Deadline: 12-May-2026
The M-ERA.NET Call 2026 invites international research consortia to submit proposals for collaborative projects in advanced materials technologies that support sustainable development and the green transition. The programme funds research in areas such as energy storage, energy conversion, innovative materials, coatings, and next-generation electronics, with projects lasting up to 36 months and involving partners from at least three countries.
Overview
The M-ERA.NET Call 2026 is an international funding opportunity designed to support collaborative research and innovation in advanced materials science. The call aims to accelerate technological progress that contributes to sustainable development, clean energy solutions, and environmentally responsible industrial innovation.
The programme is part of the M-ERA.NET network, which brings together public funding organizations across multiple countries to coordinate national and regional research programmes. By supporting cross-border collaboration, the initiative helps strengthen the European Research Area (ERA) and promotes knowledge exchange among researchers, industry, and innovation stakeholders.
Through this call, research teams can develop new materials, technologies, and production processes that address global challenges such as climate change, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and sustainable manufacturing.
Key Research Areas
The M-ERA.NET Call 2026 supports projects in several advanced materials research areas aligned with sustainability and technological innovation.
Materials for Energy Storage and Distribution
Research that improves technologies used to store and distribute energy, including battery technologies, grid storage systems, and energy infrastructure materials.
Materials for Energy Conversion
Development of materials that support efficient conversion of energy from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, or hydrogen-based technologies.
Innovative Surfaces, Coatings, and Interfaces
Research focused on advanced coatings, surface technologies, and functional interfaces that improve durability, performance, and environmental sustainability.
Innovative Functional Materials
Projects exploring advanced materials with engineered architectures that enable new technological applications.
Materials Addressing Environmental Challenges
Research focused on materials that help address issues such as:
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Pollution reduction
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Waste management
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Sustainable resource use
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Climate change mitigation
Next-Generation Materials for Electronics
Development of innovative materials that enable future electronics, digital devices, sensors, and advanced computing technologies.
Alignment with Global Sustainability Goals
The M-ERA.NET programme prioritizes research that contributes to global sustainability frameworks.
European Green Deal
Projects should support clean energy technologies, sustainable industrial practices, and next-generation battery technologies aligned with the European Green Deal.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The call contributes to several SDGs, including:
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Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
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Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
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Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
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Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
Projects are encouraged to deliver both environmental and socio-economic benefits.
Key Innovation Priorities
The programme encourages research that strengthens the entire materials innovation chain, from basic research to industrial application.
Priority innovation themes include:
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Development of durable and high-performance materials
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Reduction of energy and raw material consumption
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Substitution of hazardous materials with safer alternatives
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Design of products that are lighter, repairable, upgradeable, and recyclable
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Reduction of plastic waste and environmental pollution
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Improved health and safety in materials production
These priorities ensure that funded projects support sustainable manufacturing and circular economy principles.
Role of Digital Technologies in Materials Research
Digitalisation plays an important role in the M-ERA.NET programme.
Projects are encouraged to integrate:
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Materials modelling and simulation
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Digital manufacturing technologies
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Data-driven materials research
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Interoperable data systems
The initiative promotes secure and interoperable data sharing, enabling researchers from different countries to collaborate effectively using standardized digital workflows and data structures.
These digital approaches help accelerate materials discovery, testing, and optimization while ensuring ethical standards, security, and inclusivity in digital transformation.
Project Requirements
Projects submitted under the M-ERA.NET Call 2026 must address research and innovation challenges related to climate sustainability and energy technologies.
Examples of eligible research topics include:
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Efficient energy harvesting technologies
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Advanced energy storage devices
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Environmentally friendly battery materials
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Sustainable manufacturing and materials design
Projects should also demonstrate strong collaboration across the research, development, and innovation ecosystem, linking academic research with industrial applications.
Funding Structure and Project Duration
Projects supported under the call must follow these requirements:
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Maximum project duration: 36 months
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Funding is provided through national or regional funding agencies participating in the M-ERA.NET network.
Each partner receives funding from their respective national funding organization, according to local regulations.
Who is Eligible?
The programme encourages participation from a wide range of research and innovation stakeholders.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants may include:
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Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
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Large companies
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Universities
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Academic research groups
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Public research organisations
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Independent research institutions
Eligibility is determined by the national or regional funding rules of participating organizations.
Consortium Requirements
Projects must be implemented by international research consortia.
Key consortium requirements include:
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At least three partners requesting funding
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Partners must represent at least three different countries
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At least two partners must come from EU Member States or associated countries
Additional partners may participate as self-funded collaborators.
Proposals must also comply with rules regarding distribution of project effort among partners and countries.
Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)
Projects should address appropriate Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) depending on the research area.
TRLs represent the maturity of a technology, ranging from:
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Basic scientific research
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Prototype development
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Demonstration and validation in real-world conditions
Applicants should clearly indicate how their research contributes to advancing technologies along the innovation pathway.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the M-ERA.NET submission system.
Step-by-Step Application Process
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Form an International Consortium
Identify partners from at least three eligible countries. -
Select the Research Topic
Choose a topic aligned with the materials research priorities of the call. -
Prepare a Pre-Proposal
Submit a preliminary proposal outlining the research concept and consortium structure. -
Pre-Proposal Evaluation
Only proposals recommended at this stage will move forward. -
Submit a Full Proposal
Selected applicants will be invited to submit a detailed full proposal. -
Final Evaluation and Funding Decision
Proposals are evaluated based on scientific excellence, innovation potential, collaboration quality, and societal impact.
All proposals must:
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Be written in English
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Follow the official M-ERA.NET proposal templates
Tips for a Strong Proposal
Applicants should consider the following strategies:
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Demonstrate clear alignment with sustainability and green transition goals
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Include interdisciplinary collaboration across academia and industry
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Highlight potential industrial applications and commercialization pathways
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Integrate digital technologies and data management strategies
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Show measurable environmental and societal impact
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common issues when preparing a proposal:
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Forming consortia that do not meet the minimum country requirements
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Submitting proposals outside the defined research topics
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Failing to align the project with Technology Readiness Levels
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Weak industry or innovation chain involvement
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Ignoring data management and digital collaboration requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the M-ERA.NET Call 2026?
It is an international funding call supporting collaborative research projects in advanced materials technologies that contribute to sustainability and the green transition.
2. What research areas are covered?
The call supports research in energy storage, energy conversion, innovative materials, coatings, environmental materials, and next-generation electronics.
3. Who can apply for funding?
Eligible applicants include SMEs, large companies, universities, research institutions, and public research organizations.
4. What are the consortium requirements?
Projects must include at least three partners from three different countries, including at least two EU member states or associated countries.
5. How long can funded projects last?
Projects can run for a maximum of 36 months.
6. Is there a two-stage application process?
Yes. Applicants must first submit a pre-proposal, and only selected proposals will be invited to submit a full proposal.
7. How are proposals submitted?
Proposals must be submitted through the M-ERA.NET online submission system using the official templates provided in the call.
Conclusion
The M-ERA.NET Call 2026 provides a significant opportunity for researchers, universities, and industry partners to collaborate on cutting-edge materials technologies that support sustainability and the green transition.
For more information, visit M-ERA.NET.
