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Strategic Analysis
This call seeks innovative approaches to boost public engagement and scientific literacy, particularly among young people, by fostering co-creation and common ERA methodologies. A winning proposal will demonstrate practical, inclusive strategies for involving diverse youth in R&I, building strong communities of practice, and providing actionable recommendations for scaling national initiatives to a European level.
Engage young people, in different national settings, in participatory science activities that tackle complex social issues (e.g., climate change, biodiversity loss, digital skills inequalities, economic effects of AI transitions, energy poverty, social inclusion), ensuring the inclusion of those not habitually involved in science;
Create communities of practice that include public engagement experts, science communicators, citizen scientists, youth organisations, researchers and innovators, and policymakers with a view to co-developing handbooks and guidelines on engaging youth in science;
Provide recommendations for developing common ERA approaches to engage and communicate with young people regarding R&I.
Develop online dialogue platforms, in different national (language) settings, containing profiles of researchers and innovators, their availability for public visits, and the scientific issues to be discussed; the platforms should also facilitate the arrangement of meetings between the researchers and interested organisations or institutions;
Implement the meetings while taking care to reach out to and include members of the public not habitually involved in science, and adapting the science communication and public engagement for different audiences, languages and contexts;
Take stock of all visits and provide lessons learned and recommendations for the future development of similar activities.
Innovative ways for engaging young people in science and promoting scientific literacy;
Common ERA approaches in engaging and communicating with young people in relation to R&I.
Scaling-up national initiatives on public engagement in R&I to ERA level taking into consideration different audiences, languages and contexts;
Improved engagement and cooperation of researchers and innovators, science communicators, and public engagement experts with civil society;
Increased understanding of the value of scientific processes by society and the importance of public needs and values in addressing societal challenges through R&I.
Reproducibility in research
Research ethics and integrity
Inclusive gender equality
Research careers
Global approach to R&I
Effective and sustainable structural institutional changes aligned with the ERA priorities;
Sustainable ecosystems established around the ERA priorities through enhanced cooperation, coordination and alignment;
Increased trust in science and alignment of R&I with society’s needs;
Strengthened evidence base for advancing the implementation of the ERA;
Increased reproducibility, trustworthiness and transparency of scientific research;
A more open, equitable and inclusive research and innovation ecosystem;
A research ethics and integrity ecosystem continually enhanced with robust methodologies that encourage benefit sharing and prevent ethics dumping;
Systemic reform of research assessment through the recognition of the diverse outputs, practices, and activities which maximise the quality and impact of research;
Improved research careers and mobility, based on the European framework for research careers, fostering knowledge flows and career interoperability across sectors and countries;
Stronger translation of R&I results into society and economy;
Enhanced gender equality and inclusiveness, leading to research excellence and more innovative, socially relevant, and economically impactful outcomes;
Increased uptake, effectiveness and impact of environmentally sustainable research;
More resilient and future-proof R&I policies and long-term strategies with effectively integrated strategic intelligence and strengthened foresight communities;
A more strategic, coherent, and evidence-based approach towards cooperation with China in the area of science, technology, and innovation.
Communication "A New ERA for Research and Innovation"
highThis Communication (COM/2020/628 final) outlines the European Commission's vision for a renewed European Research Area (ERA). It aims to create a unified, open, and competitive research and innovation landscape, fostering excellence, collaboration, and impact across the EU. It focuses on priorities like deepening the single market for R&I, boosting R&I uptake, and improving access to excellence.
Proposals should demonstrate how they contribute to the objectives of a renewed ERA, particularly in fostering a more integrated and impactful European R&I ecosystem. This could include showing how the project strengthens cross-border collaboration, promotes open science, enhances research careers, or contributes to the free flow of knowledge and researchers. Evaluators will look for alignment with the ERA's strategic priorities and a clear articulation of how the project's outcomes will support the ERA's transformation.
