Advancing knowledge on the impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on human health

This Horizon Europe call focuses on advancing knowledge about the impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on human health and the environment. The initiative aims to support research and innovation actions that contribute to a healthier environment by addressing knowledge gaps and potential health risks associated with exposure to these pollutants. Eligible applicants include universities, research institutes, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and other legal entities capable of conducting research in relevant fields. Consortium participation is required, typically involving at least three organizations from different EU or associated countries. The funding type is a lump sum grant, simplifying financial reporting through fixed amounts based on achieving specific objectives. The geographic eligibility comprises EU member states, associated countries, and potentially third countries with strong research and development (R&D) capabilities, including the United States. The target sectors focus primarily on environmental and health aspects concerning pollution, particularly micro- and nanoplastics, and their implications for human health. The grant budget is substantial, with a total of €50 million allocated for 2025, indicating that individual grants will likely range from €1 million to €5 million, depending on the specific topic. The application process entails a two-stage submission, beginning with a short proposal followed by a more detailed second stage for selected applicants. Success rates for Horizon Europe tend to be low, estimated between 10% to 39%. Notably, co-funding is generally not required for lump sum grants. The call encourages multidisciplinary approaches and emphasizes the importance of social sciences and humanities. Project aims include improving risk assessment methodologies, understanding the toxicological effects of micro- and nanoplastics, and providing evidence-based guidance to policymakers. The research scope includes enhancing analytical methods, understanding exposure mechanisms at different biological levels, and proposing mitigation strategies to reduce population exposure. The submission deadlines are set for September 16, 2025, for the first stage and April 16, 2026, for the second stage. Overall, the call presents a significant opportunity for research into the health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics and how to mitigate their effects while enhancing public health and environmental safety.

This is a Horizon Europe call for proposals under the Health cluster, specifically targeting research and innovation actions related to the impact of micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) on human health. The call, titled "Advancing knowledge on the impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on human health," aims to support activities that contribute to a health-promoting environment, focusing on understanding and mitigating the potential health risks associated with exposure to MNPs in living and working environments. The expected outcomes of this call are: 1. Supporting environmental and health policies with scientific evidence, standards, tools, and methodologies to reduce exposure to MNPs and prevent potential health impacts. 2. Providing public authorities and the scientific community with access to FAIR data on realistic human exposures to MNPs and their potential health impacts. 3. Informing citizens about the health impacts of MNPs exposure and promoting behaviors that protect health and reduce environmental impacts. 4. Supporting industry in assessing the safety and sustainability of their products. 5. Filling major knowledge gaps regarding the health impacts of MNPs exposure and promoting mitigation measures based on robust evidence. 6. Providing public authorities and regulators with evidence-based guidance for designing health policies. The scope of the research activities includes: 1. Enhancing the comparability and reproducibility of studies through better optimization, validation, and standardization of analytical methods and protocols for collecting MNPs and detecting/quantifying exposure. 2. Studying the causal mechanisms of action and pathways involved in the effects of MNPs exposure at molecular, cellular, and organism levels. 3. Improving the understanding of the drivers of toxicity and adverse health effects of MNPs, considering realistic environmental samples and varying characteristics like size, shape, concentration, and chemical composition. 4. Developing suitable and environmentally relevant reference materials to improve robustness and comparability across laboratories. 5. Developing better in-vivo, in-silico, and in-vitro models, instruments, and methods for harmonized risk and hazard assessment. 6. Strengthening knowledge on human exposure through biomonitoring studies and the use of specific biomarkers and endpoints. 7. Generating evidence on the long-term impacts of MNPs on human health, fate, and systemic effects through systematic studies. 8. Providing robust evidence on MNPs exposures at work and improving assessment, prevention, and mitigation approaches for occupational exposures. 9. Increasing the understanding of environmental routes of exposure, considering real-life scenarios. 10. Proposing mitigation measures to reduce population exposure, including evaluating the health impacts of potential alternative materials. 11. Gaining insights into the interactions between MNPs (and their additives) with other pollutants and/or biological agents. 12. Gaining insights on the delivery mechanisms and studying the elimination process of MNPs in the human body and the microbiome capacity to degrade MNPs. 13. Promoting knowledge exchange and engaging with regulators and public authorities. The call emphasizes the importance of addressing gender and sex-related differences, encouraging the use of experimental methods that do not involve live animals, and requiring the effective contribution of social sciences and humanities (SSH) disciplines. Proposals should adhere to FAIR data principles and consider involving the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Selected projects will form a cluster and participate in common networking and joint activities, with a dedicated work package and budget allocated for these activities. Applicants invited to the second stage should provide details of their clinical studies. The call specifies admissibility conditions, eligible countries (including the United States), and financial and operational capacity requirements, all detailed in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. The evaluation process includes a blind evaluation pilot for the first stage. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum contribution. The call provides a list of application and evaluation form templates, guidance documents, and additional resources, including links to the Funding & Tenders Portal, Horizon Europe Programme Guide, and various helpdesks. The budget overview indicates that the call is divided into several topics: HORIZON-HLTH-2025-03-DISEASE-02-two-stage with a budget of €50,000,000 and an indicative number of 7 grants, with contributions ranging from 6,000,000 to €8,000,000. HORIZON-HLTH-2025-03-ENVHLTH-01-two-stage with a budget of €40,000,000 and an indicative number of 6 grants, with contributions ranging from 6,000,000 to €7,000,000. HORIZON-HLTH with a budget of €40,000,000 and an indicative number of 5 grants, with contributions ranging from 7,000,000 to €8,000,000. HORIZON-HLTH-2025-03-IND-03-two-stage with a budget of €40,000,000 and an indicative number of 5 grants, with contributions ranging from 6,000,000 to €8,000,000. HORIZON-HLTH-2025-03-STAYHLTH-01-two-stage with a budget of €40,000,000 and an indicative number of 5 grants, with contributions ranging from 6,000,000 to €8,000,000. The call is a two-stage process, with deadlines for submission on September 16, 2025, and April 16, 2026. In summary, this Horizon Europe call is a significant opportunity for researchers to contribute to the understanding of the health impacts of micro and nanoplastics, develop mitigation strategies, and inform policy decisions. It encourages collaborative, multidisciplinary research that adheres to FAIR data principles and promotes the use of innovative methodologies. The call aims to bridge the knowledge gaps in this emerging field and support the development of a health-promoting environment for all citizens.