Deadline: 16-Jun-2026
The European Commission invites grant applications to enhance the skills, knowledge, and professional development of staff managing research infrastructures across Europe. The initiative supports specialized training, digital and AI upskilling, and professional education curricula, focusing on sustainability, governance, and EU research policies. Total indicative funding is €2,000,000.
About the Initiative
The European Commission is funding grants to improve the impact and sustainability of research infrastructures by enhancing the professional capabilities of staff. The programme targets training, knowledge exchange, and upskilling to strengthen operational efficiency and strategic engagement with user communities and stakeholders.
Focus Areas and Objectives
The initiative prioritizes: specialized training for staff to plan operations and interact with stakeholders; broad understanding of EU research infrastructure policies, including transnational access and international cooperation; development of shared knowledge of EU policies and funding instruments to strengthen scientific capacities; and accreditation of training programmes through ECTS points.
Training also emphasizes the creation and delivery of professional education curricula and upskilling in digitalization, AI, industry engagement, governance models, research security, data management, and environmental and financial sustainability. The programme pays particular attention to widening and candidate countries, including Ukrainian research infrastructures.
Funding and Target Participants
The total indicative funding for the programme is approximately €2,000,000. Target participants include staff managing research infrastructures, personnel exchanges, best practice sharing, engagement with universities, and development of dedicated scholarships. Key training topics include socioeconomic impact, scientific capabilities, engagement with academia and industry, State Aid rules, long-term sustainability, data stewardship, FAIR principles, data protection, governance for international collaborations, and operational research security challenges.
Alignment with Existing Initiatives
Training activities build on existing initiatives such as RItrainplus, RAMIRI, and RItrain, promoting continuity, professionalization, and sustainability. Proposals must demonstrate evolution from previous projects, align with pan-European research infrastructures such as ESFRI, ERICs, and EIROforum, and consider the evolving geopolitical context and the growing digitalization of research infrastructures. Sustainability and long-term impact are central, with engagement of national agencies, international organisations, and other stakeholders to ensure lasting benefits.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible participants include any legal entity, regardless of location, including entities from non-associated third countries or international organisations, provided they meet the conditions of the Horizon Europe Regulation and the specific call requirements.
Why It Matters
This initiative strengthens the professional capabilities of research infrastructure staff, ensures better governance, sustainability, and data management, enhances international cooperation, and prepares European research infrastructures to meet evolving scientific, digital, and operational challenges.
How to Apply
- Prepare a proposal aligned with Horizon Europe regulations and the specific call guidelines.
- Demonstrate alignment with existing initiatives (RItrainplus, RAMIRI, RItrain) and pan-European infrastructures (ESFRI, ERICs, EIROforum).
- Include detailed training plans covering professional curricula, digital and AI upskilling, governance, sustainability, and operational security.
- Specify expected outcomes, long-term impact, and engagement with national and international stakeholders.
- Submit before the call deadline following official European Commission procedures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to demonstrate alignment with previous initiatives or pan-European infrastructures.
- Neglecting to address sustainability, long-term impact, or stakeholder engagement.
- Proposals lacking clear plans for digital, AI, and operational upskilling.
- Not meeting eligibility requirements under Horizon Europe regulations.
FAQs
1. Who can apply? Any legal entity, including international organisations and entities from non-associated third countries, meeting Horizon Europe call conditions.
2. What is the total funding available? Approximately €2,000,000.
3. What are the main training topics? Digitalization, AI, governance, research security, data management, sustainability, EU policies, and professional education.
4. Are previous initiatives relevant? Yes, alignment with RItrainplus, RAMIRI, RItrain, and pan-European infrastructures is essential.
5. Can Ukrainian research infrastructures participate? Yes, with a focus on widening participation and candidate countries.
6. What is the expected outcome? Improved skills, professional development, sustainability, and strengthened international cooperation for research infrastructures.
7. How is sustainability ensured? Through stakeholder engagement, long-term training plans, and alignment with EU policies and existing infrastructures.
Conclusion
The European Commission training grants provide a unique opportunity to enhance the skills, knowledge, and professional development of research infrastructure staff. By focusing on digitalization, governance, sustainability, and EU policy alignment, the initiative ensures long-term benefits, improved scientific capabilities, and stronger European research infrastructure networks.
For more information, visit European Commission.