Developing effective air quality planning strategies through innovative multi-scale modelling
Overview
Eligible applicants encompass a diverse range of entities such as research institutions, universities, public authorities, SMEs, and relevant international organizations. Importantly, organizations headquartered in EU or Horizon Europe Associated Countries are particularly encouraged to apply. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) has special provisions to participate within consortia, albeit without securing direct funding.
The implementation of the call will open on April 20, 2027, with a deadline for submissions set for September 22, 2027. The application process is succinct, structured as a single-stage submission where applicants must present fully developed proposals.
The scope of the projects should focus on developing and validating innovative multi-scale air quality modelling chains that will address existing limitations in current models. Proposals must integrate various scales—micro to macro—and must consider urban factors such as canopy effects and emissions from both indoor and outdoor environments. The goal is to produce comprehensive modelling systems that can effectively simulate air quality impacts on vulnerable populations, ultimately aiding public officials in responsible decision-making regarding air quality management.
With a total funding allocation of approximately €9.8 million for 2027, the anticipated support for each project is around €4.9 million, specifically aimed at funding two consortia. This investment underscores the complexities involved in tackling air quality due to its significant intersection with public health and environmental policy.
The call encourages collaboration and data-sharing among various stakeholders, emphasizing the use of services from European research infrastructures. Proposals are encouraged to build upon past research initiatives and should aim at facilitating scientific evidence for EU policy-making, thereby promoting better governance in air quality management.
In summary, this Horizon Europe call offers substantial funding aimed at fostering international cooperation and encouraging multi-disciplinary approaches in tackling air pollution through scientific innovation, with wide implications for public health and environmental stewardship.
Detail
The expected outcomes of the projects are: public authorities gaining access to enhanced and innovative modelling capabilities for air quality planning, society benefiting from improved governance and effective air quality strategies with targeted pollution alerts, and public authorities receiving faster, more comprehensive scientific evidence and tools for EU air quality policy implementation.
The scope of this topic is to improve air quality prediction capabilities by developing a chain of innovative integrated models that are easy to use and interpret. These models should simulate air quality at different scales, including micro-scale, and integrate a temporal-scale dimension, considering emissions from indoor environments. This will support effective air quality planning strategies and meet the requirements of the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive.
Proposals should develop comprehensive multi-scale modelling chains with two-way nesting capabilities (TRL 5), addressing air quality assessment and atmospheric processes. They should incorporate and improve urban canopy parameterization to account for interactions between urban structures and air pollutants, including the role of urban vegetation. Proposals should also analyze limitations in integrating different models and scales, developing methods to improve existing air quality models and datasets (TRL 5). Furthermore, they should develop, configure, and validate innovative micro-scale modelling systems at high resolution to evaluate the impact of air quality measures at hotspot locations (TRL 5), and provide guidelines for air quality modelling to support decision-making at all scales.
The proposals should consider vulnerable population groups and address social and spatial inequalities related to air pollution. Activities should build on past and ongoing research projects, including H2020, Horizon Europe, and LIFE strategic integrated projects. Proposals are encouraged to use data, expertise, and services from European research infrastructures like ACTRIS, ensuring FAIR data principles. Cooperation with AQUILA and FAIRMODE communities is encouraged, with a possible transition to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service. Collaboration with ESA’s FuturEO programme is also expected, with sufficient resources for coordination. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a member of the consortium. International cooperation is encouraged.
General conditions include admissibility conditions, eligible countries (described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes, with specific provisions for non-EU/non-Associated Countries), and other eligible conditions such as the eligibility of international organizations and the potential participation of the Joint Research Centre (JRC). If projects use satellite data, they must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS.
Financial and operational capacity and exclusion are described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. Evaluation and award criteria, submission and evaluation processes, and the indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement are detailed in Annex D and Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
Eligible costs will be in the form of a lump sum, as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021. Legal and financial set-up is described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes. Specific conditions are described in the specific topic of the Work Programme.
Application and evaluation forms and the model grant agreement (MGA) are available in the Submission System. Additional documents include the HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027, HE Programme Guide, HE Framework Programme 2021/695, HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, the Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions, Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment, EU Grants AGA, and the Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual, Terms and Conditions, and Privacy Statement.
The budget overview lists several topics under the Call 01 - single stage (2027) (HORIZON-CL6-2027-01), including BIODIV (Biodiversity) and CIRCBIO (Circular Bioeconomy) topics, each with varying budgets (ranging from EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 24,000,000) and indicative numbers of grants. The opening date is 2027-04-20 and the deadline is 2027-09-22.
