Evolution of culture in a virtualising world

The Horizon Europe grant opportunity focuses on the evolution of culture in virtual environments, specifically targeting cultural heritage and creative industries. It is part of Cluster 2, dedicated to Culture, Creativity, and Inclusive Society, and is expected to enhance societal resilience through intangible heritage. Eligible applicants include research and academic institutions, cultural organizations, nonprofits, and associations involving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or public-private partnerships. The funding type is a grant, specifically a lump sum funding model. Applications can be submitted by single applicants or consortia, with interdisciplinary collaboration encouraged. The geographic eligibility spans EU member states, associated countries, and possibly some non-EU countries under specific provisions. The project stage is focused on research and innovation actions, catering to both early-stage research and more developed innovations. Funding amounts range from €2.5 million to €3.5 million per project, with a total budget around €10.5 million for the specific grant and a submission deadline set for September 16, 2025. The grant primarily offers monetary support with a single-stage application process. No co-funding is required, and although success rates are not explicitly mentioned, Horizon Europe generally sees success rates between 10 to 20 percent. The grant emphasizes the impact of technology and virtualisation on human well-being, social cohesion, and cultural diversity, aiming to position Europe as a leader in virtual world technologies. Overall, the call looks to support research that explores both the benefits and risks of cultural changes stemming from virtual environments and seeks to ensure these developments align with positive outcomes for society.

This is a description of EU funding opportunities within the Horizon Europe program, specifically focusing on the Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society call for 2025. The call includes several topics related to democracy, heritage, and societal transformations. The funding is provided through HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), HORIZON Innovation Actions (IA) and HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), all under the Horizon Europe Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] model.

The general conditions for admissibility include adherence to page limits and layout guidelines as specified in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes, with specific details found in Part B of the Application Form within the Submission System. For RIAs using lump sum funding, the page limit for Part B is 50 pages, and a detailed budget table must be submitted using the provided template.

Eligible countries are defined in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes, with specific provisions for non-EU/non-Associated Countries detailed in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide. Other eligible conditions are also outlined in Annex B, while financial and operational capacity and exclusion criteria are in Annex C.

Evaluation and award processes, including award criteria, scoring, thresholds, submission, and evaluation, follow Annex D and Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. The indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement is also described in Annex F.

Legal and financial aspects of the grants are governed by the lump sum funding model, as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021, which is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal. Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes provides additional information.

Specific conditions are detailed within the specific topic of the Work Programme. Application form templates are available in the Submission System, including a standard application form for HE RIA and IA actions. Evaluation form templates will be adapted as necessary, using a standard evaluation form for HE RIA and IA. Guidance is provided through the HE Programme Guide, Lump Sum MGA, call-specific instructions, a detailed budget table, and guidance on lump sums.

Additional documents include the HE Main Work Programme 2025 (General Introduction, Culture, creativity and inclusive society and General Annexes), HE Programme Guide, HE Framework Programme 2021/695, HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, the decision authorizing lump sum contributions, rules for legal entity validation, LEAR appointment and financial capacity assessment, EU Grants AGA, Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual, Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions, and the Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement.

The call includes the following topics with their respective budgets, action types, opening and deadline dates, contribution amounts, and indicative number of grants:

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-01:HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), Budget: €3,500,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 3,000,000 to €3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 1

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-02:HORIZON CSA, Budget: €3,000,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 2,500,000 to €3,000,000, Indicative Grants: 1

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-03:HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: €10,500,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 3,000,000 to €3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-04:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €7,000,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 3,000,000 to €3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 2

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-05:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €10,500,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 3,000,000 to €3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-06:HORIZON CSA, Budget: €3,500,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 3,000,000 to €3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 1

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-07:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €10,500,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 3,000,000 to €3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-08:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €10,500,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 3,000,000 to €3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-09:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €10,500,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 3,000,000 to €3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-10:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €10,500,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 3,000,000 to €3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-11:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €10,500,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 3,000,000 to €3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-12:HORIZON CSA, Budget: €3,500,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 3,000,000 to €3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 1

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-03:HORIZON Innovation Actions (IA), Budget: €26,000,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 2,500,000 to €4,000,000, Indicative Grants: 8

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-04:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €15,000,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 4,000,000 to €5,000,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €10,500,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 2,500,000 to €3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-06:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €13,500,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 3,500,000 to €4,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-07:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €12,000,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 3,000,000 to €4,000,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-08:HORIZON CSA, Budget: €3,500,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 2,500,000 to €3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 1

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-09:HORIZON CSA, Budget: €2,000,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: around €2,000,000, Indicative Grants: 1

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-01:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €10,200,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: around €3,400,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-02:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €10,200,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: around €3,400,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-03:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €10,200,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: around €3,400,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-05:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €10,200,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: around €3,400,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-06:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €10,200,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: around €3,400,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-07:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €10,200,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: around €3,400,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-08:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €15,000,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 3,000,000 to €5,000,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-09:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €10,200,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: around €3,400,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-10:HORIZON RIA, Budget: €10,200,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: 3,000,000 to €4,000,000, Indicative Grants: 3

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-11:HORIZON CSA, Budget: €2,000,000, single-stage, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16, Contribution: around €2,000,000, Indicative Grants: 1

A key topic within this call, HORIZON-CL2, focuses on the Evolution of culture in a virtualising world. This topic aims to deepen the understanding of the long-term impacts of virtual worlds on culture, including benefits and risks to human wellbeing, European values, social cohesion, and cultural diversity. Projects should develop research and knowledge-based measures to guide development towards realizing opportunities and mitigating threats, contributing to Europe's leadership in virtual worlds. The budget for this topic is €10,500,000, and it is a single-stage application process with an opening date of 2025-05-15 and a deadline of 2025-09-16. The expected contribution per project is between 2,500,000 and €3,500,000, with an indicative number of 3 grants to be awarded.

