Innovative and advanced monitoring and modelling systems for revised air quality policies

The grant opportunity is part of the Horizon Europe program and focuses on enhancing air quality monitoring and modeling systems to support the European Green Deal and zero pollution action plan. It aims to advance scientific capabilities and innovative solutions for detecting and characterizing air pollution, targeting improved air quality standards aligned with WHO recommendations.

Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, small and medium-sized enterprises, large enterprises in environmental technology, public-private partnerships, and government agencies involved in environmental monitoring. The funding type is classified as a grant under the HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based category. The project is likely to encourage consortium participation despite not being explicitly stated.

Geographically, the beneficiaries are expected to come from EU member states, associated countries, and potentially from non-EU countries that have made specific provisions for funding. The target sectors focus primarily on environmental protection, climate action, and the integration of space technology, particularly satellite data from Copernicus.

The projects are intended to be in the research and development stage, focusing on developing innovative tools for real-time pollution tracking and improving monitoring accuracy. Horizon RIA projects typically carry a funding range of €1 million to €5 million, though specific project allocations can vary based on scope. The application process is a single-stage open call with a submission deadline of September 17, 2025.

Nature of support is purely monetary, with the possibility of covering 100% of eligible costs as typical for Horizon RIAs. The success rates for Horizon Europe grants range from 10% to 39%, although specific figures for this grant are not available.

The grant encourages projects that develop cost-effective monitoring tools, establish optimal monitoring networks, and improve data integration from various sources, including satellite observations and ground-based measurements. There is an emphasis on collaboration with existing projects, avoiding duplication of efforts and leveraging previously funded initiatives.

The overall goal is to provide authorities and citizens with enhanced access to air quality data, enabling more effective public policy decisions and promoting healthier behaviors within communities. Proposals must demonstrate scalability and cross-border applicability, integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and low-cost sensors.

Submissions for this call will open on May 6, 2025, and close on September 17, 2025, at 17:00 Brussels time. The program seeks active engagement from various organizations, fostering a collaborative approach to tackle pressing environmental challenges through innovation and research.

This EU funding opportunity is part of the Horizon Europe program, specifically under Cluster 6, and aims to support the European Green Deal and the zero pollution action plan. The goal is to enhance scientific capacity and innovative solutions for detecting, characterizing, and ultimately reducing air pollution to achieve cleaner air in line with the EU's zero pollution objective.

The expected outcomes of successful projects include:

Improved access for public authorities and stakeholders to cost-effective solutions for air pollution detection, measurement, monitoring, and assessment, including source identification and impact analysis. This also involves integrating these solutions into operational atmospheric monitoring services and networks.

Enhanced and readily available air quality data and information to support science-based decision-making and policy development at local and national levels. This should lead to more effective air quality measures aligned with the revised EU air policy and more efficient allocation of public and private funding.

Increased public awareness and accurate information on local air quality issues, promoting healthier behaviors among citizens, especially vulnerable groups, and supporting evidence-based access to justice related to the negative effects of air pollution.

The scope of this funding opportunity focuses on addressing challenges related to the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD), which aims to align EU air quality standards with WHO recommendations. The key areas of focus include:

Improving the accuracy, comparability, and real-time nature of air quality monitoring and modelling in Member States and Associated Countries. This includes addressing both regulated air pollutants with stricter limit values (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, benzene, and O3) and emerging pollutants of concern (ultra-fine particles, black carbon, volatile organic compounds, ammonia, oxidative potential of particulate matter) and their source apportionment.

Specific activities that proposals are expected to undertake include:

Developing or improving cost-effective monitoring and modelling tools, approaches, and methods for well-known and emerging air pollutants and pollution sources. This should address the urgent need for measurement accuracy, including real-time monitoring and dispersion mapping, to support the revised AAQD.

Developing methodologies and recommendations for designing optimal monitoring networks, considering spatial locations (hotspots, urban and rural backgrounds), and combining traditional reference measurements with innovative techniques like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and low-cost sensors. These recommendations should also consider funding challenges and opportunities.

Improving the processing and integration of in situ, ground-based remote sensing, and satellite (e.g., Sentinels) observations, along with air quality numerical models, using methods like AI algorithms and finite elements modelling.

The call encourages building upon and expanding the results of past and ongoing research projects and initiatives related to air quality monitoring and modelling. Synergies and avoidance of duplication are emphasized. Relevant projects and initiatives include Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects, research infrastructures like ACTRIS ERIC, and LIFE integrated projects for clean air. Cooperation with AQUILA and FAIRMODE communities is also encouraged. This topic is part of a coordination initiative between ESA and the European Commission on Earth System Science, and proposals should coordinate with current and future actions funded by ESA’s Future EO programme within ESA atmospheric science cluster.

The integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content is not a mandatory requirement.

General conditions for participation include:

Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limit and layout as described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and Part B of the Application Form.

Eligible Countries: As described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. Specific provisions apply to non-EU/non-Associated Countries, as detailed in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

Other Eligible Conditions: Projects using satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, and/or related timing data and services must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a member of the consortium.

Financial and operational capacity and exclusion: As described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.

Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring, and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. The indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement is described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.

Legal and financial set-up of the grants: As 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 model grant agreement (MGA):

Application form templates are available in the Submission System (Standard application form for HE RIA, IA).

Evaluation form templates will be used with necessary adaptations (Standard evaluation form for HE RIA, IA).

