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Strategic Analysis
This call seeks to significantly advance air quality monitoring and modelling by developing innovative, cost-effective, and integrated solutions. A winning proposal will demonstrate a clear path from cutting-edge research (AI, low-cost sensors, satellite data) to practical, operational tools that directly support the implementation of the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD) and the EU's Zero Pollution ambition, ensuring data accessibility for public authorities and empowering citizens.
develop or improve cost-effective monitoring and modelling tools, approaches and methods for different types of well-known and emerging air pollutants and pollution sources, addressing the most urgent needs in measurement accuracy (including temporal aspects such as real-time monitoring and modelling) and dispersion mapping, in support of the implementation of the revised AAQD;
develop methodologies and recommendations for designing optimal monitoring networks, considering relevant aspects of different spatial locations (hotspots as well as urban and rural background locations), combining traditional reference measurements and innovative measurement techniques, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the use of innovative low-cost sensors. Recommendations should consider also funding challenges and opportunities;
improve the processing and integration of in situ, ground-based remote sensing and satellite (e.g. Sentinels) observations, and air quality numerical models utilising various methods, like for example AI algorithms and finite elements modelling.
public authorities and other relevant stakeholders (e.g., researchers, NGOs and patient organisations and providers of care especially to vulnerable groups) have access to better and cost-effective solutions to detect, measure, monitor and assess air pollution, including its sources and impacts, as well as pathways for their integration into operational atmospheric monitoring services and networks;
enhanced and more rapidly accessible air quality data and information support science-based decision-making, and policy development at local and national levels, ultimately leading to more effective air quality measures aligned with the revised EU air policy, as well as to more efficient use of EU, public and private funding for improving air quality;
increased public awareness and more accurate information of local air quality issues lead to healthier behaviours of citizens, particularly vulnerable groups and sensitive populations (e.g., during air pollution peak periods), including by supporting better evidence-based access to justice related to negative effects of air pollution.
enhanced scientific capacity and innovative solutions for detecting and characterising pollution, thus contributing to the zero pollution objective for cleaner air.
No EU policy alignment identified for this call.
No specific eligibility rules extracted from this call.
1. Admissibility conditions — Proposal page limit and layout 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.
2. Eligible Countries — 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 .
3. Other Eligibility Conditions — 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). The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as member of the consortium selected for funding. described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion — described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds — are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes — are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual .
5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement — described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants — described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System Standard application form (HE RIA, IA) Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA) Guidance HE Programme Guide Model Grant Agreements (MGA) HE MGA Call-specific instructions
HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 9. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 14. General Annexes HE Programme Guide 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 Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement
Evaluators will prioritize proposals that offer concrete, scalable, and cost-effective solutions for enhanced air quality monitoring and modelling. Key aspects include the methodological robustness for optimal network design, the effective integration of diverse data sources (in-situ, remote, satellite, AI), and a clear strategy for translating scientific advancements into actionable policy support and increased public awareness. Demonstrating tangible contributions to policy development, public health outcomes, and efficient resource use will be crucial.
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 | |||
| SC1develop or improve cost-effective monitoring and modelling tools, approaches and methods for different types of well-known and emerging air pollutants and pollution sources, addressing the most urgent needs in measurement accuracy (including temporal aspects such as real-time monitoring and modelling) and dispersion mapping, in support of the implementation of the revised AAQD; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2develop methodologies and recommendations for designing optimal monitoring networks, considering relevant aspects of different spatial locations (hotspots as well as urban and rural background locations), combining traditional reference measurements and innovative measurement techniques, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the use of innovative low-cost sensors. Recommendations should consider also funding challenges and opportunities; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3improve the processing and integration of in situ, ground-based remote sensing and satellite (e.g. Sentinels) observations, and air quality numerical models utilising various methods, like for example AI algorithms and finite elements modelling. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1public authorities and other relevant stakeholders (e.g., researchers, NGOs and patient organisations and providers of care especially to vulnerable groups) have access to better and cost-effective solutions to detect, measure, monitor and assess air pollution, including its sources and impacts, as well as pathways for their integration into operational atmospheric monitoring services and networks; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2enhanced and more rapidly accessible air quality data and information support science-based decision-making, and policy development at local and national levels, ultimately leading to more effective air quality measures aligned with the revised EU air policy, as well as to more efficient use of EU, public and private funding for improving air quality; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3increased public awareness and more accurate information of local air quality issues lead to healthier behaviours of citizens, particularly vulnerable groups and sensitive populations (e.g., during air pollution peak periods), including by supporting better evidence-based access to justice related to negative effects of air pollution. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| No other requirements in this call. | |||
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1enhanced scientific capacity and innovative solutions for detecting and characterising pollution, thus contributing to the zero pollution objective for cleaner air. | · | · | 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.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Talk to the Grant Coach to build your concept. The steps below fill in as it takes shape, and your coverage tracks the progress. You can refine everything once your project workspace is created.
Step 1 of 2 · Build your concept
The problems this call frames, and who they affect. Your concept and plan address them.
Current air quality monitoring and modelling systems often lack the necessary accuracy, real-time capabilities, and cost-effectiveness to comprehensively address diverse pollutants and sources, hindering effective policy implementation and resource allocation.
Existing air quality monitoring networks may not be optimally designed to capture pollution hotspots or provide comprehensive spatial coverage, and the integration of diverse data sources (in-situ, remote, satellite) remains a challenge, limiting holistic assessment and data utility.
There is a persistent challenge in translating complex air quality data into actionable insights for policy-makers and in effectively communicating local air quality information to the public, particularly vulnerable groups, to drive healthier behaviours and support evidence-based access to justice.
Responsible for implementing air quality policies, monitoring compliance, and making decisions affecting public health and environmental protection.
Involved in air quality research, data collection, analysis, and providing scientific advice for policy development.
Companies and research groups developing and supplying innovative tools and services for air quality monitoring and modelling.
Advocating for cleaner air, representing vulnerable groups, and seeking better information and access to justice regarding air pollution impacts.
Citizens most susceptible to the adverse health effects of air pollution, requiring accurate and timely information for protective measures.
All citizens who benefit from improved air quality and access to information for healthier behaviours.
Individuals and bodies responsible for drafting and enacting air quality legislation and strategies.
Step 2 of 2 · Build your concept
The long-term impacts your project should drive — this shapes the objectives next.
The project will significantly enhance the precision and reduce the operational costs of air pollution detection, measurement, and assessment, enabling more reliable and sustainable monitoring practices across Europe.
The project will provide public authorities and policy makers with enhanced, rapidly accessible, and integrated air quality data and models, leading to more informed, science-based decisions and effective policy development aligned with the revised AAQD.
By providing more accurate and accessible local air quality information, the project will empower citizens, especially vulnerable groups, to adopt healthier behaviours and improve their understanding of air pollution risks, contributing to public health.