aimed at reducing inequalities in health and care access across Europe. The program funds collaborative, evidence-based solutions that strengthen health systems, improve accessibility, and support interdisciplinary integrated care. Eligible teams can propose models, tools, and interventions that advance equitable access at all levels of care.
Overview
The European Partnership on Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS) supports projects that improve equitable access to health and care across Europe. The 2025 Joint Transnational Call focuses on accelerating research and innovation that reduces inequalities, enhances system performance, and delivers scalable, evidence-based solutions.
Why This Funding Matters
This call directly addresses major structural barriers in European health systems. It promotes:
• Equitable access to high-quality health and care
• Innovation that reduces disparities in utilisation of services
• Strengthening of national and cross-national health system transformation
• Evidence-based decision-making for policymakers
• Scalable solutions that can be adopted across diverse populations
Key Focus Areas
Projects must contribute to at least one of the core priority themes:
• Equitable access to and utilisation of health and care services
• Innovative tools, models, or interventions targeting reduced inequalities
• Financial accessibility models for vulnerable or underserved populations
• New delivery models for health and care services
• Interdisciplinary integrated care programmes
• Solutions that leverage existing evidence to improve system-wide access
• Research supporting resource reallocation and system transformation
Programme Scope and Budget
• Call: 4th Joint Transnational Call, “Access to Care”
• Total participating funding agencies: 32
• Indicative budget: €35 million
• Goal: Support impactful, scalable research and innovation projects that strengthen European health and care systems
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility varies slightly by national guidelines, but generally includes:
• Research organizations
• Universities and academic institutions
• Health and care providers
• Public authorities and policymakers
• NGOs, patient associations, or non-profit health entities
• Private or industry partners (depending on country rules)
• Consortia involving at least three eligible partners from different participating countries (standard transnational requirement)
How the Programme Works
THCS funds collaborative international projects that aim to:
• Reduce inequities in access to health and care
• Support evidence-informed health system transformation
• Enable policymakers to allocate resources more effectively
• Produce interventions that are scalable across regions and populations
• Strengthen cross-disciplinary collaboration, especially between clinical, social, and policy sectors
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
-
Review national/regional eligibility rules
Each partner must meet their funding agency’s criteria. -
Form a transnational project consortium
Typically at least three partners from three different participating countries. -
Develop a proposal addressing THCS call themes
Focus on access, utilisation, equity, financial models, or integrated care. -
Prepare mandatory application documents
• Project description
• Work plan and methodology
• Evidence base
• Budget tables
• Impact and scalability plan
• Policy relevance -
Submit the proposal through the official call portal
All partners must comply with template and format requirements. -
Await evaluation and funding decision
Projects are assessed on excellence, impact, transnational value, and feasibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Weak or vague definition of health inequalities being addressed
• Missing national documents required by individual funding agencies
• Lack of clear policy relevance or absence of decision-maker engagement
• Insufficient evidence base supporting proposed interventions
• Underdeveloped scalability or implementation plans
• Consortium members not meeting eligibility or budget rules
• Not demonstrating measurable improvements in access or utilisation
FAQ
1. What types of projects are most competitive?
Projects grounded in strong evidence, with clear equity goals, measurable impact, and potential for system-wide adoption.
2. Is interdisciplinary collaboration required?
Yes. The call emphasizes integrated approaches involving clinical, social, economic, and policy disciplines.
3. Can non-EU partners participate?
Yes, if their country is part of the participating agencies list for this call.
4. What is the typical project duration?
Durations vary by national rules but often run 24–48 months.
5. Are clinical trials eligible?
The call prioritizes system-level innovation rather than clinical drug or device trials, unless directly linked to access and equity.
6. What costs are eligible?
Eligible costs depend on national agency guidelines but typically include staffing, research activities, data collection, coordination, and dissemination.
7. How competitive is the funding?
With €35 million available and 32 agencies participating, competition is high; strong alignment with call themes is essential.
Conclusion
The THCS “Access to Care” Joint Transnational Call provides a major opportunity to create meaningful improvements in equitable health and care access across Europe. By supporting interdisciplinary, evidence-based innovation, the programme aims to equip policymakers and health systems with effective tools to reduce inequalities. Well-designed proposals with strong evidence, clear impact pathways, and scalable solutions are best positioned to receive funding.
For more information, visit THCS.