Deadline: 04-Mar-2026
The REINFORCING Seventh Open Call (Booster Call) supports European organizations in embedding Open and Responsible Research and Innovation (ORRI) into institutional practice. The call funds up to six projects with grants of up to €20,000 to develop practical ORRI tools and resources integrated into the REINFORCING platform. Selected projects will run for a fixed period from 1 May to 31 December 2026.
Overview of the REINFORCING Initiative
REINFORCING is a European initiative designed to strengthen open, responsible, and inclusive research and innovation practices across Europe.
It responds to the profound green and digital transitions reshaping European societies—transitions that offer major opportunities but also raise social, ethical, and environmental challenges.
REINFORCING promotes a shift toward a research and innovation paradigm grounded in responsibility, transparency, collaboration, and societal engagement.
What Is Open and Responsible Research and Innovation (ORRI)?
Open and Responsible Research and Innovation (ORRI) is an approach that ensures research and innovation:
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Are transparent and accountable
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Engage citizens and stakeholders early
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Encourage co-creation with society
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Share research outputs openly and responsibly
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Align innovation with societal values and needs
While many ORRI tools and resources already exist, they are often fragmented and difficult to access.
REINFORCING addresses this gap by acting as a European central hub that curates, systematizes, and disseminates ORRI resources through a single online platform.
About the Seventh REINFORCING Open Call (Booster Call)
The Seventh REINFORCING Open Call is launched as a Booster Call to accelerate the practical institutionalization of ORRI.
Key Objectives of the Call
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Support tangible institutional change toward ORRI
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Fund practical, reusable ORRI tools and resources
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Strengthen peer learning and shared capacity across Europe
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Expand the REINFORCING ORRI resource platform
Funding, Duration, and Project Timeline
Grant Size and Number of Projects
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Up to 6 projects will be funded
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Maximum grant: €20,000 per project
Project Duration
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Fixed duration: 8 months
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Project period: 1 May to 31 December 2026
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No flexibility on start or end dates
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to organizations and institutions across Europe seeking to embed ORRI into their structures and practices.
Eligible Applicants
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Research-performing organizations
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Research funding organizations
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Higher education institutions
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Public or non-profit institutions involved in R&I
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Other relevant European organizations with institutional capacity
Both experienced ORRI practitioners and ORRI newcomers are encouraged to apply.
In the case of tied evaluations, applicants with prior ORRI experience will be given priority.
What Funded Projects Must Deliver
Funded projects are required to produce concrete, practical outputs.
Mandatory Project Outputs
Each funded project must:
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Develop an ORRI resource or tool
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Release it under conditions that allow reuse and accessibility
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Ensure integration of the resource into the REINFORCING online platform
Resources may include frameworks, methodologies, toolkits, guidelines, or institutional instruments that support ORRI implementation.
Community Engagement and Participation Requirements
Successful applicants must actively contribute to the REINFORCING community.
Required Engagement Activities
Grantees are expected to participate in:
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Online community meetings
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Peer learning and exchange activities
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Mid-term project reviews
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Final project events
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Public webinars
They must also contribute to communication and dissemination by:
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Sharing progress and achievements
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Providing updates for REINFORCING communication channels
What Is Not Funded
The call clearly defines ineligible activities, focusing funding on institutional impact rather than external services or technology development.
Ineligible Project Types
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External training or consultancy services
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Purely technological development or proof-of-concept projects
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Projects focused on building or deploying AI systems
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Proposals limited to theoretical or conceptual exploration of ORRI
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Activities without measurable institutional change
Reflection on AI ethics and responsibility is allowed only if it directly supports ORRI objectives and institutional practice.
Why This Call Matters
The REINFORCING Booster Call plays a critical role in:
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Turning ORRI principles into practical institutional action
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Strengthening Europe’s capacity for responsible innovation
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Supporting research systems that better serve societal needs
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Building trust, transparency, and sustainability in R&I
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Creating shared, reusable ORRI resources for Europe-wide benefit
By focusing on action, learning, and accessibility, the call ensures ORRI moves beyond policy rhetoric into daily research practice.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
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Clearly demonstrate institutional commitment to ORRI
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Focus on practical tools rather than abstract concepts
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Explain how the output will be used, reused, and scaled
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Show alignment with REINFORCING goals and platform integration
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Provide evidence of capacity to deliver within 8 months
Strong proposals emphasize impact, feasibility, and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much funding is available per project?
Each selected project can receive up to €20,000.
2. How long do projects run?
All projects run for a fixed 8-month period from 1 May to 31 December 2026.
3. Can ORRI newcomers apply?
Yes. ORRI newcomers are welcome, although prior ORRI experience is prioritized in case of tied scores.
4. Are AI-focused projects eligible?
No. Projects developing or deploying AI systems are not eligible, though ethical reflection on AI may be included if aligned with ORRI goals.
5. What kind of outputs are required?
Projects must deliver a practical ORRI resource or tool integrated into the REINFORCING platform.
6. Are consultancy or training services funded?
No. The call prioritizes institutional change, not external training or consultancy activities.
7. Is participation in community activities mandatory?
Yes. Active engagement in REINFORCING meetings, reviews, and events is required.
Conclusion
The REINFORCING Seventh Open Call (Booster Call) offers a targeted funding opportunity for European organizations ready to translate Open and Responsible Research and Innovation into concrete institutional practice.
By supporting practical tools, shared learning, and platform-based dissemination, REINFORCING strengthens Europe’s ability to ensure research and innovation are transparent, inclusive, and aligned with societal values in the face of green and digital transformation.
For more information, visit REINFORCING.