Open Call: Preparatory Phase of New ESFRI Research Infrastructure Projects

Deadline: 9-Mar-23

The European Commission (EC) has announced the proposals for Preparatory Phase of New ESFRI Research Infrastructure Projects.

Scope

• This topic supports the preparatory phase of new ESFRI research infrastructure projects identified in the 2021 update of the ESFRI Roadmap, which have never been supported before for their preparatory phase. These ESFRI projects have been selected for the excellence of their scientific case and for their strategic importance for the European Research Area and the structuring of the European research infrastructure ecosystem.
• Proposal consortia should involve all the stakeholders necessary to move the project forward, to take the decisions, and to make financial commitments, before construction can start (including, but not limited to, national/regional ministries/governments, research councils or funding agencies from the countries that have already declared their commitment in the application to ESFRI). Operators of research facilities, research centres, universities, and industry may also be involved whenever appropriate.

Funding Information

The check will normally be done for the coordinator if the requested grant amount is equal to or greater than EUR 500 000, except for: 

• public bodies (entities established as a public body under national law, including local, regional or national authorities) or international organisations; and 
• cases where the individual requested grant amount is not more than EUR 60 000 (lowvalue grant).

Expected Outcomes

Project results are expected to contribute to several of the following expected outcomes:

• structuring effect on ERA;
• the scientific excellence of the European landscape of sustainable RI enhances problem-solving capacities to address challenges in science, industry and society;
• solid ground for the decision making on new research infrastructures is available to MS/ACs, their funding bodies and other relevant stakeholders (e.g.: international organisations, third countries; foundations; etc.);
• long-term perspective for RI investments;
• consistent and well-functioning European research infrastructures ecosystem through the development of synergies and complementarities between new and existing research infrastructures, including technology infrastructures and infrastructures financed by ERDF.

Eligibility Criteria

• To become a beneficiary, legal entities must be eligible for funding.
• To be eligible for funding, applicants must be established in one of the following countries:
  • the Member States of the European Union, including their outermost regions,
  • the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) linked to the Member States,
  • countries associated to Horizon Europe;
  • the following low- and middle-income countries.

For more information, visit European Commission.