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Strategic Analysis
A winning proposal must bridge regional and micro-scale urban atmospheric modelling into a unified, two-way nested chain reaching TRL 5, explicitly integrating urban canopy physics and vegetation dynamics to pinpoint exposure hotspots. To maximize competitive advantage, the consortium must directly operationalize science for policy by embedding FAIRMODE benchmarking standards, Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) assimilation, and actionable decision-support guidelines tailored to public health authorities and the European Environment Agency (EEA).
TRL 2 → 5
develop comprehensive multi-scale modelling chains possibly with two-way nesting capabilities (TRL 5), addressing air quality assessment, including spatial and temporal representativeness, and atmospheric processes of air pollution. Incorporate and improve urban canopy parameterization to better account for complex interactions between urban structures and air pollutants, including the role of urban vegetation in mitigating and/or fostering the formation and/or accumulation of specific air pollutants, with an emphasis on air pollutants with the highest health impacts;
analyse the current limitations associated with the integration of different models and multiple spatial/ temporal scales in a single modelling system and develop methods to improve and integrate the existing air quality models and required input datasets (TRL 5);
develop, configure and validate innovative micro-scale modelling systems at very high resolution with the aim of modelling and evaluating the impact of air quality measures to minimize, mitigate, and prevent exceedances at hotspot locations (TRL 5);
provide guidelines for air quality modelling to support decision making to improve air quality at all scales, including by harmonizing different types of models within an integrated system, as well as promoting the use and development of multi-scale online modelling systems.
public authorities obtain access to enhanced and innovative modelling capabilities to support air quality planning at various policy levels in a coherent way;
society benefits from improved governance processes and effective air quality planning strategies, aiming at mitigating air pollution and reducing population exposure, as well as from far more targeted air pollution alerts;
public authorities, including EU policy-makers and the EEA, receive faster, more comprehensive scientific evidence and tools, enabling more effective EU air quality policy implementation and providing citizens with reliable, detailed information and peak pollution warnings to reduce health impacts.
Advancing scientific understanding and innovative solutions for identifying, preventing and mitigating pollution aim to effectively protect human health and safeguard the environment, preserving cleaner water and seas, healthier air and soil, and resilient forests.
Innovative circular bio-based systems and biotechnologies are developed and made available to all stakeholders to progress towards the clean environment and zero-pollution ambition.
Farmers and other actors in the food chain are empowered to make informed decisions and to apply novel strategies to prevent, reduce and remediate pollution from agriculture and the food system, contributing to the zero-pollution ambition.
Effective solutions to remediate and decontaminate aquatic pollution are developed, made available and implemented contributing to reducing pollution to levels no longer considered harmful to the environment.
Ambient Air Quality Directive
highThe Ambient Air Quality Directives (e.g., 2008/50/EC) set limits for pollutants in ambient air to protect human health and the environment. They require Member States to monitor air quality, assess compliance, and develop air quality plans when limits are exceeded, aiming to improve air quality across the EU.
Proposals should demonstrate, if applicable, any indirect contributions of managed aquifer recharge techniques to improving air quality, for instance, by supporting sustainable land management practices that reduce dust or emissions from agricultural activities. A clear and well-justified link to air quality objectives would be expected, though direct relevance is likely limited.
Zero Pollution Action Plan
highThe Zero Pollution Action Plan sets out a 2050 vision where air, water, and soil pollution is reduced to levels no longer harmful to human health and natural ecosystems, supported by specific 2030 targets. It prioritises pollution prevention at source, digital solutions, and integrated monitoring and modelling to cut emissions.
Evaluators expect proposals to align with the 2030 targets to significantly reduce health impacts and emissions, demonstrating how innovative modelling strategies can support public authorities in designing actionable and effective clean air plans.
European Green Deal
mediumThe EU Green Deal aims to transform the EU into a fair, healthy, and environmentally sustainable society, with a focus on sustainable food systems. This call aligns with the Green Deal’s goals by addressing the health impacts of diets and promoting resilient, inclusive food systems that support mental well-being.
Evaluators will look for proposals that demonstrate how the project contributes to sustainable food production, reduces environmental footprints, and promotes equitable access to healthy diets, particularly in vulnerable groups.
Specific requirements
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).
Funding for European international organisations
Due to the scope of this topic, relevant international organisations with headquarters in a Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country are exceptionally eligible for funding.
JRC participation status
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as member of the consortium selected for funding as a beneficiary with zero funding, or as an associated partner.
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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.
Due to the scope of this topic, relevant international organisations with headquarters in a Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country are exceptionally eligible for funding.
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as member of the consortium selected for funding as a beneficiary with zero funding, or as an associated partner. The JRC will not participate in the preparation and submission of the proposal - see General Annex B.
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.
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
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 – 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 critically examine whether the proposal goes beyond incremental academic model development to deliver robust, multi-scale integration with two-way nesting validated in real-world urban hotspot environments. Key scoring determinants will include: (1) Technical robustness of canopy parameterization regarding the net filtering versus trapping effects of urban vegetation; (2) Compliance with FAIRMODE and CAMS protocols to ensure interoperability and EU-wide policy uptake; (3) Genuine co-design with public authorities to guarantee that micro-scale alerting and planning tools directly enforce the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive; and (4) Lump-sum feasibility, ensuring that work packages and milestone-linked deliverable schedules clearly justify the ~€4.9M envelope.