The call aims to address the cultural impacts of increasing virtualisation of life, driven by advancements in technology and the growing accessibility of virtual worlds. It recognizes that as people spend more time in virtual environments for various activities, their perceptions, beliefs, behaviors, and values will undergo significant changes. The call seeks to explore both the opportunities and threats associated with this cultural evolution, with a focus on strengthening human wellbeing, social cohesion, and resilience within Europe.

In essence, this funding opportunity is designed to support research and innovation projects that investigate the long-term cultural impacts of virtual worlds and develop measures to ensure that the virtualisation of life contributes positively to European society. It encourages applicants to consider the diverse cultural landscape of Europe and to build upon existing knowledge and networks, including those funded by the European Union. The ultimate goal is to position Europe as a global leader in virtual worlds that promote wellbeing, social cohesion, and sustainable growth.

Eligible Applicant Types:The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, given that the call is part of Horizon Europe and involves Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), eligible applicants are likely to include universities, research institutes, SMEs, large enterprises, and other organizations capable of conducting research and innovation activities. The mention of multinational companies suggests that large enterprises are also eligible.

Funding Type:The primary financial mechanism is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant. The call also includes Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), which are types of grant funding. Innovation Actions (IA) are also mentioned.

Consortium Requirement:The text does not explicitly state whether a consortium is required. However, the presence of a "Partner Search" function suggests that collaborative projects involving multiple partners are encouraged, if not required. Given the scope and nature of Horizon Europe projects, a consortium is highly probable.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):The text mentions "non-EU/non-Associated Countries" and refers to the Horizon Europe Programme Guide for specific provisions. This indicates that while the primary focus is on EU and associated countries, some third-country participation is possible. Therefore, the geographic eligibility includes EU, associated countries, and potentially some non-EU third countries as specified in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

Target Sector:The program targets the following sectors: Culture, virtual worlds, ICT, creativity, cultural heritage, cultural and creative industries, research, innovation, social sciences and humanities (SSH). The focus is on the evolution of culture in virtualising worlds, the development of a European industrial ecosystem for virtual worlds, and the impact of virtualisation on various aspects of life.

Mentioned Countries:The text refers to "non-EU countries", "EU associated countries", and "third countries". It also mentions "European" creators and the "cultural diversity of Europe". Therefore, the countries mentioned are EU countries, EU associated countries, and non-EU third countries. The region specifically mentioned is Europe.

Project Stage:The expected maturity of the project for this opportunity includes research, innovation, and development. The presence of both Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Innovation Actions (IA) suggests that projects can range from early-stage research to more mature innovation and demonstration activities.

Funding Amount:The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic and type of action. The budget overview provides the following ranges:

HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (CSA):€2,000,000 to €3,500,000, with some topics specifying "around €2,000,000"

HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (RIA):€7,000,000 to €15,000,000, with contributions ranging from €3,000,000 to €5,000,000, and some topics specifying "around €3,400,000"

HORIZON Innovation Actions (IA):€26,000,000, with contributions ranging from €2,500,000 to €4,000,000

Therefore, the funding range is variable, spanning from under €5M to over €5M, depending on the action type.

Application Type:The application type is an open call, with a single-stage submission process.

Nature of Support:Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant.

Application Stages:The application process is single-stage.

Success Rates:The success rates are not explicitly mentioned in the text.

Co-funding Requirement:The text does not explicitly mention a co-funding requirement. However, Horizon Europe grants often have specific funding rates, and it is possible that co-funding may be required depending on the type of organization and activity.

Summary:This Horizon Europe call, part of the Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society pillar, focuses on the evolution of culture in a virtualising world. It seeks to fund projects that explore the long-term impacts of virtual worlds on culture, develop measures to harness the opportunities and mitigate the risks, and contribute to making Europe a leader in virtual world technologies. The call includes various topics under the Democracy, Heritage, and Transformation themes, with funding provided through Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Innovation Actions (IA), and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA). Eligible applicants are expected to form consortia and can include universities, research institutes, SMEs, and large enterprises from EU member states, associated countries, and potentially some third countries. The funding amounts vary from €2 millionto €5 millioneuros depending on the action type. The application process is single-stage, with a deadline of September 16, 2025. The funding mechanism is primarily lump sum grants. The call aims to deepen the understanding of the cultural impacts of virtual worlds and to develop strategies for a positive and inclusive digital future.