Guidance: HE Programme Guide.

Model Grant Agreements (MGA): HE MGA.

Call-specific instructions.

Additional documents:

HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 1. General Introduction

HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 9. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 14. 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

The budget overview for various related topics under Cluster 6 Call 01 for 2025 includes:

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-01: 20,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-COFUND, single-stage, indicative 1 grant)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-02: 4,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-CSA, single-stage, indicative 1 grant)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-03: 24,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-RIA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-04: 22,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-RIA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-05: 18,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-RIA, single-stage, indicative 3 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-06: 16,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-RIA, single-stage, indicative 3 grants, 5,000,000 to 6,000,000 EUR per grant)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-07: 12,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-RIA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-08: 14,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-RIA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-09: 6,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-RIA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-10: 11,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-RIA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants, 5,000,000 to 6,000,000 EUR per grant)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-01: 10,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-IA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-02: 8,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-RIA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-03: 8,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-RIA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-04: 10,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-IA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-05: 12,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-IA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-06: 8,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-RIA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-07: 18,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-IA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-08: 11,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-IA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-09: 10,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-IA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-10: 2,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-CSA, single-stage, indicative 1 grant)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-11: 11,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-IA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-12: 2,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-CSA, single-stage, indicative 1 grant)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-13: 8,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-RIA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-14: 12,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-IA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-15: 30,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-COFUND, single-stage, indicative 1 grant)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01: 10,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-RIA, single-stage, indicative 1 grant)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-02: 2,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-CSA, single-stage, indicative 1 grant)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-03: 8,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-RIA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-04: 6,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-RIA, single-stage, indicative 1 grant)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-05: 12,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-RIA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-06: 8,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-IA, single-stage, indicative 1 grant)

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-07: 12,000,000 EUR (HORIZON-IA, single-stage, indicative 2 grants)

The opening date for submissions is May 6, 2025, and the deadline for submission is September 17, 2025, at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

There are 18 partner search announcements available for collaboration on this topic.

This Horizon Europe call aims to foster research and innovation in air quality monitoring and modelling to support the European Green Deal's zero pollution ambition. It seeks projects that will develop cost-effective tools and methodologies, optimize monitoring networks using AI and innovative sensors, and improve data integration from various sources, including satellites. The ultimate goal is to provide public authorities and citizens with better information and solutions for cleaner air, aligning with WHO recommendations and the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive. The call encourages collaboration with existing projects and initiatives, and coordination with ESA's Earth System Science program.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, based on the nature of Horizon Europe calls, eligible applicants typically include universities, research institutes, SMEs, large enterprises, NGOs, public organizations, and other legal entities capable of conducting research and innovation activities. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a member of the consortium.

Funding Type: The funding type includes HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA), HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA), HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA) and HORIZON Programme Cofund Actions (HORIZON-COFUND). These are essentially grants.

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity appears to require a consortium, as the Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a member of the consortium selected for funding. Partner search announcements are available, suggesting that consortia are expected.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU Member States and Associated Countries. Non-EU/non-Associated Countries may also be eligible if they have made specific provisions for funding their participants in Horizon Europe projects, as detailed in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

Target Sector: The target sectors are environment, climate, air quality, and related areas. Specifically, the program targets enhanced scientific capacity and innovative solutions for detecting and characterizing pollution, contributing to the zero pollution objective for cleaner air. It also focuses on biodiversity and circular bioeconomy.

Mentioned Countries: The opportunity mentions EU Member States and Associated Countries as being eligible. It also refers to non-EU and non-associated countries ('third-countries') that may have specific provisions for funding.

Project Stage: The project stage varies depending on the specific type of action. Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) typically support projects from research to demonstration. Innovation Actions (IA) focus on demonstration and piloting activities. Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) support networking, coordination, and dissemination.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary widely depending on the specific topic and type of action, ranging from €2,000,000 for Coordination and Support Actions to €30,000,000 for Programme Cofund Actions. Research and Innovation Actions range from €6,000,000 to €24,000,000, while Innovation Actions range from €8,000,000 to €18,000,000. Some topics specify a funding range per project, such as €5,000,000 to €6,000,000.

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 grants to support their research, innovation, coordination, and support activities.

Application Stages: The application process is single-stage.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of grants for each topic provides some insight. For example, some topics indicate that only one or two grants will be awarded, while others may award three or more.

Co-funding Requirement: Co-funding may be required for HORIZON Programme Cofund Actions. The details would be specified in the specific call conditions.

Summary:

This is a Horizon Europe Cluster 6 call for proposals focused on addressing environmental challenges, specifically related to biodiversity, circular bioeconomy, and zero pollution. The call aims to support projects that contribute to the European Green Deal and the zero pollution action plan. The funding is available through various types of actions, including Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Innovation Actions (IA), Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), and Programme Cofund Actions. The geographic scope includes EU Member States and Associated Countries, with potential eligibility for non-EU/non-associated countries. The call targets a wide range of organizations, including universities, research institutes, SMEs, and NGOs. The funding amounts vary significantly depending on the type of action, with a single-stage application process. The call covers a range of topics, including biodiversity monitoring, circular bioeconomy innovations, and advanced monitoring and modelling systems for air quality policies. Applicants are encouraged to form consortia and to coordinate with existing projects and initiatives. The call provides funding to support research, innovation, coordination, and support activities aimed at addressing critical environmental challenges and achieving the goals of the European Green Deal.