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Strategic Analysis
A winning proposal must position the consortium as the definitive operational and political bridge for delivering the Transport Research Arena (TRA) 2030 conference alongside the prestigious TRA VISIONS 2030 awards. Critical success hinges on demonstrating seamless co-leadership with the 2030 EU Presidency Member State national authorities, backed by an experienced Professional Conference Organiser (PCO), solid financial co-viability, and an ambitious outreach strategy engaging European transport technology platforms.
Demonstrate the financial and organisational capacity of the national authorities interested to host the event and provide an economic plan covering the potential additional funding needs;
Describe the involvement of the Member State holding the Presidency of the European Union in year 2030 to better ensure a high political and strategic relevance;
Support the definition of the overall planning of the conference, including the main thematic pillars of the event as well as the structuring of the technical and political sessions;
Contribute to the identification and selection of an appropriate conference venue, support the organisation of the conference’s logistics and include a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) in the consortium;
Provide operational support to the TRA conference, such as in relation to the website and conference management IT tools (e.g. for the registration of participants, handling of speakers’ contributions, submission and selection of scientific papers, conference application);
Support the organisation of the demonstration activities and technical visits;
Assess and monitor the environmental impact of the event and propose appropriate measures to reduce and mitigate this impact;
Organise of high-quality awards series for transport research and innovation awards (TRA VISIONS) covering all transport modes and cross-cutting issues including technological, socio-economic, and behavioural aspects, in line with the EU policy objectives for digitalisation and climate-neutral and environmentally friendly mobility: An award stream for students and young researchers with the goal of stimulating the interest among young researchers/students to develop innovative solutions in the field of transport;
An award stream for senior researchers in the field of innovative transport concepts based on results from EU-funded projects only. This will include in addition, a special honorary award as a recognition of outstanding and well-recognised contribution to transport-related research and innovation of a senior researcher who is about to complete or has completed his/her career.
Involve the awarded researchers in the conference programme and promote links between the researchers and possible career development opportunities in the field (e.g. traineeships, jobs, courses, training);
Foresee a very good media coverage and dissemination activities before, during and after the event for both the TRA conference and for the TRA VISIONS. A mechanism should be put in place to clearly track outreach efforts and evaluate their impact.
Successful Transport Research Arena conference (TRA) in 2030;
Conference papers published in proceedings and in a recognised scientific journal;
Higher visibility, political and strategic relevance of the transport sector and of the EU policy in the field;
Enhanced dissemination, communication and valorisation of transport R&I objectives, perspectives, strategies and results;
More effective links and exchanges between research and innovation stakeholders, industry and policy makers, to support the development and deployment of innovative solutions in Europe and Associated Countries;
Increased attractiveness of transport related studies and reinforce the pursuit of excellence in European transport research and innovation, by giving recognition and visibility to the best achievements;
Successful organisation of a series of awards in transport research and innovation to recognise excellence of young and senior researchers, covering all transport modes and cross-cutting issues;
Increased visibility, interest and number of applications for the two competitions for transport research and innovation awards.
Improved mobility for people and goods in all weather conditions, ensuring safe, shared, inclusive, affordable, attractive, and accessible door-to-door mobility, for private and public transport in mixed traffic and confined areas, as well as open roads.
Seamless integration of CCAM solutions into existing transport ecosystems to ensure interoperability, promote multimodality, enhance traffic safety, catering to diverse user needs and behaviours.
Resilient, climate-neutral, and sustainable mobility solutions with reduced carbon footprints, resulting in greener, less congested, cost-effective, and demand-responsive transport systems.
Increased competitiveness of the transport system using secure and hyper-advanced technologies such as real-time perception, situational awareness, and decision-making systems, based on trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (including Edge and Generative AI), satellite navigation, smart traffic management, and tools for software development for CCAM applications.