There is a partner search announcement section for finding collaborators. The submission system will open on the date stated in the topic header.
The call aims to address the limitations of current air quality models by developing innovative, integrated models that can simulate air quality at various scales and time periods. It emphasizes the importance of considering vulnerable populations and integrating social and spatial inequalities into air quality planning. The call encourages collaboration with existing research projects, European research infrastructures, and communities like AQUILA and FAIRMODE. The ultimate goal is to improve air quality planning strategies, reduce air pollution, and protect public health by providing public authorities with better tools and scientific evidence. The funding mechanism is based on lump sum contributions, and international cooperation is encouraged.
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Breakdown
Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-RIA) and HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA) and HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA) under the Horizon Europe Programme. The eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum contribution.
Consortium Requirement: The opportunity requires a consortium of multiple applicants. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a member of the consortium.
Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and, under specific conditions, non-EU/non-Associated Countries. Relevant international organisations with headquarters in a Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country are exceptionally eligible for funding.
Target Sector: The target sector is environment, specifically focusing on air quality, atmospheric modelling, and related technologies. It also touches upon health, urban planning, and policy implementation related to air pollution.
Mentioned Countries: No specific countries are mentioned, but eligibility extends to EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
Project Stage: The project stage is at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, indicating technology validation in a relevant environment. This suggests a development and validation stage, moving towards demonstration.
Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic within the call:
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-01: around €5,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-02: around €7,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-03: around €7,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-04: around €8,000,000 (3 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-05: around €7,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-06: around €7,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-07: around €7,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-08: around €6,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-09: around €6,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-01: around €5,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-02: around €5,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-03: around €5,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-04: €4,000,000 to €5,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-05: €4,000,000 to €5,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-06: around €6,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-07: around €7,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-08: around €6,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-09: around €6,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-10: around €6,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01: around €4,000,000 (3 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-02: around €4,900,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-03: around €6,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-04: around €3,000,000 (1 grant)
Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.
Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant.
Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage.
Success Rates: The success rates cannot be determined with the information provided.
Co-funding Requirement: The information does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required.
Summary: This Horizon Europe call (HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-02) focuses on "Developing effective air quality planning strategies through innovative multi-scale modelling." It aims to enhance air quality modelling capabilities to support public authorities in creating effective air quality plans, mitigating air pollution, and protecting public health. The call encourages the development of comprehensive multi-scale modelling chains, improvement of existing air quality models, and the creation of innovative micro-scale modelling systems. Projects should consider vulnerable populations and build upon past research initiatives. International cooperation is encouraged, and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate in consortia. Eligible applicants include research organizations, universities, and international organizations headquartered in EU or associated countries. Funding is provided as a lump sum grant, and applications involve a single-stage submission process. The call is part of the broader Horizon Europe Programme, emphasizing research and innovation in food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture, and environment.
Short Summary
Impact The funding aims to enhance air quality planning strategies through innovative multi-scale modelling, ultimately improving public health and environmental governance. | Impact | The funding aims to enhance air quality planning strategies through innovative multi-scale modelling, ultimately improving public health and environmental governance. |
Applicant Applicants should possess expertise in air quality modelling, environmental science, and computational modelling, with capabilities to collaborate across diverse sectors. | Applicant | Applicants should possess expertise in air quality modelling, environmental science, and computational modelling, with capabilities to collaborate across diverse sectors. |
Developments The funding will support the development of innovative multi-scale air quality modelling systems to improve prediction and assessment capabilities. | Developments | The funding will support the development of innovative multi-scale air quality modelling systems to improve prediction and assessment capabilities. |
Applicant Type This funding is designed for research institutions, universities, public authorities, SMEs, and international organizations involved in air quality research and innovation. | Applicant Type | This funding is designed for research institutions, universities, public authorities, SMEs, and international organizations involved in air quality research and innovation. |
Consortium This funding requires a consortium of multiple applicants to ensure diverse expertise and collaborative efforts. | Consortium | This funding requires a consortium of multiple applicants to ensure diverse expertise and collaborative efforts. |
Funding Amount The funding amount is €4,900,000 per project, with a total of approximately €9,800,000 available for 2 projects. | Funding Amount | The funding amount is €4,900,000 per project, with a total of approximately €9,800,000 available for 2 projects. |
Countries Eligibility primarily includes EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries, with provisions for certain non-EU countries. | Countries | Eligibility primarily includes EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries, with provisions for certain non-EU countries. |
Industry This funding targets the clean environment sector, specifically focusing on air quality and atmospheric science. | Industry | This funding targets the clean environment sector, specifically focusing on air quality and atmospheric science. |
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