Council Recommendation on the Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe (Pact for R&I)
highThe Pact for R&I (2021/C 437/01) is a political agreement between Member States and the Commission to strengthen the ERA. It sets out common values, principles, and priorities for R&I policy, including shared commitments to increase public R&D investment, improve access to excellence, and foster gender equality and open science. It provides a framework for coordinated action and mutual accountability.
Proposals should demonstrate how they align with the shared values, principles, and priorities outlined in the Pact for R&I. This includes showing how the project contributes to increasing public R&D investment effectiveness, improving access to excellence, promoting gender equality, or fostering open science practices. Evaluators will look for evidence of how the project supports the collaborative governance and coordinated action envisioned by the Pact, contributing to a more impactful and resilient European R&I system.
European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda (2025-2027)
highThe ERA Policy Agenda translates the vision of the renewed ERA and the Pact for R&I into concrete actions and investments for a specific period. It outlines a set of voluntary actions for Member States and the Commission, focusing on key priorities such as improving access to research infrastructures, reforming research assessment, promoting open science, and strengthening public engagement in R&I.
Proposals must clearly demonstrate how they directly address or contribute to one or more of the specific actions or priorities outlined in the current ERA Policy Agenda. Evaluators will assess the project's relevance and potential impact in advancing the Agenda's objectives, such as fostering open science, improving research careers, strengthening research infrastructures, or enhancing public engagement. A strong proposal will explicitly link its activities and expected outcomes to the Agenda's strategic goals and show how it contributes to the overall progress of the ERA.
ERA Structural Policy “Enhancing Trust in Science through Citizen Participation, Engagement and Science Communication”
highThis specific ERA Structural Policy focuses on strengthening the relationship between science and society. It aims to foster public trust in science by promoting active citizen participation in research, enhancing public engagement with scientific processes and outcomes, and improving science communication strategies. It recognizes the importance of societal relevance and transparency in research.
Proposals must directly address how they will enhance trust in science through concrete actions related to citizen participation, public engagement, and effective science communication. Evaluators will look for detailed plans on how citizens will be involved in the research process (e.g., co-creation, citizen science), strategies for engaging diverse publics with scientific findings, and robust communication plans that are accessible, transparent, and tailored to different audiences. The proposal should clearly articulate the expected impact on public trust and scientific literacy.
European framework for research careers
lowThis framework aims to make research careers more attractive, sustainable, and inclusive across Europe. It addresses issues such as working conditions, mobility, training, and recognition of researchers' skills, promoting a diverse and balanced talent pipeline. Key elements include the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
Proposals should demonstrate how they contribute to improving research careers within the European context. This could involve outlining strategies for better working conditions, promoting open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment (OTM-R), supporting researcher mobility, or enhancing skills development and recognition. Evaluators will look for concrete measures that align with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct, fostering a more attractive and sustainable environment for researchers.
