European Union Research Funding

The European Union (EU) is a major funder of research and innovation, aiming to strengthen its scientific and technological base, boost competitiveness, and address societal challenges. EU research funding is primarily channeled through framework programmes, which are multiannual funding cycles supporting collaborative research projects across various disciplines.

Horizon Europe: The Current Framework Programme

Horizon Europe, the EU's current research and innovation framework programme (2021-2027), boasts a budget of €95.5 billion. It builds upon the success of its predecessor, Horizon 2020, with an increased focus on impact, sustainability, and tackling global challenges. The programme is structured around three main pillars:

• Excellent Science: Supports frontier research, fellowships, and research infrastructure, fostering scientific excellence. Key initiatives include the European Research Council (ERC) grants for groundbreaking research and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) for researcher mobility and training.
• Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness: Addresses societal challenges such as climate change, health, energy, and digital transformation. This pillar supports collaborative projects aimed at developing innovative solutions and strengthening European industrial leadership.
• Innovative Europe: Aims to stimulate breakthrough innovation and scale-up promising technologies. It includes the European Innovation Council (EIC) which supports high-risk, high-reward projects with the potential to create new markets and jobs.

Funding Mechanisms

EU research funding is typically awarded through competitive calls for proposals. Consortia comprising universities, research institutions, businesses, and other organizations from different EU member states (and associated countries) submit proposals outlining their research objectives, methodology, and expected impact. Proposals are evaluated by independent experts based on criteria such as excellence, impact, and implementation.

Funding takes various forms, including grants, prizes, and procurement. Grants are the most common form of funding, covering a percentage of the eligible costs of the project. The EU emphasizes open access to research results, encouraging beneficiaries to publish their findings in open-access journals and make their data publicly available.

Impact and Benefits

EU research funding has a significant impact on science, technology, and society. It supports cutting-edge research, fosters collaboration between researchers and innovators, and promotes the development of new technologies and solutions. By addressing societal challenges, EU research funding contributes to a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous Europe.

Participating in EU-funded research projects offers numerous benefits, including access to funding, collaboration opportunities, enhanced reputation, and the chance to contribute to solving global challenges. It also fosters innovation and drives economic growth, making the EU a global leader in research and innovation.