Funding Open for Strengthening and Evolving Research Infrastructures

Deadline: 16-Jun-2026

The European Commission provides €9.9 million to strengthen ESFRI Landmarks and European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs) for long-term sustainability. Grants of €3–4.5 million support expansion, international cooperation, FAIR data management, skills development, and operational optimization.

What is This EC Initiative?

The European Commission’s funding aims to consolidate and enhance ESFRI Landmarks and ERICs, ensuring their long-term operational sustainability and evolution. The program supports infrastructure adaptation, broader participation, and improved impact across Europe and globally.

Key Objectives

• Expand membership, especially including widening and candidate countries

• Address critical issues identified through ESFRI assessment or monitoring exercises

• Reinforce international cooperation and collaboration

• Revise business and funding plans for sustainability

• Develop managerial and technical skills for research infrastructure staff

• Strengthen national or thematic nodes and networks

• Extend remote and virtual access to research infrastructure

• Implement FAIR data management practices

• Reorient or evolve research infrastructure scope

• Develop and update impact assessment processes

Who Can Apply?

Eligible participants include:

• Any legal entity, regardless of country of establishment

• Entities from EU member states, non-associated third countries, or international organizations

• Participants must comply with Horizon Europe regulations and specific call conditions

• Beneficiaries and affiliated entities must register in the Participant Register and obtain a PIC validated by the Central Validation Service before signing the grant agreement

Note: A validated PIC is not required to submit an application.

Funding Details

• Total Funding Available: €9,900,000

• Individual Grant Range: €3,000,000 – €4,500,000

• Purpose: Strengthen operations, optimize use, and ensure long-term sustainability of ESFRI Landmarks and ERICs

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure your organization meets Horizon Europe requirements and call-specific criteria

2. Register Participants: If successful, obtain and validate a PIC via the Participant Register

3. Develop Proposal: Outline objectives, operational improvements, FAIR data practices, expansion plans, and international collaboration strategies

4. Submit Application: Follow Horizon Europe submission guidelines

5. Evaluation: Applications reviewed for relevance, impact, feasibility, and alignment with ESFRI objectives

Why It Matters

This funding ensures Europe’s research infrastructures:

• Maintain operational excellence

• Adapt and evolve to emerging scientific needs

• Enhance participation from widening and candidate countries

• Increase cooperation and impact internationally

• Implement FAIR data practices for open science and interoperability

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Neglecting Horizon Europe eligibility requirements

• Overlooking FAIR data management in proposals

• Failing to demonstrate operational and sustainability improvements

• Not addressing recommendations from prior ESFRI assessments

• Ignoring the need for international collaboration and node strengthening

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to apply? Any legal entity, including those from EU, non-associated third countries, or international organizations.

2. What is the total funding available? €9,900,000.

3. How much can individual projects receive? €3,000,000 – €4,500,000.

4. What are the main objectives? Expansion, sustainability, skills development, FAIR data management, operational optimization, and international cooperation.

5. Is a PIC required to apply? No, but it must be validated before signing the grant agreement if awarded.

6. Can non-European organizations participate? Yes, if they meet Horizon Europe regulations and collaborate with relevant infrastructures.

7. How are applications evaluated? Based on relevance, impact, sustainability, feasibility, and alignment with ESFRI goals.

Conclusion

This European Commission funding opportunity supports the evolution, sustainability, and operational excellence of ESFRI Landmarks and ERICs. By fostering broader participation, international collaboration, and adherence to FAIR data principles, the initiative strengthens European research infrastructures and enhances their global scientific impact.

For more information, visit EC.