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 comprehensive multi-scale modelling chains possibly with two-way nesting capabilities (TRL 5), addressing air quality assessment, including spatial and temporal representativeness, and atmospheric processes of air pollution. Incorporate and improve urban canopy parameterization to better account for complex interactions between urban structures and air pollutants, including the role of urban vegetation in mitigating and/or fostering the formation and/or accumulation of specific air pollutants, with an emphasis on air pollutants with the highest health impacts; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2analyse the current limitations associated with the integration of different models and multiple spatial/ temporal scales in a single modelling system and develop methods to improve and integrate the existing air quality models and required input datasets (TRL 5); | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3develop, configure and validate innovative micro-scale modelling systems at very high resolution with the aim of modelling and evaluating the impact of air quality measures to minimize, mitigate, and prevent exceedances at hotspot locations (TRL 5); | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4provide guidelines for air quality modelling to support decision making to improve air quality at all scales, including by harmonizing different types of models within an integrated system, as well as promoting the use and development of multi-scale online modelling systems. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1public authorities obtain access to enhanced and innovative modelling capabilities to support air quality planning at various policy levels in a coherent way; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2society benefits from improved governance processes and effective air quality planning strategies, aiming at mitigating air pollution and reducing population exposure, as well as from far more targeted air pollution alerts; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3public authorities, including EU policy-makers and the EEA, receive faster, more comprehensive scientific evidence and tools, enabling more effective EU air quality policy implementation and providing citizens with reliable, detailed information and peak pollution warnings to reduce health impacts. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Vulnerability dimension and social-spatial inequalities analysisProposals should consider vulnerability dimensions (e.g. children, older people, women, lower socio-economic status, underlying health conditions) and provide recommendations on linking data on social and spatial inequalities to exposure and mitigation benefits in planning. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Synergies with H2020, Horizon Europe, and LIFE projectsActivities should build and expand on past and ongoing air quality monitoring/modelling projects to share experiences and avoid duplication, including H2020, Horizon Europe, and LIFE strategic integrated projects like LIFE PREPAIR and LIFE Malopolska. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Use of European research infrastructures such as ACTRISProposals are encouraged to consider data, expertise, and services offered by European environmental research infrastructures, specifically ACTRIS. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Implementation of FAIR data principlesConcrete efforts must be made to ensure that all research data produced by the project is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable (FAIR). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Cooperation with AQUILA, FAIRMODE, and CAMS transitionProposals should build on results of and cooperate with AQUILA and FAIRMODE communities, and pave the way for transitioning project outcomes into the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Collaboration under EC-ESA Earth System Science Initiative and ESA FuturEOAs part of the EC-ESA Earth System Science Initiative, projects should collaborate with related projects funded by ESA's FuturEO programme and allocate sufficient means and resources for effective coordination. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ7Participation and coordination with the Joint Research Centre (JRC)The JRC may participate as a consortium member to promote harmonised modelling approaches, identify best practices, and facilitate interaction with FAIRMODE. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ8Encouraged international cooperationInternational cooperation is explicitly encouraged in line with the topic and Destination scope. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ9Mandatory use of Copernicus and Galileo/EGNOS earth observation servicesIf projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, or timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ10Involvement of EU outermost regionsActions under the Destination support unlocking the unique research and innovation assets of EU outermost regions, in line with the EU strategy for outermost regions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Advancing scientific understanding and innovative solutions for identifying, preventing and mitigating pollution aim to effectively protect human health and safeguard the environment, preserving cleaner water and seas, healthier air and soil, and resilient forests. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Innovative circular bio-based systems and biotechnologies are developed and made available to all stakeholders to progress towards the clean environment and zero-pollution ambition. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Farmers and other actors in the food chain are empowered to make informed decisions and to apply novel strategies to prevent, reduce and remediate pollution from agriculture and the food system, contributing to the zero-pollution ambition. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4Effective solutions to remediate and decontaminate aquatic pollution are developed, made available and implemented contributing to reducing pollution to levels no longer considered harmful to the environment. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1ambient air quality directiveThe Ambient Air Quality Directives (e.g., 2008/50/EC) set limits for pollutants in ambient air to protect human health and the environment. They require Member States to monitor air quality, assess compliance, and develop air quality plans when limits are exceeded, aiming to improve air quality across the EU. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2zero pollution action planThe Zero Pollution Action Plan sets out a 2050 vision where air, water, and soil pollution is reduced to levels no longer harmful to human health and natural ecosystems, supported by specific 2030 targets. It prioritises pollution prevention at source, digital solutions, and integrated monitoring and modelling to cut emissions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
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).
Funding for European international organisations
Due to the scope of this topic, relevant international organisations with headquarters in a Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country are exceptionally eligible for funding.
JRC participation status
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as member of the consortium selected for funding as a beneficiary with zero funding, or as an associated partner.
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.
Because this is a lump-sum grant, evaluators will heavily scrutinize your financial architecture. You must design your work packages and milestone-linked deliverables to clearly justify the €4.9M envelope, as lump-sum feasibility is explicitly listed as a key scoring determinant. Ensure your deliverable schedule aligns with a realistic payment cadence.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
The call mandates collaboration with the EC-ESA Earth System Science Initiative and ESA’s FuturEO programme. Your proposal must explicitly allocate sufficient means and resources for this coordination. Furthermore, your architecture must pave the way for transitioning outcomes into the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), making CAMS compliance a critical design constraint.
Source: Scope
Do not treat urban greening purely as a pollution mitigation tool. Evaluators are explicitly instructed to score the technical robustness of canopy parameterization based on how well it models both the net filtering and the trapping effects of urban vegetation. Your micro-scale models must capture how vegetation can foster the accumulation of pollutants in complex urban structures.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
While this is a highly technical modelling call, proposals are required to address the vulnerability dimension of air pollution. You must integrate data on social and spatial inequalities to develop inclusive air quality plans. A consortium composed exclusively of atmospheric physicists and modellers will struggle here; ensure you include experts in public health or urban socio-economics.
Source: Scope
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