Enhanced resilience of transport networks through improved operational efficiency for both passenger and intermodal freight transport, future-proofed mobility systems supporting EU competitiveness while ensuring affordable and accessible transport for all passengers.
Drastic reduction in road fatalities for all types of users, especially on rural areas
Improved resilience of the public transport system via the use of AI
Advanced technologies and methods for improved reliability in complex environments for aviation
No EU policy alignment identified for this call.
Specific requirements
Topic-specific consortium
Many CSA topics require a broader consortium than the general-annex minimum. The call-specific Eligibility and admissibility conditions override the general annex.
Restricted beneficiary type
Many CSA calls are reserved for specific beneficiary types (national funding agencies, research infrastructures, standards bodies). Check the call.
Coordination/support activities only
CSA funds coordination, networking, policy support, dissemination, training. Not research activities per se.
Gender Equality Plan
GEP eligibility criterion applies to public bodies, research organisations, higher education institutions from MS/AC.
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described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used).
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf]].
described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Not applicable.
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System
Standard application form (HE CSA)
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE CSA)
Guidance
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
Call-specific instructions
Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Evaluators will rigorously assess whether the consortium includes credible national host authorities with proven financial/organisational co-funding plans beyond the €1.6M lump sum grant (@SC1, @SC2). They will scrutinize the operational readiness of the PCO and IT infrastructure (@SC4, @SC5), the high-level engagement of European Technology Platforms (ERTRAC, ERRAC, WATERBORNE, ALICE, ACARE, ECTP), and the structured execution of the two distinct TRA VISIONS award streams (@SC8, @SC9) ensuring youth talent retention and senior research valorisation across all transport modes.
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1Demonstrate the financial and organisational capacity of the national authorities interested to host the event and provide an economic plan covering the potential additional funding needs; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Describe the involvement of the Member State holding the Presidency of the European Union in year 2030 to better ensure a high political and strategic relevance; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Support the definition of the overall planning of the conference, including the main thematic pillars of the event as well as the structuring of the technical and political sessions; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4Contribute to the identification and selection of an appropriate conference venue, support the organisation of the conference’s logistics and include a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) in the consortium; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5Provide operational support to the TRA conference, such as in relation to the website and conference management IT tools (e.g. for the registration of participants, handling of speakers’ contributions, submission and selection of scientific papers, conference application); | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6Support the organisation of the demonstration activities and technical visits; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7Assess and monitor the environmental impact of the event and propose appropriate measures to reduce and mitigate this impact; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC8Organise of high-quality awards series for transport research and innovation awards (TRA VISIONS) covering all transport modes and cross-cutting issues including technological, socio-economic, and behavioural aspects, in line with the EU policy objectives for digitalisation and climate-neutral and environmentally friendly mobility: An award stream for students and young researchers with the goal of stimulating the interest among young researchers/students to develop innovative solutions in the field of transport; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC9An award stream for senior researchers in the field of innovative transport concepts based on results from EU-funded projects only. This will include in addition, a special honorary award as a recognition of outstanding and well-recognised contribution to transport-related research and innovation of a senior researcher who is about to complete or has completed his/her career. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC10Involve the awarded researchers in the conference programme and promote links between the researchers and possible career development opportunities in the field (e.g. traineeships, jobs, courses, training); | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC11Foresee a very good media coverage and dissemination activities before, during and after the event for both the TRA conference and for the TRA VISIONS. A mechanism should be put in place to clearly track outreach efforts and evaluate their impact. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Successful Transport Research Arena conference (TRA) in 2030; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Conference papers published in proceedings and in a recognised scientific journal; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Higher visibility, political and strategic relevance of the transport sector and of the EU policy in the field; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4Enhanced dissemination, communication and valorisation of transport R&I objectives, perspectives, strategies and results; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO5More effective links and exchanges between research and innovation stakeholders, industry and policy makers, to support the development and deployment of innovative solutions in Europe and Associated Countries; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO6Increased attractiveness of transport related studies and reinforce the pursuit of excellence in European transport research and innovation, by giving recognition and visibility to the best achievements; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO7Successful organisation of a series of awards in transport research and innovation to recognise excellence of young and senior researchers, covering all transport modes and cross-cutting issues; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO8Increased visibility, interest and number of applications for the two competitions for transport research and innovation awards. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Collaboration with TRA Management/Programme Committees and European Technology PlatformsThe action must be implemented in close collaboration with the TRA Management and Programme Committees, including EC services, European Technology Platforms (ERTRAC, ERRAC, WATERBORNE TP, ALICE, ACARE, ECTP), CEDR, ETRA, and the TRA 2028 organiser. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Broad and balanced participation across diverse stakeholder groupsSpecific attention should be put on broad and balanced participation in the conference, including students, young researchers, women, under-represented groups, and diverse country representatives. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Mandatory use of Copernicus and Galileo/EGNOS space dataIf projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, or timing data/services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Improved mobility for people and goods in all weather conditions, ensuring safe, shared, inclusive, affordable, attractive, and accessible door-to-door mobility, for private and public transport in mixed traffic and confined areas, as well as open roads. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Seamless integration of CCAM solutions into existing transport ecosystems to ensure interoperability, promote multimodality, enhance traffic safety, catering to diverse user needs and behaviours. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Resilient, climate-neutral, and sustainable mobility solutions with reduced carbon footprints, resulting in greener, less congested, cost-effective, and demand-responsive transport systems. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4Increased competitiveness of the transport system using secure and hyper-advanced technologies such as real-time perception, situational awareness, and decision-making systems, based on trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (including Edge and Generative AI), satellite navigation, smart traffic management, and tools for software development for CCAM applications. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI5Enhanced resilience of transport networks through improved operational efficiency for both passenger and intermodal freight transport, future-proofed mobility systems supporting EU competitiveness while ensuring affordable and accessible transport for all passengers. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI6Drastic reduction in road fatalities for all types of users, especially on rural areas | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI7Improved resilience of the public transport system via the use of AI | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI8Advanced technologies and methods for improved reliability in complex environments for aviation | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| No underlying policies in this call. | |||
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
Topic-specific consortium
Many CSA topics require a broader consortium than the general-annex minimum. The call-specific Eligibility and admissibility conditions override the general annex.
Restricted beneficiary type
Many CSA calls are reserved for specific beneficiary types (national funding agencies, research infrastructures, standards bodies). Check the call.
Coordination/support activities only
CSA funds coordination, networking, policy support, dissemination, training. Not research activities per se.
Gender Equality Plan
GEP eligibility criterion applies to public bodies, research organisations, higher education institutions from MS/AC.
4 key insights you must internalise before writing. Each is grounded in the call text and tells you what evaluators will actually look for. Share these with your consortium before drafting.
Evaluators will rigorously assess the inclusion of national host authorities from the Member State holding the 2030 EU Presidency. Your proposal must provide a concrete economic co-funding plan demonstrating financial capacity beyond the €1.6M lump sum grant, as this is a critical evaluation gate.
Source: Evaluation_pre_award
The scope explicitly mandates the inclusion of a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) within the consortium. Evaluators will heavily scrutinize the PCO's operational readiness and IT infrastructure for managing registrations, scientific paper submissions, and conference logistics.
Source: Scope
When structuring the TRA VISIONS award streams, the senior researcher category must be strictly limited to innovative concepts derived from EU-funded projects only. The proposal must outline a clear verification mechanism for this constraint and include a special honorary award for career-long contributions.
Source: Scope
The action requires close, structured collaboration with specific European Technology Platforms (ERTRAC, ERRAC, WATERBORNE, ALICE, ACARE, ECTP) and the TRA 2028 organiser. Proposals must move beyond generic support letters and detail the high-level engagement and governance mechanisms integrating these bodies into the Management and Programme Committees.
Source: Evaluation_pre_award
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