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 — Applications must be submitted by a consortium including participation, as beneficiaries, of at least three independent legal entities: Each established in a different Member State or Associated Country; and two of which are established in a Member State. 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 — To ensure a balanced portfolio covering different ERA policy areas, as outlined in the expected outcomes and scope, grants will be awarded to proposals not only in order of ranking, but at least also to proposals that are the highest ranked within each area, provided that proposals pass all 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 — 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 CSA) Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations Standard evaluation form (HE CSA) Guidance HE Programme Guide Model Grant Agreements (MGA) Lump Sum MGA Call-specific instructions Detailed budget table (HE LS) Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 11. Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. 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 clearly demonstrate:
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 | |||
| SC1Engage young people, in different national settings, in participatory science activities that tackle complex social issues (e.g., climate change, biodiversity loss, digital skills inequalities, economic effects of AI transitions, energy poverty, social inclusion), ensuring the inclusion of those not habitually involved in science; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Create communities of practice that include public engagement experts, science communicators, citizen scientists, youth organisations, researchers and innovators, and policymakers with a view to co-developing handbooks and guidelines on engaging youth in science; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Provide recommendations for developing common ERA approaches to engage and communicate with young people regarding R&I. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4Develop online dialogue platforms, in different national (language) settings, containing profiles of researchers and innovators, their availability for public visits, and the scientific issues to be discussed; the platforms should also facilitate the arrangement of meetings between the researchers and interested organisations or institutions; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5Implement the meetings while taking care to reach out to and include members of the public not habitually involved in science, and adapting the science communication and public engagement for different audiences, languages and contexts; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6Take stock of all visits and provide lessons learned and recommendations for the future development of similar activities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Innovative ways for engaging young people in science and promoting scientific literacy; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Common ERA approaches in engaging and communicating with young people in relation to R&I. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Scaling-up national initiatives on public engagement in R&I to ERA level taking into consideration different audiences, languages and contexts; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4Improved engagement and cooperation of researchers and innovators, science communicators, and public engagement experts with civil society; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO5Increased understanding of the value of scientific processes by society and the importance of public needs and values in addressing societal challenges through R&I. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| No other requirements in this call. | |||
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Reproducibility in research | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Research ethics and integrity | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Inclusive gender equality | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4Research careers | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI5Global approach to R&I | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI6Effective and sustainable structural institutional changes aligned with the ERA priorities; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI7Sustainable ecosystems established around the ERA priorities through enhanced cooperation, coordination and alignment; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI8Increased trust in science and alignment of R&I with society’s needs; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI9Strengthened evidence base for advancing the implementation of the ERA; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI10Increased reproducibility, trustworthiness and transparency of scientific research; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI11A more open, equitable and inclusive research and innovation ecosystem; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI12A research ethics and integrity ecosystem continually enhanced with robust methodologies that encourage benefit sharing and prevent ethics dumping; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI13Systemic reform of research assessment through the recognition of the diverse outputs, practices, and activities which maximise the quality and impact of research; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI14Improved research careers and mobility, based on the European framework for research careers, fostering knowledge flows and career interoperability across sectors and countries; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI15Stronger translation of R&I results into society and economy; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI16Enhanced gender equality and inclusiveness, leading to research excellence and more innovative, socially relevant, and economically impactful outcomes; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI17Increased uptake, effectiveness and impact of environmentally sustainable research; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI18More resilient and future-proof R&I policies and long-term strategies with effectively integrated strategic intelligence and strengthened foresight communities; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI19A more strategic, coherent, and evidence-based approach towards cooperation with China in the area of science, technology, and innovation. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1communication a new era for research and innovationThis Communication (COM/2020/628 final) outlines the European Commission's vision for a renewed European Research Area (ERA). It aims to create a unified, open, and competitive research and innovation landscape, fostering excellence, collaboration, and impact across the EU. It focuses on priorities like deepening the single market for R&I, boosting R&I uptake, and improving access to excellence. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2council recommendation on the pact for research and innovation in europeThe Pact for R&I (2021/C 437/01) is a political agreement between Member States and the Commission to strengthen the ERA. It sets out common values, principles, and priorities for R&I policy, including shared commitments to increase public R&D investment, improve access to excellence, and foster gender equality and open science. It provides a framework for coordinated action and mutual accountability. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3european research area policy agendaThe ERA Policy Agenda translates the vision of the renewed ERA and the Pact for R&I into concrete actions and investments for a specific period. It outlines a set of voluntary actions for Member States and the Commission, focusing on key priorities such as improving access to research infrastructures, reforming research assessment, promoting open science, and strengthening public engagement in R&I. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4era structural policy enhancing trust in science through citizen participation, engagement and science communicationThis specific ERA Structural Policy focuses on strengthening the relationship between science and society. It aims to foster public trust in science by promoting active citizen participation in research, enhancing public engagement with scientific processes and outcomes, and improving science communication strategies. It recognizes the importance of societal relevance and transparency in research. | · | · | 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.
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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